Availability and use of information resources by prisoners in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria
Efe Francis Ejedafiru, David Oghenevwogaga Toyo, Emeelya Erumu Urueshe · Journal of Library Services and Technologies · 2023
This research was carried out to investigate the availability and use of information resources by p r i s o ne r s o f Sapele Correctional Facility, Sapele, Delta State. T he study a d o p t e d three objectives and research questions respectively to guide the study. Survey method was adopted for the study while a structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Thirty five (35) inma te s were used as sample size for the study from a population of three hundred and fifty two (352) inmates. Information collected was analyzed descriptively. The information was presented in frequency tables and percentages. The findings revealed that books, newspapers and television were the most available information resources. However, the study revealed that not all of these resources available were fully utilized by prisoners. Based on the study the following recommendations were made; there is a need to make information resources available and accessible to prisoners to enhance rehabilitation and reformation, which is the main objective for establishing libraries in prisons. Prison libraries should be built to international standard, prison environment should be made hospitable, this can be achieved through proper funding. Prison libraries should be managed by qualified librarians who can actually ensure that relevant information resources are provided.