Information-seeking behaviour of history and international studies postgraduates in an academic hybrid library in Nigeria

Abstract

This thesis was designed with the purpose of investigating the “Information-Seeking Behaviour” (ISB) of history and international studies postgraduates in an academic hybrid library in Nigeria. The study consisted of eight objectives and research questions. The study’s scope focused mainly on postgraduates of history and international studies department, and on librarians, in a federal university in Nigeria. Wilson’s (1999:251) model of information behaviour, and his (1999:252) model of ISB were selected as the study’s theoretical framework. Qualitative case study was selected as the research design, and interpretivism research paradigm was used to shape the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw samples from the study’s population. Focus group, observation and interview were used as data collection instruments. The data obtained were analysed using qualitative analysis method. Among the study’s findings, it was revealed that: the postgraduates need information from the library mainly for their academic and personal activities; the postgraduates are regular users of the library, and they usually use the library for different purposes; the postgraduates usually employ technology or manual method to access information in various sources; there are different ways the library uses to satisfy the information needs of the postgraduates, and to an extent, the library information resources are meeting the postgraduates’ information needs; apart from the library, the postgraduates also consult other information sources, but their most preferred information source is the Internet; the postgraduates’ ISB also involve information exchange and transfer; and there are certain factors that determine the postgraduates’ perceived information needs satisfaction and end of their information-seeking. Finally, it was revealed that there are barriers to the postgraduates’ information-seeking and use of information in the library and beyond. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the library should establish a personal librarian program, and the postgraduates should be trained on how to search the library digital resources. Also, based on the findings, the theoretical framework of the study was modified. The study contributed to knowledge by providing an insight into the ISB of history and international studies scholars, and by extending the research on humanities postgraduates’ ISB.