Information Needs and Utilization among Social Science Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities
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Date
2016
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Volume Title
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Journal of Balkan Libraries Union
Abstract
Information is a means through which knowledge about a phenomenon derived from
observation, study experience or instruction and collection in varying ways. However, failure
rates continue to increase in some universities in Nigeria, and information dissemination is not
improving. This study, therefore, examines the information needs and utilisation of
undergraduates in the Departments of Accountancy and Business Administration within three
selected Nigerian Universities based on ownership. The study adopts qualitative research
approach using interview method to collect data in the federal, state and privately owned
universities. The research adopted snowball sampling method as it was difficult to determine the
specific sample frame due to non-availability of intake records. The study therefore recruited
ninety respondents for an interview from the three universities covering various disciplines in
social sciences including Business Administration, Accounting, Economics and Finance. The
study was guided by Wilson’s 1991 information behaviour model using it major variables of
information needs, seeking, awareness, utilisation and outcome. Findings revealed that students
require relevant information that will assist them to succeed in their academic career. It also
found that information needs of students vary depending on their course of study. Students,
however, utilise information for various purposes including academic work, social networking,
community development and lifelong learning experience.
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Citation
Information needs, Information utilization, Undergraduates, Academic success, Universities, Social sciences, Accountancy, Business administration and Nigeria.