An Investigation Of The Information Needs And Seeking Behaviors Of Law Students At The University Of Zambia

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 1 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.