Information Behaviour of Teachers in Second Cycle Institutions in the Lower-Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Information plays a very vital role in every aspect of life activities. Information is used at all times irrespective of the situation and circumstance. The ability of teachers to teach depends on their ability to have access to information and use it to effect change in an individual. The study sought to examine the information needs of teachers in second cycle institution in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of Ghana, how they acquire and use information using Wilson’s (1999) Information Behaviour Theory. The study used the mixed method approach with a population of 303 respondents through total enumeration technique. Questionnaire and interview were the two instruments used for data collection. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that second cycle institution teachers needed information for teaching and learning and sometimes, for research. Also, the information sources mostly consulted by the teachers were; books and other monographs. In addition, teachers were found to be using the library. However, their visits were occasional and there was no acquisition policy guiding the acquisition of information resources as well as no dedicated budget to information materials. School libraries were manned by people who had no formal training in librarianship. Furthermore, ICT laboratories in the schools lacked ICT infrastructure. Teachers mostly used Google search engine for their online searches. Therefore, it was recommended that an acquisition policy be developed to guide acquisition of information materials to libraries, sufficient budgets be allocated to information materials, engagement of Information professionals, ICT infrastructure be provided to schools and adequate supply of information materials to school libraries by Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and all other stakeholders.