Information Seeking Among Law Undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya: Identifying Barriers and Proposing Strategies

Abstract

This study investigates the information barriers faced by final-year law students at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, aiming to assess both personal and external barriers and propose improvements to law-related resources and services. The study utilized the entire population of fourth-year law students, consisting of 50 students, and employed structured questionnaires, resulting in a 72% response rate. It identified personal barriers such as time constraints, limited familiarity with library resources, discomfort in using the OPAC and lack of information literacy skills. Additionally, there were external barriers such as the absence of current legal materials and digital resources in the library. The research underscores strategies to alleviate these barriers by providing more up-to-date legal materials, expanded electronic resources, increased computers and internet facilities, and information dissemination through mobile technologies, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for academic success. The study also suggests resource and service improvements as a response to the major personal barrier of time constraints faced by students.