PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DEMOGRAPHICS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TIV INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PRACTITIONERS (IMPS) ON UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated perceived influence of social demographics characteristics of the Tiv indigenous medicinal practitioners on utilization of library information resources in Benue state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Five research objectives, research questions and information utilization capacity theory guided the study. The population of the study comprised of 3326 registered indigenous medicinal practitioners (IMPs) and library staff. A sample size of 358 was determined using Taro Yamene's 1969 formula for finite population. Purposive sampling, stratified proportionate sampling and accidental sampling techniques were adopted for the study. A self-structured questionnaire with twenty-one (21) items was employed to analyze data was analyzed using frequency count, tables, mean and standard deviation. The result of the findings revealed that, Age groups, both genders, years of working experience and educational attainments were the social demographic characteristics of the Tiv indigenous medicinal practitioners (IMPs). It also reveals how Age groups, both genders, years of working experience and educational attainments were perceived to have influence on utilization of library information resources. In conclusion, these aforementioned highly influence utilization of library information in Benue state. The study recommends that Libraries should at least once in a while organize an outreach to sensitize the Tiv IMPs on the need to utilize library information utilization in respective of genders and age groups.