Information Behavior and Library Resource Use among Generation Z Undergraduates

Abstract

This study investigated the information behaviour and use of library resources of Generation Z undergraduate students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan. In a world where digital technology is ubiquitous, academic libraries are struggling to remain relevant to Generation Z. The Generation Z students are using online resources and taking responsibility for their own learning. A questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students at UiTM Negeri Sembilan on their information needs, information seeking behaviour, information literacy skills and use of library resources. The results were subjected to quantitative analysis (Cronbach reliability, descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling). The study found that students had high information needs (mean, 3.85/4), high information seeking behaviour (mean, 3.64/5) and high information literacy skills (mean, 3.72/4). The results showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.78 for all constructs). The results of the structural equation modelling indicated that information literacy skills (β = 0.536, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors to library use, with information need (β = 0.235, p < 0.001) next, while information-seeking behaviour (β = 0.117, p = 0.021) was the weakest. The study shows that high information needs does not lead to high library use. Actively and strategically seeking information behaviour is the predictor to library use. If library use is to be increased then libraries at UiTM must develop services which are digital, which provide specific training in information literacy and which supply library resources in formats which are consonant with student information behaviour patterns. The results of this study will serve as a base to allow libraries and educators a framework to improve access to and use of academic information via strategies which are user centred.