Exploring the Challenges of Information Seeking Behaviour Among Students: A Special Reference to Vavuniya South Zonal Education Office, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study “Exploring the Challenges of Information Seeking Behaviour Among Students: A Special Reference to Vavuniya South Zonal Education Office (VSZE), Sri Lanka” investigated the relationship among Information Challenges (IC), Information Resources (IR) and Information Seeking Behaviour (ISB) among 235 students. The purpose of the study was to find out how information barriers affect students' information-seeking behaviour and how information resources that affect effective information access. Random sampling method was used to choose the sample from the population, the structured questionnaires were used to collect data, and reliability, regression, and correlation analyses were performed to look at the findings. Reliability analysis revealed that the measures of Information Challenges (α = 0.701), Information Resources (α = 0.784), and Information Seeking Behaviour (α = 0.738) were sufficiently consistent for research purposes. According to correlation analysis, there was significant correlation between Information Challenges and Information Seeking Behaviour (r = -0.035, p < .008), while there was a strong positive association between Information Resources and Information Seeking Behaviour (r = 0.303, p < .001). The findings show that the availability and accessibility of information resources are crucial in encouraging students' information-seeking behaviour, but the difficulties they confront do not significantly hinder their attempts. Based on these findings, the VSZE Office should strengthen information resources, establish information literacy training, increase accessibility and assistance, and routinely monitor and assess services to guarantee effective utilisation. The study emphasises the relevance of well-organised, easily available information resources in assisting students' learning and academic activities.