ABSTRACT

 This study examined the information seeking behaviour and utilization of library and information resources by Library and Information Science (US) students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia. The aim of the study was to find out the type of library and information resources used by US students, their reasons for using the library resources, the factors that influences them to seek for information, the search strategies they use when seeking for information, the problems they ftice while seeking for information and the satisfaction they derive from using library resources. Six research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study and the population consisted of 100 level, 200 level and 400 level of the department of library and information science. The sample size for the study is two hundred and twelve (212) respondents out of the population offive hundred and forty (540). Strat?fIed random sampling techniques was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The questionnaire has 54 items in all. The questionnaire data was analyzed using frequency tables, percentages mean and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel as software was used to answer the research questions. The research findings shows that the respondents use print textbooks journal article as their major research resources. Most of them prefer browsing through shelves for the information needed rather than using the card catalogue. The findings revealed that the reason for using the library resources is to support research, develop competence and for academic purpose. They are influence by their course of study. The problems faced by the respondents were unavailability of materials, lack of awareness of availability of materials, unfriendliness of library staff lack of effective orientation, unavailability of internet facility as well as lack of time searching for information. It was further revealed that the respondents are satisfied with shelve browsing and also not satisfied with using card catalogue and asking assistance from library staff More also, emphasis should be made on the provision of internet facility to enhance users research need, user education and effective orientation programme should carried out by the library from the beginning of the academic year to educate them on the proper use of the catalogue card and there should be a good relationship between the library staff and the users.