Ethical Issues in the Access and Use of Information Sources in Public Libraries and Publishing Houses in Nigeria: A PAPA Model Analysis

Abstract

Several ethical issues can impact the process of providing access to information materials for utilisation by the public. This study used the Privacy, Accuracy, Property and Accessibility (PAPA) model to investigate these ethical issues as they pertain to Nigeria. A survey research design using qualitative research method was employed through using interviews to collect data. Public library directors and publishers were targeted, and their responses were thematically analysed. Findings showed that publishing houses adhere to privacy requirements of authors and strive to ensure accuracy of information. Accessibility is provided for by libraries, though specific permissions are sometimes required to use information. Several challenges, such as plagiarism and piracy, were identified. Recommendations include the implementation of legal frameworks regulating the publishing process and the introduction of ethical course in the library school curricula.