Information needs for parliamentarians within the framework of Parliament as a democratic institution

Abstract

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This paper describes the results of a study of the information needs of Members of Parliament of Namibia. It is argued that political life functions on a flow of information and that information itself is a prime resource. Results reveal that Parliamentarians feel information is an important element in democratic decision-making. The Parliament library has been identified as the most important information source for related information. However, the library does not fulfil its role in meeting the information needs of lawmakers. Recommendations are made on the basis of the findings. Throughout this paper I use the term "Legislature" and Parliament interchangeably. Similarly I refer to "Legislators", "Parliamentarians, " Members of Parliament, " and "Law/Policy Makers" without any meaning other than to reflect the variety of names by which elected representatives of the people are known throughout the world