Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of International Postgraduate Students

A case study of Loughborough University

Abstract

This research investigated the information needs, information seeking behaviour, factors influencing information seeking behaviour and barriers to information seeking behaviour of international postgraduate students in Loughborough University. Mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative
approaches were used for this research. The quantitative methods used ranking and numerical scales of information needs and challenges to meeting information needs while the qualitative approach involved a semi-structured interview with the participants. The main information needs of international postgraduate students were identified as information on the course of study and research related information. The findings also revealed the major sources of information as books and journals while the preferred channels of information were identified to be the internet and the library. The major barriers in meeting these needs are lack of proficiency in English language and lack of critical analysis skills. With the identification of the information needs, information seeking behaviour, and barriers in meeting these needs, suggestions were made as to how these needs could be met and barriers ameliorated.