Information Need and Information Seeking Behavior of the School Children’s: With special reference to Ambepussa Maha Vidyalaya, Warakapola, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Information has become a living thing in the 21st century. Information seeking patterns is consisted to be different among user groups. In the present study an attempt is made to investigate the Information Need and Information Seeking Behavior of the School Children’s in Ambepussa Maha Vidyalaya, Warakapola, Sri Lanka. The survey was conducted of the school children to know the answer of questions such as information needs, information seeking behavior, organization of the materials, services of the library, library staff, use of internet, search engines, web browsers, information sources, need of information and purpose of information, etc. The survey was conducted by using questionnaires with close and open ended questions. Students (100) were selected for the study and 88 responded and the rate was 88% from school. Considering the reasons for information seeking 59% mentioned as education and research purpose. Most of them mentioned that text books are the best source for seeking information. Majority of the responded mentioned that browse the internet is best method for seeking information. 100% students use the internet. Interestingly, 89% feel that electronic from is convenient. There are good percentages of users 59% who are satisfied with the services of the library but others wish for improvements. The study recommends library awareness programs for students to make aware of library resources and better utilization of the library services; it is also recommended that the library should join with other school libraries for more resources and services.