Information Seeking Behaviour and Use of Social Scientists in Selected Universities in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

s: The evaluation of information seeking behavior and use pattern of social scientists is the most influential information decision that promotes and enhance decision making in the universities. The goal of this study is to investigate the information seeking behavior and use of social scientists in selected universities in southwest Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The study population consisted of 1479 social scientists from eleven universities. However, 20% was sampled from each university making a total of 292 respondents that were sampled. Data were collected using questionnaire and analysis was carried out using descriptive statistical technique (frequency counts and percentages). The result revealed that the social scientists from the selected universities use internet to find information to satisfy their information needs (42.5%). Most social scientists consult newspapers and magazines most frequently (79.2%). The result also revealed that social scientists seek for information in the library (47.6%).