ASSESSING OF INFORMATION- SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN THE EMERGING ELECTRONIC INFORMATION ERA: A CASE STUDY OF CBE AND IRDP IN TANZANIA

Authors

  • Leontine Laurent Nkebukwa CBE

Keywords:

Information- Seeking Behaviour, Academic Staff, E-Information Era, CBE and IRDP, Information Seeking Process, Tanzania.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to assess the information-seeking behaviour of academic staff in the emerging electronic information era: Case of two selected institutions (CBE and IRDP). Previously, it was shown that academic staff relied on printed sources only. This has affected academic institutions’ efforts aimed at development of such important electronic teaching and learning environment. A totals of 250 respondents were involved in the study, with 75(30%) females and 175 (70%) males. Data were collected using both print and online questionnaires. It was noted that 70% of academic staff in surveyed institutions relied on e-resources to support their teaching activities than it was before. Findings further revealed that, the emergence of ICT, particularly the internet has changed ways in which individuals seek information. Various factors affecting information seeking process and consequently hindering access to information were revealed in this study. These factors were insufficient computer labs, unstable power supply, outdated ICT infrastructure, unlimited funds to subscribe to e-databases, lack of information searching skills as well as technophobia. The study therefore, recommends the following; to equip computer labs, to stabilize power supply; to set aside budget for improving ICT infrastructures, timely subscription of e-databases as well as introduction of offline electronic resources and provision information searching skills among community members.

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Published

2019-02-07

How to Cite

Nkebukwa, L. L. (2019). ASSESSING OF INFORMATION- SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN THE EMERGING ELECTRONIC INFORMATION ERA: A CASE STUDY OF CBE AND IRDP IN TANZANIA. Business Education Journal, 5(1). Retrieved from https://bej.cbe.ac.tz/index.php/bej/article/view/161

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Education and Related Issues