ABSTRACT

The purpose ofthis study was to look at the information needs and information- seeking behavior ofartisans in Umuahia metropolis. Five distinct aims andfive research questions led the study. The literature related to the study was usedforthe study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design; the population of the study was 140 artisans. The sample size ofthe study was 80 obtained using simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire self-designed by the researcher was usedfor data collection. The method ofdata collection was through the administration of 80 copies of questionnaire to the respondents using direct delivery and retrieval method and the entire copies were retrieved completely filled and usedfor data analyses. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The obstacles facing information need ofartisans include; language barriers, illiteracy, lack ofexposure to relevant information sources among others. Strategies that could help ameliorate the identified obstacles include that artisans should be sensitized on the existence ofinformation agencies available to them, financial supportfrom the government among others. It was recommended that: Information professionals such as Radio stations, televisions stations andpublic librarians should be proactive by organizing workshopsfor people who are engaged in small scale industrial activities (artisans) in Umuahia metropolis in order to provide them with information needed to promote their businesses