Information needs and seeking behaviour of sculptors: a case study of mwenge village sculptors Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam

Access to information is a critical issue toward attaining progress in all aspects of life because information has the power to unlock doors for individual professionals and societal development. The objective of this study was to assess information needs and seeking behaviour of Sculptors at Mwenge Sculptors Village in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam. This was a descriptive study. The total sample for this study was 75 respondents (sculptors and leaders of sculptors association). Purposeful sampling and simple random sampling were used to select respondents. Data collected through triangulation using standardised questionnaire with open and closed- ended questions, observation and Key Informant Interviews. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A statistical software known as SPSS Version 18 was used to derive frequencies of tables and charts. Key findings revealed that Mwenge Sculptors have many unmet information needs which revolve around sources of raw materials, markets, trade fairs and exhibitions, financial information and artistic designs. Findings further revealed that the major sources of information used by sculptors include newspapers, radios, friends, trade partners, and customers. The study recommends that the Mwenge Sculptors Association (CHAWASATA) should harness various sources of information within and outside the country. It further recommends that sculptors should be given access to training opportunities and should be trained in information seeking techniques as a means to improve quality of their products. It is also recommends that the government should set up resource centres at ward or village level to facilitate information access to grassroots users.