Investigation on information needs and information seeking behaviour of bongo flava musicians in Tanzania: a case study of Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam

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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the information needs and information seeking behaviour of Bongo Flava musicians in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying the information needs of BF musicians; assessing their information sources; examining challenges they face in searching, accessing and using information sources; and soliciting views on strategies to improve BF musicians’ access to information services in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam, and data were collected forty (40) respondents through questionnaires, interviews, participant observation and documentary review. Findings revealed that in meeting their information needs, respondents predominantly depended on television. Other sources used were radio, promoters, books, mentioned newspapers, friends, Internet, mentioned library, and music vendors. It was further revealed that respondents were satisfied with sources of information at different levels, with television as the leading source of information that they are mostly satisfied with. Various challenges faced in accessing and using information were also mentioned, such as too much information, language barrier, lack of information about suitable sources, poor information infrastructure, and lack of time to visit information centres. Some of the strategies to adopt to improve access and use of information as mentioned by respondents include improving information infrastructure, establishing music libraries, providing musical education, and improved support from the Government. This study recommends that librarians improve provision of information services to musicians through inclusion of resources relevant to musicians needs in public libraries and marketing them effectively, awareness creation among musicians on the importance of library use as well as resources relevant to their information needs, as well as provision of training to musicians on effective ways of information retrieval. Additionally, Current Awareness Services (CAS), and Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) should also target musicians.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF ZA3075.T34M872)
Keywords
Information behavior, Information needs, Flava musician, Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania
Citation
Mwalughelo, L.L. (2017) Investigation on information needs and information seeking behaviour of bongo flava musicians in Tanzania: a case study of Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.