Assessment of Information Seeking Behaviours and Information Needs Satisfaction Among Postgraduate Students in Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State

Abstract

This paper assessed the information-seeking behaviour and satisfaction with information needs among postgraduate students at Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study used a survey research method. The study collected data using structured, self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was administered to three hundred and twenty-seven (327) students from the four (4) faculties that offer postgraduate studies at the university. The research is limited to postgraduate, M.Phil., Master’s, and PhD students at Federal University Otuoke only. The data gathered from the questionnaire were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings showed that most students (66%) sought information for academic purposes, and (62.8%) chose the library as their preferred place to search for and use information resources. Most respondents (53.2%) also expressed satisfaction with the library’s ability to meet their information needs. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that the library increase and improve its stock to meet students’ demands, provide reliable internet connectivity to support electronic searches and database access, and train its staff in interpersonal skills to improve staff-user relations. Lastly, the library should conduct periodic user education to teach users how to use the library’s online databases effectively and efficiently to maximise satisfaction.