Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Relationship between Information Access and Environmental Justice in Library Practices

著者

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/FT.2024.003

キーワード

Information Access, Environmental Justice, Library Practices, Niger Delta, Environmental Pollution, Community Service

要旨

Aims: The intersection of information access and environmental justice has become increasingly vital as communities worldwide grapple with environmental challenges. This study explores the relationship between information access and environmental justice in library practices, focusing on academic librarians at the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

Methods: This study utilized a descriptive design. The study involved six academic librarians from the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, selected for their expertise in facilitating information access and availability especially as it relates to the roles of libraries in environmental justice initiatives within academia. Data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) with the participating librarians, conducted in a conducive and private setting to encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the FGD transcripts.

Results: The findings emphasize the importance of multilingual resources, targeted outreach, translation services, collaboration with community leaders, consideration of literacy levels, and cultural relevance in ensuring information accessibility. Challenges such as limited internet access, language barriers, disparities in digital literacy, lack of awareness, and resistance from certain community members hinder equitable information access.

Conclusion: The study concludes that librarians contribute to environmental justice advocacy through participation in local initiatives, policy engagement, awareness raising, and collaboration with stakeholders. This study sheds light on the crucial role of libraries in advancing environmental justice and suggests strategies for enhancing information access and advocacy efforts in the pursuit of sustainable development agendas.

Author Biographies

Oluwole Durodolu, University of South Africa, Republic of South Africa

Oluwole Olumide Durodolu is a Research Fellow in the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa. He earned his PhD in Library and Information Science from the University of Zululand, South Africa, in 2016. He is a Certified Librarian of Nigeria and a member of the Association for Southern African Indexers and Bibliographers. He also serves on the editorial boards of Maadili: Journal of African School of Governance and Policy Studies in South Africa, Covenant Journal of Library and Information Science, and Lagos Journal of Library and Information Science. Dr. Durodolu has published extensively in both local and international journals on topics including information literacy, ICT4D, informetrics, information communication technology, and more.  

Bolaji Oladokun, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

Bolaji David Oladokun is a developing researcher and lecturer at the Department of Library and Information Technology, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. He holds a First-Class degree in Library and Information Science and a Diploma in Mass Communication with distinction. He also has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he finished with distinction. He is also a Certified Librarian in Nigeria (CLN) and a Nigerian Library Association (NLA) member. He is also a member of the Nigerian Association of Library and Information Science Educators (NALISE) and the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). He has authored over 100 articles published in accredited journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. He also has three (3) books to his credit in the library and information science field.

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2024-11-19

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Durodolu, O., & Oladokun, B. (2024). Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Relationship between Information Access and Environmental Justice in Library Practices. Folia Toruniensia, 24, 53–71. https://doi.org/10.12775/FT.2024.003

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巻 24 (2024)

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