Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Medical Students, Benue State University, Makurdi

This study examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of medical students of Benue State University, Makurdi. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The design of the study was descriptive survey. A population of 100 students from the various departments of the school was used. A researcher-developed questionnaire was employed as instrument for data collection and the collected data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that medical students have information needs relating to knowing job opportunities for medical students; getting information for final year projects; entertainment and to update their lecture notes. Other findings revealed inadequate tables and chairs for reading; unavailability of current sources; not knowing how to use library catalogue; unwillingness of Medical Library staff to assist users in time of difficulties and noise making by some students that visit the library, among others. In view of these findings, it recommended the training of Medical librarian(s) in the field of medicine; provision of current and up-to-date materials; seriousness of medical students with library, and information and communication technology GST course; provision of adequate tables and chairs as well as provision of assistance to medical students by staff of the Medical Library.