EVALUATION OF INFORMATION-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF GENERATION Z STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN IN THE USE OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES

ABSTRACT

This research evaluates how University of Benin undergraduate Generation Z students seek information, with a particular emphasis on how they use John Harris Library. The main goal is to understand these students' preferences, obstacles, and usage patterns of information resources. The research reveals that students belonging to Generation Z have a preference for digital and remote-accessible materials like videos, as opposed to print or audio formats. Their digital nativity, curiosity, and academic needs all affect how they search out information. Nevertheless, students encounter many difficulties, such as out-of-date library materials, inadequate internet access, and ignorance of the existence of e-facilities. On the basis of findings made in this study, libraries should improve their online presence and resource marketing in order to better meet Generation Z students' academic needs and satisfy their digital habits. Improved social media promotion, training sessions, and the incorporation of AI-powered support are among the suggestions made to improve the library experience. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods and the research instruments were questionnaire and interview survey questions. This study adds to the corpus of knowledge already in existence by offering suggestions for improving library services for the digital age.