Assessment on the Availability and Accessibility of Reproductive Health Information: A Case of the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and Tumaini University Makumira (Tuma) Libraries.

Kimayan, Simon Alfred (2023) Assessment on the Availability and Accessibility of Reproductive Health Information: A Case of the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and Tumaini University Makumira (Tuma) Libraries. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study assessed the availability and accessibility of reproductive health information (RHI) in Libraries, with particular reference to the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and Tumaini University Makumira(TUMa) libraries in Arusha region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: were to: establish the demographic profile of students at IAA and TUMa; examine availability and accessibility of reproductive health information by students at the IAA, and (TUMa libraries ; find out the methods used to promote the availability and accessibility of reproductive health information, and identify the challenges encountered by IAA and TUMa students in accessing (RHI) and propose solutions to address the challenges faced by students in accessing (RHI) at their institutions libraries. This study employed cross-sectional, descriptive survey research design to collect data involving 130 respondents comprising of 114 Students (74 from IAA and 40 from TUMai,) who were Simple Randomly selected ,and 10 librarians, 4 Institutional Counselors and 2 Deans of Students were purposively selected. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire with both close and open-ended questions, interviews, and observation. Data was analyzed (quantitatively and qualitatively), discussed and presented in figures, tables and text, using SPSS ver.20. Key findings on demographic profile of students on age at IAA and TUMa, showed that the majority 59 (57.3%) of the respondents were aged between 16 to 25 years; On availability and accessibility of RHI by students at IAA and TUMa, findings revealed that majority 54(52.4%) respondents reported scanty availability of materials related to RHI in their libraries ; On promotional methods used for availability and accessibility of RHI, 44(42.7%) mentioned Orientation tours and workshops and 31(30.1%), Current Awareness Services (CAS) and Selective dissemination of information (SDI). On challenges faced by students seeking RHI, 48(46.6%) mentioned Shortage of RHI library information sources and 28(27.2%) mentioned poor info search skills. Study recommends increase of library budget to acquire adequate and relevant information resources, including RHI resources and ICT; Integrate IL training into university curriculum as a cross cutting course buttressing all course programs in the university/institute, with the view to enable students attain search skills, as a lifelong learning experience. Key Words: Health information, Accessibility of information and Availability of information

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