Informatics Publishing Limited

Abstract

This study examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of medical students of Benue State University, Makurdi. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The design of the study was descriptive survey. A population of 100 students from the various departments of the school was used. A researcher-developed questionnaire was employed as instrument for data collection and the collected data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that medical students have information needs relating to knowing job opportunities for medical students; getting information for final year projects; entertainment and to update their lecture notes. Other findings revealed inadequate tables and chairs for reading; unavailability of current sources; not knowing how to use library catalogue; unwillingness of Medical Library staff to assist users in time of difficulties and noise making by some students that visit the library, among others. In view of these findings, it recommended the training of Medical librarian(s) in the field of medicine; provision of current and up-to-date materials; seriousness of medical students with library, and information and communication technology GST course; provision of adequate tables and chairs as well as provision of assistance to medical students by staff of the Medical Library.

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Abstract

This paper examined the problems of utilizing Internet by undergraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi.  It also looked at the strategies that could be employed in order to improve undergraduate students’ utilization of the Internet. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 340 undergraduate students who formed the sample population. Findings showed Internet facilities are available in Benue State University, but the number is inadequate; students utilize Internet resources, mainly for education and research purposes; erratic power supply, slow speed, high cost of access/printing, inadequate number of computers and lack of skills are the problems undergraduate students faced in utilizing the Internet. Further findings showed that an alternative source of power, subscription to bigger bandwidth, reduction in cost of access/printing, provision of more computer education/training to the students will help solve the problems undergraduate students encounter in their attempt to utilize the Internet.

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