Information Seeking Behaviour Among Postgraduate Students in the University of Ilorin

Chapter One

1.1 Background of the Study

Access to accurate information is essential for postgraduate students. They rely on information to conduct research, complete assignments, and write theses. However, finding relevant information can be challenging. Students must know where to search, which sources to trust, and how to evaluate information (Wilson, 2019). These skills form the foundation of effective information seeking behaviour.

Information seeking behaviour refers to the methods and strategies individuals use to locate information. It includes consulting books, journals, electronic databases, and other resources. Postgraduate students often face time constraints and high academic expectations. Therefore, understanding their information seeking behaviour helps librarians provide better support (Case, 2020).

The University of Ilorin Library provides multiple resources, including print materials, online databases, and institutional repositories. Despite these resources, some students struggle to access relevant information. They may rely on random internet searches or incomplete sources. Understanding the factors that influence their information seeking behaviour is important for improving library services and academic outcomes.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Postgraduate students face challenges in accessing and using information effectively. They may not know how to navigate library catalogues or online databases. Some lack the skills to evaluate information critically. Others are unaware of the range of resources available to them. These difficulties affect the quality of their research and the timely completion of assignments.

Although the University of Ilorin Library provides training and guidance, the actual behaviour of students in seeking information remains unclear. This gap makes it necessary to investigate how postgraduate students locate, evaluate, and use information for academic purposes.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the information seeking behaviour of postgraduate students in the University of Ilorin.

The specific objectives are to

1. identify the sources of information commonly used by postgraduate students

2. determine the strategies they use to search for information

3. assess the challenges they face when seeking information

4. examine how their information seeking behaviour affects academic performance

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions

1. What sources of information do postgraduate students commonly use

2. What strategies do they use to search for information

3. What challenges do they face when seeking information

4. How does their information seeking behaviour affect academic performance

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will help librarians understand the information seeking behaviour of postgraduate students. It will guide them in improving library services and designing training programmes. University administrators can use the findings to allocate resources effectively and support research activities.

Postgraduate students will benefit by learning strategies to locate and evaluate information efficiently. This can improve their research quality and reduce time spent searching for resources. The study will also contribute to academic literature on information seeking behaviour in higher education.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on postgraduate students in the University of Ilorin. It examines the sources, strategies, and challenges related to information seeking. The study does not cover undergraduate students or other universities.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Information Seeking Behaviour refers to the methods and strategies individuals use to find information.
Postgraduate Students are learners pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
Information Sources include books, journals, electronic databases, and institutional repositories.
Information Evaluation refers to the process of assessing the accuracy, relevance, and credibility of information.