Information Competencies and Information Seeking Behavior in Digital Paradigms: A Case of Urdu Literature

Abstract

The study investigates the current state of information demands and the information-seeking behavior of Urdu literary students using digital technologies. Another purpose of the study was to determine the level of satisfaction with both the existing facilities and resources. A quantitative survey method of research is used to achieve the study’s objectives. Four major public universities of Lahore were the population. Containing the use of the convenience sample approach, data was obtained using a self-structured questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Results show that Urdu literature students were not very familiar and comfortable with using research journals, research reports/theses, and reference works while finding information. There is a need to encourage students the use research journals, research reports/theses. The study focuses solely on Pakistani Urdu literature students. For generalizations, this survey should be reproduced on a larger scale. The findings of the research will contribute to knowledge about Urdu literature students’ information-seeking behavior at the university level in Pakistan, which may be beneficial to ultimately provide better services in the domain of Urdu literature. Universities and libraries need to provide more facilities and electronic resources for the Urdu language and literature students, keeping in mind their trends toward new technologies. University libraries should organize special training programs for literature students.