INFORMATION POLICY PROVISION: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY? THE LIBRARIANS’ VIEW AND DILEMMA

Abstract

This expository research paper tried a definition for Information Policy. The dilemmas librarians encounter in discharging their duties especially, ethical issues, were highlighted. Globalization of information policy and effect of information policy on acquisition and reference librarians are treated. The aim of this research was to survey the understanding of the meaning of library policy and information policy by librarians, and to ascertain their knowledge of whose responsibility it is to provide each of those policies. Survey method with the use of questionnaire and oral interview were used for data collection.
200 copies of questionnaire were distributed to librarians of five selected universities in Lagos and Ogun States in Nigeria. 184 copies were returned and made use of. The research found out that many librarians could not differentiate between library policy and information policy. The respondents overwhelmingly agreed that government, lawyers, librarians, ICT professionals, and other information workers should actively be involved in the provision of information policy with librarians leading. It was recommended that heads of libraries and library schools should include information policy in school curriculum. Employers of library and information scientists should make sure that new employees understand their library’s policy. Conclusion was that solution should not be solo; government information agencies, private sectors, and lawyers should be involved in formulating and providing an enduring information policy.