Information Seeking by Nurses in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Examines the information-seeking behaviour and information needs of professional nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the adequacy of the information sources used. Five hundred practising nurses were used as respondents in the study, conducted between January and March, 2004. The study revealed that nurses were aware of their needs for current information for effective professional practice. Attending meetings, seminars, conferences etc., library facilities, colleagues and computers were sources capable of supplying most of their information needs. A high proportion of the respondents attended conferences, seminars, workshops etc. to keep abreast of the latest develoment in their profession. It was clear that the library was not highly rated by the respondents because of the inadequate library facilities provided in the hospital. Recommends that a well-equipped nursing library that will adequately meet the information needs of nurses be provided.