A Study of Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Senior Secondary School Students Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya North, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study examines the information needs, information-seeking behaviour, and library usage of senior secondary school students in the Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya North. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey design was employed to investigate how students’ access and use information for academic and personal purposes. The study population consisted of 487 students from four schools, representing different grades and academic streams. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling method, a stratified random sample of 214 students was selected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed using SPSS. Ethical standards, including voluntary participation and confidentiality, were maintained throughout the study. The findings reveal that students primarily seek information related to academic activities, entertainment, general knowledge, current affairs, and daily life. Websites, social media, and noticeboards were identified as the most frequently used information sources due to their accessibility and convenience. Although school libraries are mainly used for reading and studying, their usage remains limited. Several barriers affecting effective information seeking were identified, including outdated library systems, limited borrowing facilities, slow internet connectivity, and inadequate ICT skills among students. The study highlights the important role of school libraries in supporting students’ learning and information needs. It recommends improvements such as implementing digital cataloguing systems, enhancing internet access, providing information literacy and ICT training, and increasing awareness of available library resources. These measures would improve students’ access to information and promote more effective information-seeking behaviour.