Comparative study of undergraduate information seeking behavior of English language and business management students in Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the information seeking behaviour of
Business management and English language students Adama science and Technology
University, Adama city of East Shoa zone of Oromiya region. To attain this objective, descriptive
survey method were involved. The subjects of the study were from both Departments. Library
observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to gather the necessary data. Data were
analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the study showed that
there is no statistically significance differences in resources used in information seeking with the
exceptions of Journal Articles, Television and Discussion with colleagues. The result also clearly
showed that students from both departments have positive preference toward the resources
Internet, library book collections and handout. As far as the purpose of seeking information
concerned the students of both Departments mainly seek information for updating knowledge,
doing assignment and doing home works without any significance differences between. Among
the factors that affect the information seeking behaviour were mode of teaching was the most
serious problem that affects their information seeking behaviour without any significant
differences between them. Moreover, lack of skill or knowledge in seeking information was also
one their major hindrance that frequently affects their information seeking behaviour. In the
meantime, lack of time were often affects their information seeking behaviour of Business
management students. It is evident from the research findings that both Departments mostly use
books, internet, and discussion with their colleagues, lecture note and handouts.