Access and Utilisation of Climate Change Information by Small-holder Farmers in Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo Districts, Ghana

The study sought to assess access and utilization of climate change information by small-holder farmers in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo Districts of the North-East Region of Ghana. Since the study involved a large farmer population in the area, the survey research design was employed to collect data from 387 household-headed farmers. Generally, farmers in the district had accessed to climate change information via TV, radio and mobile phone. Specifically, farmers received information mainly on temperature, rainfall, windstorm and thunderstorm. However, less than half (49%) of farmers in the study area were able to receive the climate change of information, and the information was not regularly received through the Meteorological Services Department. The study found that farmers in the study area utilized climate information received which aided farmers to prepare their farm lands, plant, harvest, and processed their harvested crops. In contrast, utilization of climate change information was low among farmers. Therefore, access and utilization of climate change information is low farmers in the area; hence the need to be improved

Information Needs and Access among Women in Sagnerigu District of Northern Region, Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the information needs, sources and the challenges of information access among women in Sagnerigu district in Northern Ghana. Data was collected through questionnaire and interviews from 150 women participants in different geographical zones in the district. The study discovered that majority of women in the Sagnerigu district often need information that is related to agriculture, health and family planning issues. However, it was clear from the analysis that, the women do not have access to the required information that would alleviate poverty among them. There were two critical access gaps between the women with formal education and those without formal education. For their information needs, majority of the women trusted interpersonal networks which they are comfortable with such as family, friends, neighbours and social groupings as against formal sources of information such as internet and the newspapers which are less reliable and used. It was also revealed that access to information by women is affected by lack of skills, financial resources and the existence of rural and urban differences as well as gender and other inequalities. The study suggested the establishment of information systems and centres such as libraries, internet, information and communication technology centres by integrating it into a wider educational programmes in the district

Awareness and Utilization of Electronic Library Resources by Students of Tamale Technical University, Ghana

Abstract The study assessed the extent of awareness and utilization of electronic library resources by students of the Tamale Technical University in Ghana’s Northern Region. Descriptive survey design was employed to collect data from 150 students using questionnaire. From the analysis, the study found that students awareness level of electronic resources was very low as majority (61%) of the students interviewed indicated they were unaware of the existence of electronic library resources in the school because they did not have prior knowledge of its existence. As a result, many of the students still resorted to the traditional library system for their research. Added to this, the small proportion (16%) of students who were aware of the existence of the electronic library resources in the school hardly utilise it for their academic purposes as 37% of respondents reported they used the electronic library resource once a week whilst 31% of the respondents used it twice week. The study therefore concludes that the low awareness of electronic resources by students in the school culminated in its low utilisation

School Libraries and Students’ Academic Achievements in Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District of Northern Ghana

Abstract School libraries are key agents in the educational system in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to assess the impact of school libraries on students’ academic success in Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District of Northern Ghana. The descriptive survey design was employed to determine the level of impact on the various variables deplored for the study. The population for this study was made up of Circuit Supervisors, teachers and students within the study area. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select three junior high schools with libraries and another set of three without libraries. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table was used to select (150) students from a population of (240). Simple random sampling technique was used to proportionally select 25 respondents from each of the six schools. The instruments used for the study includes questionnaire, interviews, observation and existing document analysis. Key informants of 10 were interviewed and a visit to each of the schools included in this study was undertaken to observe how libraries utilisation could enhance students’ academic achievement. Paired t-test calculated at (p≤ 0.05) was used to determine differences in students’ academic achievement. The results indicated a positive significant difference in the academic achievement of students in schools with libraries and those without libraries in all the items that were investigated. The study recommends for a policy of ‘one rural school, one library’ stocked with relevant reading materials and the setting up of ‘Reading Clubs’ in rural schools in order to sustain students’ interest in reading

Information Needs and Access among Women in Sagnerigu District of Northern Region, Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the information needs, sources and the challenges of information access among women in Sagnerigu district in Northern Ghana. Data was collected through questionnaire and interviews from 150 women participants in different geographical zones in the district. The study discovered that majority of women in the Sagnerigu district often need information that is related to agriculture, health and family planning issues. However, it was clear from the analysis that, the women do not have access to the required information that would alleviate poverty among them. There were two critical access gaps between the women with formal education and those without formal education. For their information needs, majority of the women trusted interpersonal networks which they are comfortable with such as family, friends, neighbours and social groupings as against formal sources of information such as internet and the newspapers which are less reliable and used. It was also revealed that access to information by women is affected by lack of skills, financial resources and the existence of rural and urban differences as well as gender and other inequalities. The study suggested the establishment of information systems and centres such as libraries, internet, information and communication technology centres by integrating it into a wider educational programmes in the district

Awareness and Utilization of Electronic Library Resources by Students of Tamale Technical University, Ghana

Abstract The study assessed the extent of awareness and utilization of electronic library resources by students of the Tamale Technical University in Ghana’s Northern Region. Descriptive survey design was employed to collect data from 150 students using questionnaire. From the analysis, the study found that students awareness level of electronic resources was very low as majority (61%) of the students interviewed indicated they were unaware of the existence of electronic library resources in the school because they did not have prior knowledge of its existence. As a result, many of the students still resorted to the traditional library system for their research. Added to this, the small proportion (16%) of students who were aware of the existence of the electronic library resources in the school hardly utilise it for their academic purposes as 37% of respondents reported they used the electronic library resource once a week whilst 31% of the respondents used it twice week. The study therefore concludes that the low awareness of electronic resources by students in the school culminated in its low utilisation

School Libraries and Students’ Academic Achievements in Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District of Northern Ghana

Abstract School libraries are key agents in the educational system in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to assess the impact of school libraries on students’ academic success in Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District of Northern Ghana. The descriptive survey design was employed to determine the level of impact on the various variables deplored for the study. The population for this study was made up of Circuit Supervisors, teachers and students within the study area. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select three junior high schools with libraries and another set of three without libraries. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table was used to select (150) students from a population of (240). Simple random sampling technique was used to proportionally select 25 respondents from each of the six schools. The instruments used for the study includes questionnaire, interviews, observation and existing document analysis. Key informants of 10 were interviewed and a visit to each of the schools included in this study was undertaken to observe how libraries utilisation could enhance students’ academic achievement. Paired t-test calculated at (p≤ 0.05) was used to determine differences in students’ academic achievement. The results indicated a positive significant difference in the academic achievement of students in schools with libraries and those without libraries in all the items that were investigated. The study recommends for a policy of ‘one rural school, one library’ stocked with relevant reading materials and the setting up of ‘Reading Clubs’ in rural schools in order to sustain students’ interest in reading

Academic Libraries and Distance Education in Ghana: Evidence from the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies

This study examines the role of academic libraries in supporting distance education at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Ghana. The findings highlight the importance of digital access and resources, information literacy instruction and support services, collaborative partnerships, and user satisfaction. The study reveals that academic libraries have made significant investments in digital collections, ensuring remote access to a wide range of scholarly materials for distance learners. Information literacy programs and support services are crucial in equipping students with research skills and enhancing their academic success. Collaborative partnerships between librarians, faculty, and other stakeholders integrate library services into the distance education curriculum. User satisfaction demonstrates the effectiveness of library support in meeting the needs of remote learners. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided to enhance library support for distance education, including continuous investment in digital resources, strengthening information literacy instruction, and encouraging collaborations and partnerships. By implementing these recommendations, academic libraries can enhance their support for distance education and contribute to student success