INFORMATION-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND LIBRARY ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCE USAGE AMONG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Abstract

Existing literature about library electronic information resources suggests academic libraries are seriously drifting from print to digital content. This enhances access to local and global information for the promotion of social, economic and political development in the society. The study sought to examine the information-seeking behaviour and library electronic information resource usage among students at the University for Development Studies. The study employed a survey methodology with a sample size of 374 obtained from the two campuses of the University for Development Studies through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected mainly with the use of a questionnaire and analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study established a wide awareness of library electronic information resources among students. However, their utilisation of the library electronic information resources was limited due to lack of searching skills, slow access speed, limited subscribed titles and difficulty in finding relevant information among others. The findings further revealed that students find library electronic information resources to be very significant in their academic work as it helps to expand their knowledge-base and helps them retrieve information with ease for research and classroom work. The study further revealed student’s information seeking behaviours mainly include searching the electronic database, asking the reference librarian, browsing books on the shelf, and seeking direction and recommendation from fellow students. Whereas the challenges encountered in seeking information included, unstable internet connection, low internet speed, need for password, inadequate computers and unapproachable library staff. The study findings suggest the university library management to work on improving internet access, to increase subscribed titles and to create a conducive environment. This includes employing amiable staff to assist students to access relevant books so that the information needs of students are fully met for their academic excellence.