Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) as a Strategic Information Dissemination and Therapeutic for Poverty Alleviation

This research investigated the potential of SDI to meet the information needs of impoverished communities and evaluate its impact on enhancing resource access and fostering socioeconomic development through carefully formulated three research objectives and questions. The study also examines the role of librarians in tailoring SDI services to poverty-stricken groups, including strategies for effective survey design and profile creation. The study adopted survey research design, with purposively sampled 300 respondents in selected locations in Lokoja, Okene, Kabba-Bunu and Dekina Local Governments of Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out with structured questionnaire as the data collection instrument, after it was validated by experts. For the data analysis, the research adopted mean rating of 2.5 as acceptable minimum level. Findings reveal strong agreement that SDI initiatives, when tailored and accessible, can improve digital literacy and foster civic engagement, positively influencing community development. Effective survey methods, training, and regularly updated user profiles are considered crucial for aligning SDI services with community needs. Collaborations with local organizations and accessible language in outreach materials are deemed essential to SDI’s inclusivity and reach. The implication of the study is that the study was able to established that SDI has a positive perceived impact on impoverished communities.