Online Information Searching Skills of Business Students

Abstract

This study investigates the perceived level and sources of learning Online Information Searching (OIS) skills of the students of business studies. The study also explores the differences in the students' searching skill level of information resources, based on their selected personal and academic variables including gender, age, type of university, level of degree and major academic subjects. A cross-sectional survey research method was used to collect data on a self-reporting questionnaire. Business students of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels from 24 public and private sector universities of Lahore, Pakistan were selected through convenient sampling technique. Total population of this study was 114,500. With the margin error of 5% and confidence level of 97%, the sample of this study was 470 students. The study found a satisfactory level of students' searching skills. There was no significant difference in the skills based on various variables like gender, age, type of university and level of degree. However, short courses and training workshops had a positive impact on the level of skills. There is a lack of research on the topic and this paper will fill the gap in existing literature. This study will be helpful for Library Information Service (LIS) academicians, librarians, professional associations and LIS trainers to design and implement training programs for university students in the area of OIS. This study will also be helpful for Higher Education Commission (HEC) national digital library for selection of appropriate databases for business students.