Abstract
This study examined the relationship between information sharing and research productivity
among postgraduate students in library schools in Rivers State University (RSU) and Ignatius
Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), using a correlational research design. It was guided
by three objectives, three research questions, and one hypothesis focusing on key variables—
willingness to share, participant trust, and communication medium. The target population
comprised all 34 postgraduate students enrolled in the Library and Information Science
program for the 2023/2024 session. Due to the small size, census sampling was used to
ensure complete representation. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire titled
Information Sharing and Utilization for Research Productivity among Postgraduate Students
in Library Schools in Rivers State (ISURPPSLSRS), based on a 4-point rating scale ranging
from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 4 (Strongly Agree). The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation
(PPMC) was employed to analyze the variable relationships, and the hypothesis was tested at
a 0.05 significance level using SPSS version 25. Out of the 34 questionnaires administered,
30 were returned and found valid, resulting in an 88.2% response rate. Findings revealed a
significant correlation between willingness to share, participant trust, communication
medium, and research productivity. These results underscore the importance of fostering a
culture of trust, open communication, and information exchange to enhance academic
collaboration. It is recommended that faculty promote training on resource sharing,
department heads strengthen trust among students, and IT support staff maintain reliable
communication platforms to boost research productivity.
Keywords: Information sharing, research productivity, sharing willingness, participant
trust, communication medium
Publication Date: 2025-05-01