Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
1-26-2019
Abstract
This paper investigated the pattern of information needs and seeking behavior of final year students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, for consecutive three academic sessions; 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016. A questionnaire instrument was designed and administered to 5885 final year students in the six schools for the three consecutive academic sessions. The sample sizes of respondents were selected within and across the six (6) schools per academic session at the University using stratified sampling technique with proportional allocation. 5767 questionnaire representing 98% were returned in a usable form. The findings show that final year students need for course-related information was highest in each of the year studied. The use of Google search engine was the common strategy for seeking information while the purpose for information varied within the years –from examination, self development to selecting project topic (long essay). The study concluded that the information need and seeking behavior of students depends on the year and course (school) of study. Improvement on staff-student relationship and information search strategy was highly recommended