Abstract:
The study examined the information behaviour of Mzimba prison inmates focusing on the research themes which are information
needs, sources of information, and the barriers to seeking and using information of Mzimba prison inmates. A qualitative approach
was used coupled with a case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews from 12 inmates and two prison teaching staff respectively. The study found that health information, education information and spiritual information are
the major information needs of Mzimba prison inmates. The study also found that the majority of respondents agreed that the six
popular sources of information are their friends, teachers, radio, television, books and newspapers. However, the study concludes
that Mzimba prison (library) fails to fulfil its role as a source of information and in meeting the information needs of inmates due to
challenges of lack of information resources, limited time available for inmates to search for information, poor services and lack of
funding for the school and library. The study recommends that the Malawi Prison Service should engage some stakeholders such as
the Malawi National Library Services, National Initiative for Civic Education and Mzuzu University Library and Learning Resources
Centre to support prison libraries with the provision of information resources to meet the information needs of inmates. The study
further recommends that the Malawi Prison Service Command should lobby for financial support in order to hire qualified and capable
librarians and teachers to manage prison libraries and schools
