Information: Knowledge on Perception of Resource Access and Intellectual Freedom (IF)

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigated information: Knowledge on perception of resource access and intellectual freedom. It is to display the state of the art at such a time when the political prowess had been used as a militating factor against the innovations that would have salvaged the cry for the quest for a developed economy through readership and intellectual freedom.

Methodology: Descriptive research survey was adopted to sample three academic libraries in Cross River South province; with 700 copies of questionnaires. Availability sampling was used giving a return rate of 676(96.57%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages.

Findings: From objective 1, study showed that respondents had awareness that librarians’ job performances enhanced intellectual freedom (IF) with the highest item level of 668 (98.82%) and a lowest item level of 636(94.08%). Objective 2 result showed that resource access from libraries enhances IF with the highest item score of 673 (99.56%) and lowest item score of 662 (97.93%). Respondents ascertained twenty- two (22) challenges related to the 21st century and highlighted five (5) steps as the way forward for IF. As a result, resource access in libraries should be encouraged by stakeholders as gaining knowledge would enable citizens to have IF which in turn, would empower them to contribute meaningfully to positive changes in human developments.
Originality: This paper offers valuable information on the perception of RA as it concerns intellectual freedom in three University Libraries in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria.

Keywords: Information, library services, library management, knowledge perception, resource access, readership, thought development, knowledge enhancement, mindset change, intellectual freedom, challenges