Information sources and information needs of postgraduate students in engineering and arts in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to understand the differences in information tasks as well as the pattern and use characteristics of information sources by postgraduate students in arts and engineering faculties in Nigeria's premier university, the University of Ibadan. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected from samples of 153 and 162 postgraduate students from engineering and arts/humanities respectively using a questionnaire. Data were collected on the tasks - popular, occupational and scholarly tasks - for which the students used identified sources. Findings - Altogether popular tasks or everyday common activities dominate the information needs of the students, although more arts students required such information than engineering students. Arts and engineering students consulted interpersonal sources but arts students consulted the library in addition more than engineering students. Research limitations/implications - The research focused only on one institution, thus limiting the applications of the results to other institutions. Practical implications - Discussion forums and similar opportunities for interpersonal interaction are useful for both faculties, but arts students should have forums in the learning environment to enable them to interact with their colleagues and experts. Originality/value - There is no study in Nigeria focusing on the benefits of discriminating information services to students according to their disciplines.