INFORMATION SEEKING ANXIETY AND USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Academic libraries house a vast array of electronic resources for research purposes. However, Post-Graduate students oftentimes may experience anxiety in their information seeking tasks. This study investigated information anxiety and use of electronic resources among post-graduate students in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. 150 post-graduate students were selected from Five Faculties using convenience sampling technique. A survey research design was adopted using a validated questionnaire to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the post-graduate students of the University of Ilorin utilize e-resources immensely. However, some challenges were faced in the use of e-resources such as erratic power supply, poor network connectivity and lack of adequate knowledge to access e-resources among others. Furthermore, results revealed a high level of information seeking anxiety, however no significant difference was found in the information seeking anxiety between males and females. Demographic characteristics such as gender and age did not influence post-graduate students' information seeking anxiety, while program of study had the strongest contribution to their information seeking anxiety. In conclusion, recommendations were made towards improving the use of e-resources among the post-graduate students; and also suggesting ways of managing information seeking anxiety experienced among students.

Keywords

• Information seeking anxiety
• E-resources
• Academic libraries
• information searching
• Post-graduate students

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