Abstract:

This study was undertaken to find out the information needs and information seeking behavior of distance learning university students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study used the questionnaire-based survey method. Snow ball sampling technique was used for data collection. It was found that their main information needs and seeking behaviour were related to “Lectures”, “Information relating to their programs of study”, and “Completing assignments”. The internet and library were the main channels for meeting the information needs of students; however the usage of the library was infrequent. Among various information sources available to the students, the heaviest reliance was on books and lecturers/tutors, but the usage of electronic resources such as e-journals and databases was very low. Search engines which were the most used individual tool for searching their needed information and mostly students preferred the English language when they sought information. Print format was their preferred format for the required information. Computer and information technology skills were insufficient at best they needed formal training from the institutions. A majority of the students faced barriers when attempting to acquire their needed information. The main barriers were lack of institution library for off-campus students. The outcome of this study will be beneficial to academic institutions in facilitation of information needs for students.

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