ABSTRACT

This study investigated the extent of accessibility and utilization of information resources by prisoners in Abia and Imo State prisons. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study was 4396 of prisoners but 5% of the population participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. 220 copies ofthe questionnaire were distributed to prisoners, ofwhich 208 copies were returned, representing 95% ofdistributed copies, which is a response rate. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics were employed using frequency tables, simple percentage and mean. The findings revealed that there are more male inmates than female inmates, between the ages of26-30 years and majority ofthem have completed their O ’level education. The study revealed that the information resources more accessible were computers, graphic materials, books, television, government publication, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines and radio. The findings further shows that pamphlets, radio, computers, magazine, maps/atlases/globes, television, books and government publications were utilized by prisoners. The study also revealed that inmates have factors that hinder their accessibility and utilization of these information resources; such as lack ofconducive environment, inadequatefacility, untrained staff, lack of interest by inmates and inadequate funding. The study concluded that the environment around the prison is not conducive and therefore does not encourage the full accessibility and utilization ofinformation resources. One of the main recommendations made by this study is that authorities of the prisons should promote a conducive environment that would encourage learning and reading by prisoners.