Information Needs and Sources of Nigerian Civil Servants on COVID-19

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of information needs and sources of civil servants on covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Two objectives and two research questions guided the study. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed for the study because it studied human behaviours, beliefs and values. Data were collected through online questionnaire for the instrument which contained closed ended questions of Likert scale based on the proposition and objectives of the research. Frequency and Percentages were used for data organisation, presentation and analysis. The study was also carried out to explore how COVID-19 has reshaped the information needs and sources of Civil Servants in Nigeria. Some of the findings revealed how information will prevent the COVID-19 disease, ensuring safety while executing tasks, information acquired will guide the spreading of COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of COVID-19, and information on diet that boost immune system to fight against the disease.The findings also indicated that the public should trust only verified official sources for COVID-19 related information. The paper recommends that civil servants should strive to seek for information from accredited media and sources, coupled with that librarians should sensitise civil servants on how to differentiate between fake and authentic information and government should reduce the cost of data so as to make access to information more affordable.