Information Science Undergraduate Students Research Articles

Perspectives of Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students on Library User Education and Use of the Library at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

In the study, we examined perspectives of Library and Information Science undergraduate students on library user education and the use of the Donald E.U. Ekong Library at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. Five specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study and one hypothesis was formulated. In the study, we adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 194 students in the Department of Library and Information Science. A sample size of 131 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed structured questionnaire titled “Library Information Science Undergraduate Students’ Library User Education and Use of Library” and was distributed among the students. The 131 (100%) questionnaires were returned in good shape and analysed using frequency, percentages and mean. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s product moment correlation at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that library orientation, the lecture method and the library tour were the methods used in teaching user education at the Donald E.U. Ekong library, while the online course was poor. We concluded that user education has a positive influence on these undergraduate students’ library use. Our recommendations included that a conducive environment for, creating awareness on and advocacy of user education and the use of the library be adopted as ways to improve the library user education at the Donald E.U. Ekong Library.

Utilization Of Information Communication Technology By Library And Information Science Undergraduate Students In University Of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of Information Communication Technology by library and information science undergraduate students in University of Calabar, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, three research questions were generated to direct the study. Literature review was done according to the variables under study. Survey research design was used for the study. A sample of two hundred and forty-six (246) undergraduate students were selected for the study using accidental sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was titled: “Utilization of Information Communication Technology Questionnaire (UICTQ)”. The reliability of the instrument was established through test retest method. Sample percentage was the statistical analysis techniques adopted to test the research questions under study. The results of the analysis revealed that consistencies in ICT, reasons for using ICT and availability of infrastructure significantly influence utilization of ICT by undergraduate students of LIS. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that government in conjunction with the school administrators should run a free and compulsory ICT services in order to provide practical and functional knowledge to students in tertiary institutions.
 
 

Dependency, Satisfaction, and Psycho-Social Characteristics as Correlates of Cell Phone Use by Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students

The study examined dependency, satisfaction, and psychosocial characteristics as correlates of cell phone use by library and information science (LIS) undergraduate students. Using survey, 253 undergraduates represent the sample for the study. Five research questions were developed and answered. The results of the psychosocial characteristics' correlation with the cell phone use reveal that self-efficacy had the highest correlation with the cell phones use (r = 0.74), followed by self-esteem (r = 0.69), entertainment (r = 0.37), and social interaction (r = 0.33). Anxiety had the lowest correlation (r = 0.23), but still correlates positively with LIS students' cell phones use. Self-efficacy contributed most to the prediction of LIS students' cell phone use (Beta value =.299), followed in declining order of strength by dependency (Beta = .292), self-esteem (Beta =.182), satisfaction (Beta =.177), social interaction (Beta = .111), and entertainment (Beta = .106).

Health Information behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak among Egyptian library and information science undergraduate students

Health information shared on the Internet has the potential to improve people’s quality of life. However, the level of health information literacy and informational skills determines the individuals’ ability to obtain credible health information useful for them. This study investigates the Egyptian LIS undergraduates’ health information behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has adopted a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to explore library and information science undergraduates’ health information behaviour. A sample of 161 students answered a questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The study results show that official health websites, social media, and family and friends are the primary sources for health information for the participants. The findings also revealed that the sample has adequate health information skills, though many of the participants still need to raise their information literacy skills. Information credibility and personal beliefs were found to affect the participants’ decision to share health information on the Internet. One of the limitations of the study is that the sample selected in this study was LIS students who are trained to find reliable information as part of their education. Findings may be different for the “average” student. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in one university, which means that the results cannot be generalised in other LIS departments using different courses. Therefore, more studies need to be conducted in other LIS departments with different course plans as they may produce different results. This study explores the health information behaviour of LIS undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study results may help develop the course plan in many LIS departments in Egypt and the Middle East, which would help improve the students’ health information literacy.

The perspective of undergraduate students on information needs and seeking behavior through YouTube

This study examined the perspective of university of Ilorin Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students on Information Needs and Seeking Behavior through YouTube. Total enumeration method was used to involve all the available students in the department. Questionnaire developed by the researcher complemented with a focused group interview were used for the collection of data. Five research questions were raised and answered. The results demonstrated that LIS undergraduates search through YouTube for information on latest development in the discipline, news and documentary videos on the practical aspects of the discipline, information on assignments and research, and information to complement class notes.

Empirical analysis of undergraduates’ satisfaction with access to the University Library Websites

This study examined undergraduate students’ satisfaction with the access to the University Library Websites. Through a survey research approach, the study distributed questionnaire to a sample of 54 final-year Library and Information Science undergraduate students selected from two Library schools in two different universities. Five research questions were answered and the results demonstrated that respondents are satisfied with the University Library Website, particularly the output (contents) followed by the accuracy of information on the Websites; respondents were mostly satisfied with the layout and design, and ease of navigation while mostly dissatisfied with the esthetic interface. Undergraduates visit their University Library Websites because they find it interesting relating with the librarians on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linkdl), accessed e-resources, and information related to their disciplines. University Library Website is useful as it provides help line, information/news that is enlighten and educating, for downloading material and for having frequently asked questions. Respondents most likely want to see being added to the Websites Information on scholarship, grants and sponsorship locally and internationally, resources, and referrals specific to relevant situations. The study recommended improvement of the esthetic interface of the University Library Websites to increase the level of satisfaction of the undergraduates with the Websites.

The determinants of library and information science undergraduate students’ first impression of university library websites

This study examined determinants of library and information science undergraduate students’ first impression with the university library websites. A total enumeration method was used to involve 54 year 4 undergraduate students of Library and Information Science from two selected universities. Undergraduate Students’ Determinants of First Impression with University Library Websites Questionnaire was used to gather data. The results obtained demonstrate that there is significant correlation between LIS students’ Perception of Website quality, Website interactivity, Website aesthetic perception, Website prototypicality, and Website satisfaction with first impression toward the university library website. The five independent variables (Website quality, Website interactivity, Website aesthetic perception, Website prototypicality, and Website satisfaction) jointly (as indicated by the R-square value) explained or predicted 66% of the variation in LIS students’ first impression towards university library website. Aesthetic perception of library website contributed most to the prediction of LIS students’ first impression towards library website, followed in declining order of strength by library website interactivity, library website satisfaction, and library website quality. However, prototypicality though correlated with first impression, its contribution is not significant. Notable limitation of this study is that, data was collected from undergraduate students in only two universities focusing only Library and Information Science students. The results call for formidable efforts to improve the users experience on the web, because the first impression counts. This study has implications for the users patronizing the university library websites. The results show that Aesthetic perception of library website contributed mostly to the prediction of LIS students’ first impression towards university library website, followed by library website interactivity. These findings may not be applicable to other university library websites but this depend on the experience of the users.

Identifying the uses of mobile technology among Library and Information Science undergraduate students

Purpose Mobile technology has redefined the way people communicate and interact. In education, the number of academic institutions developing and offering mobile information services is growing steadily. The purpose of this paper is to identify the use of mobile technology by the Library Science and Information Systems undergraduate students in Greece. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed drawing from the relevant literature and sent to undergraduate students studying Library and Information Science during the 2014-2015 academic year. Findings It was found that students employed mobile phones for entertainment purposes whereas laptops and desktop computers for performing education-related tasks. Laptops and desktop computers were again mostly used to access library services, namely the OPAC, reference books, journals. Research limitations/implications Academic institutions need to offer services and adopt online learning platforms supported in mobile devices. Students from other disciplines and their acceptance of mobile technology should be explored. Originality/value This study identifies the specific mobile devices that students use to perform a variety of activities, educational and social, as well as the reasons for doing so.

Facebook as an Informal Tool for Learning: Exploring Perceptions of Greek LIS Undergraduate Students

Facebook use in higher education has been explored from different perspectives (i.e. academic institutions, teachers, students). This research aimed to investigate Greek Library and Information Science undergraduate students perceptions of Facebook use for educational purposes. A questionnaire was distributed online during the first two weeks of June 2015 to 278 undergraduate students studying Library and Information Science in Greece. 135 questionnaires were collected with an overall response rate 48.6%. It was found that students employ Facebook mainly for social interaction and communicate though they do recognize the educational potential of social networking sites. Academic institutions and teachers need to stay up-to-dated with the emergence of new Web 2.0 tools and use them when appropriate to meet their goals. This research contributes in providing a further insight into the way students employ social networking sites and thus, assist academic institutions in formulating their strategy and teachers in incorporating Facebook in delivering their courses.

Social Networking among Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students

The purpose of this study was to examine social networking use among Library and Information Science students of the Delta State University, Abraka. In this study, students completed a questionnaire which assessed their familiarity with social networking sites, the purpose for which they use social networking site and their most preferred sites to use. Furthermore the study tested two hypotheses. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and chi square tests of significance. Results indicated that almost all of the sampled students were familiar with social networking and their most used site is Facebook. Findings also revealed that there is no significant difference in the usage of social networking sites by male and female LIS students and that there is significant relationship between the age of the students and social networking sites that they use.

An Examination of Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students’ Career Aspirations in Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

This study examined Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduate students’ career aspirations in entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities. A total of 155 students constituted the sample for the study. A self-designed questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The results demonstrate that 20.3% aspire to set up a small business, 39.2% prefer company employment, 30.4% prefer self-employment, and 20.3% prefer government employment. Forming partnerships, loans from banks and friends, grants from private foundations and personal savings and cash, private stock, and angel investors were identified as sources of funding. Careers available in LIS were identified to include librarian, abstracter, lecturer, web designer, database manager, archivist, information broker, publisher, and researcher. Hindrances to careers in entrepreneurship and self-employment were identified to include lack of access to financial services, access to physical infrastructure, and basic services. The study makes recommendations based on the findings.

Articulating case-based learning outcomes and assessment

Contemporary classroom practices have evolved, and are continuing to evolve toward an emphasis on authentic learning activities. To a considerable degree, lectures and proscribed classroom exercises are being replaced with more open-ended, problem-based activities that are frequently carried out by groups of students (i.e., collaborative learning). We are investigating the use and assessment of such learning activities in a usability engineering course for 3rd and 4th year Information Science undergraduate students at the Pennsylvania State University. This paper advances our project by attempting to better articulate the specific learning objectives of case-based activities employed in this course and appropriate assessment goals and methods for these learning objectives.