Factors and challenges affecting the information-seeking behavior of science and technology researchers

Authors

Olayinka Babayemi Makinde Dr, University of South AfricaFollow
Glenrose Velile Jiyane Prof, University of South AfricaFollow
Tinashe Mugwisi Dr, University of South AfricaFollow

Date of this Version

Summer 5-1-2019

Abstract

This study investigates the factors and challenges affecting the information-seeking behavior of multidisciplinary science and technology researchers of the six departments of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) in Nigeria. This study depicts a non-academic setting and by extension the African context. One hundred and sixty five researchers were given questionnaires of which responses of 114 questionnaires were finally analyzed. Based on the questionnaire results, the respondents provided suggestions on how certain factors and challenges have influenced their information-seeking behavior. The authors make recommendations on how these factors and challenges can be adequately tackled in order for researchers to optimally derive lasting benefits from their information-seeking process as they engage in research. An excellent recommendation is the effective collaboration of FIIRO library with the functional libraries of higher institutions and research institutions both home and abroad.