ABSTRACT

 This study examined the role of public libraries in information dissemination and public enlightenment using Imo State Library Board as a case study. The study was guided by five objectives and corresponding five research questions. The research design was descriptive survey design with a population of 87 comprising of professional, paraprofessional and support staff of the library. A complete census was used because the population was small and manageable. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed in line with four point rating scale. Eighty seven (87) copies of the questionnaire were administered of which eighty (80) was correctly filled and returned showing 90% response rate. Data was analyzed using frequency tables, percentages and mean score in consonance with statistical package for social science (SPSS 20.0). The findings revealed that IMSLB plays significant role in dissemination of information and public enlightenment, by providing access to a wide range of library and information resources; training of citizenry in information technology application and utilization skill; planning and facilitating of learning programme that equips users with the skills necessary to succeed in a changing society, among others. The study also showed that the extent of information dissemination and public enlightenment programme ofIMSLB is relatively high. The method adopted for information dissemination and public enlightenment involve organizing book fairs, providing mobile services, use of advert placement among others. Furthermore, the finding showed that IMSLB has the following as some of the problems militating against information dissemination and public enlightenment; demoralized and inadequate workforce, staff incompetence, poor electric power supply, outdated information materials, inadequate funding by the establishing authorities, lack of ICT facility etc. The following recommendations were made to remedy the problems: adequate funding by the state government, provision of adequate infrastructure and equipment, total refurbishing of the library to meet modern standards, training and retraining of staff by library management, acquisition of relevant and current information resources both in print and electronic format, and provision of constant power supply among others.