Information - seeking behaviour of medical students in the electronic environment at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania

This study investigates information - seeking behaviour of medical students in the electronic environment at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) inTanzania. The study used a sample of 88 respondents gathered from five (5) schools, one (1) institute and MUHAS Library. It used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data from respondents. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews and observation. The results were anlysed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) Version 16 and content analysis. The study adopts Wilson’s Conceptual Framework Model of 1981. Key findings reveal that the seeking behaviour of students at MUHAS depended on three variables (print, electronic, and both print and electronic resources) though the most preferred medium of information was the use of both print and electronic resources. E-journals, e-books, e-theses/dissertations, electronic databases, e-reports, OPAC, subject portals and search engines were e-resources consulted by students though, search engines (Google, Yahoo) were more popular. Results also indicate that there is a total shift from the use of print resources parse to the use of both print and electronic resources but students’ searching and evaluation skills are still questionable. Major recommendations to this study are that MUHAS Library staff should improve and strenghthen their information literacy training programme which addresses the searching problems faced by students. Concerted efforts are required at institutional level to increase the availabilty of ICT Infrustructure to enable users to access e-resources comfortably.