Dissemination of Scientific Information: Adopting a Strategic Approach for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Accra, Ghana

Abstract

The paper examined the information dissemination processes by the thirteen institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana. The CSIR core mandate is to coordinate and manage all the national Research projects. Research findings are usually disseminated to benefit the citizenry.The main objective of this study was to develop and recommend a strategic approach for disseminating the scientific information that is generated by the CSIR institutes.The study adopted a survey research design and mixed research methods which involve the combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches in one single study.The findings revealed that the STI generated by the CSIR vary from one institute to another, it takes between 6 months to 2 years to disseminate research findings to the general public a situation which is not acceptable.The results further revealed that the CSIR disseminates STI in various formats ranging from journal articles, technical reports, radio and television talk shows, manuals, books and conference proceedings and there is a limited use of emerging technologies namely, emails, internet based group discussions to communicate STI to the general public.The study finally recommends: the adoption of electronic information dissemination methods such as emails, social media platforms, group discussions, lists to target groups who are computer literates, The CSIR must develop a policy for STI dissemination; this will help the various institutes to follow the acceptable standards in STI dissemination, Repackaging of STI. The CSIR should repackage STI and use the appropriate format, media to disseminate the information to the various targeted groups and The various institutes should conduct frequent STI needs assessment/analysis to determine the STI needs of the users, this will help in determining which STI will be relevant and in what format.