Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Undergraduate Education Students in a Public University

Abstract

In the digital age, university undergraduate students are challenged to demonstrate information literacy skills to meet their needs and information-seeking behaviour. This creates a need to understand students’ information needs and seeking behaviour, an under-researched phenomenon, considering the advanced Fourth Industrial era with its sophisticated digitalisation. This study explored students' information needs and seeking behaviours at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. The study addresses a gap in understanding how students use information resources in a digital age characterised by abundant yet unevenly accessible resources. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, 366 students participated in a quantitative survey, followed by semi-structured interviews with five students and five librarians. The quantitative data was statistically analysed, while the qualitative data was analysed using standard procedures. The findings revealed that undergraduate students predominantly sought academic information through internet sources, electronic media, and discussions with peers, lecturers, and teaching assistants. Information-seeking behaviours were shaped by gender, age, and academic level, which in turn influenced library resource use and information and communication technology (ICT) skills. While ICT resources were deemed effective, library resources were criticised for staffing and materials inadequacies. The study recommends enhancing library automation and updating resources.