Information seeking behaviour of distance learning students in the hybrid environment: a case study of the Open University of Tanzania
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Date
2013
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to examine information seeking behaviour of undergraduate distance learning students. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying information sources that they use, examining how and why they seek information, examining factors influencing their information seeking behaviour, and getting ideas on strategies of improving their access to and use of information resources. The study involved the Open University of Tanzania, and was carried out in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Morogoro and Kigoma regions. Data was collected from 261 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and documentary review. The findings revealed that library and information service support to undergraduate distance learning students was inadequate as noted by lack of relevant and up-to-date reading materials in public libraries as well as lack of public library support for students in some regions. Moreover, ICT application in supporting students' access to information was inadequate, as noted by lack of computers with Internet connectivity in public libraries and lack of computer laboratories in some regions, which forced students to rely on print sources of information alone or rely on expensive Internet cafes. Lack of awareness of scholarly online e-resources and inadequate search skills are some other factors for their low use of e-resources. Students from more remote regions had poorer information access infrastructure. This study recommends computerisation of public libraries and equipping them with relevant resources in both print and electronic formats for access by students, provision of reliable and affordable access to e-resources to students, as well as prioritising in awareness creation of scholarly e-resources available and information literacy programmes.
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Available in print form
Keywords
Information behavior, Distance education, Library user studies, Open University of Dar es Salaam, Students, Tanzania
Citation
Luambano, I. V. (2013) Information seeking behaviour of distance learning students in the hybrid environment: a case study of the Open University of Tanzania, Doctoral dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx?)