Abstract:
Information is an important resource to all members of a society and country, an informed citizenry
or public make better educated decisions reducing the risks of mistakes in the future, for students
the right informative resources ensure that they are well informed to properly tackle their academic
needs and requirements. The research looked at the topic “An investigation of the information
needs and seeking behaviors of law students at the University of Zambia”. The study used the
survey research design because it allowed us to collect the data that was needed for findings both
economically and efficiently. The research targeted a sample size of 50 students from the
University of Zambia. The study used web-based questionnaire through Google forms because it
was a suitable data collection as it allowed us to reach our sample efficiently and effectively, and
it was cost effective as well. The study established the following results, the respondents aged 22-
25 were the majority of the respondents that participated in the study. The results of the
respondents highlighted that the majority of students access the relevant information for their
exams and tests. The respondent’s results showed that the information obtained was used for legal
work to be carried out in their assessments and the information was accessed using the electronic
databases that are available. The study also reviewed that the majority of information needs were
not met adequately on campus and the study observed that their information needs were obtained
from other sources outside the institution. Further, the study reviewed that students experienced
challenges in their quest for information. Which included such things as the majority highlighted
that, information on current happenings is not available implying that the information is out dated,
Information not readily been available ranked as the second challenge and lack of access to this
information came in third place and the challenge with the least respondent is that, there isn’t
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enough information. The study observed that the information is a very important resource for the
society in general especially the law students. The absence of the information will affect the work
to be performed or presented.
