Comparative study of undergraduate information seeking behavior of English language and business management students in Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was to examine the information seeking behaviour of Business management and English language students Adama science and Technology University, Adama city of East Shoa zone of Oromiya region. To attain this objective, descriptive survey method were involved. The subjects of the study were from both Departments. Library observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to gather the necessary data. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the study showed that there is no statistically significance differences in resources used in information seeking with the exceptions of Journal Articles, Television and Discussion with colleagues. The result also clearly showed that students from both departments have positive preference toward the resources Internet, library book collections and handout. As far as the purpose of seeking information concerned the students of both Departments mainly seek information for updating knowledge, doing assignment and doing home works without any significance differences between. Among the factors that affect the information seeking behaviour were mode of teaching was the most serious problem that affects their information seeking behaviour without any significant differences between them. Moreover, lack of skill or knowledge in seeking information was also one their major hindrance that frequently affects their information seeking behaviour. In the meantime, lack of time were often affects their information seeking behaviour of Business management students. It is evident from the research findings that both Departments mostly use books, internet, and discussion with their colleagues, lecture note and handouts.