The first responder librarian as a guide to the information-vulnerable members of the society

Abstract

Information is a vital commodity upon which humans depend for daily functioning. The 21st century is marked with tremendous production and use of information leading to information explosion. However, there are arguably those who are not opportune to benefit from the snippet of over-flowing information, and based their decision-making on hearsay and just any available information regardless of their information need. This study explored the situation of such persons information-vulnerable members of the society. The study exalted information and the importance in human life. Furthermore, using the stratified variables of information users, the study explained the vulnerability of members of the society who are missing in the chain of information consumption. The role of the library was explored as well as the means of extending library services to these set of people. In conclusion, the study explained that the role of the librarians extends not only those who have expressed information need, but also those who are unaware that they need information to thrive, it was therefore, concluded that librarians must assume first-responder position to provide carefully planned first-aid information services to those that need them in the society.