Web Information Seeking Behaviour of Undergraduate Students of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand

Abstract
Background: In the 21st century, higher institutions of learning have completely transformed their teaching and learning by adopting the web and it related technologies due to the change of scenery in terms of information searching. Notably the new generation of students is highly dependent on the internet for their academic and personal activities. However, the internet contains a vast array of information, some of this information is not suitable for scholarly use. Thus it is crucial for new undergraduates to have necessary competences that will allow them to efficiently search and retrieve information online. Therefore, this transformation encouraged the examination of Web Information Seeking Behaviour of Undergraduate Students of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand. This research project aimed to enlighten curriculum designers about the importance of including more IT related modules on the first year students’ curriculum, furthermore it aimed at assisting academic libraries to realise challenges facing undergrads regarding using their services on the web. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research approach using closeended questionnaire as a data collection tools. Results/findings: The study found that the web is the major source of information amongst library and information studies undergraduates’ students. The study also found that the web is used by students for academic purposes like: assignment completion, research and study purposes. Further findings indicate that the Google search engine was found to be the most used tool for information searching.
Description
Web Information Seeking Behaviour of Undergraduate Students of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand
Keywords
Citation
Mnguni, K.M. and Kekana, M.D., 2022. Web Information Seeking Behaviour of Undergraduate Students of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand. Library Philosophy & Practice.
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