Information needs of international students at a Malaysian University

The number of students studying away from their home countries is increasing. These students face various challenges when studying abroad, including meeting their infor- mation needs. This study investigated the information needs of international students at the University of Malaya. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 70 students, of whom 54 (77.1%) responded. It was found the main information needs were related to the university, the faculty, and their programs of study. The students used the library in attempting to meet their information needs, although the frequency of library usage was generally low. The main barriers in seeking information were language related, and unfamiliarity with the library or- ganization and mission. Language proficiency appeared to be a barrier in being able to meet the information needs. Although the majority of the students considered themselves to be computer and Internet literate, but that did not have a relationship on the problems they faced in meeting the information needs.

[1]  Jian Wang,et al.  Cross-Cultural Communication: Implications for Effective Information Services In Academic Libraries , 2002 .

[2]  Philip C. Howze,et al.  Measuring international students' understanding of concepts related to the use of library-based technology , 2003 .

[3]  Ziming Liu,et al.  Difficulties and Characteristics of Students from Developing Countries in Using American Libraries , 1993 .

[4]  Fred Galloway,et al.  The Adjustment Problems Faced by International Students in the United States: A Comparison of International Students and Administrative Perceptions at Two Private, Religiously Affiliated Universities , 2005 .

[5]  Qun G. Jiao,et al.  Academic library usage: a comparison of native and non-native English-speaking students , 1997 .

[6]  Yoo-Seong Song.  International business students: a study on their use of electronic library services , 2004 .

[7]  N. N. Edzan,et al.  FOREIGN POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND THE ONLINE CATALOGUE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA LIBRARY , 2002 .

[8]  Mengxiong Liu,et al.  Information-Seeking Behavior of Multicultural Students: A Case Study at San Jose State University , 1997 .

[9]  Ann Curry,et al.  Reference service to international students: A field stimulation research study , 2005 .

[10]  Kwasi Sarkodie-Mensah.  Dealing with International Students in a Multicultural Era. , 1992 .

[11]  Pamela A. Jackson,et al.  Incoming international students and the library: a survey , 2005 .

[12]  S. Baron,et al.  Communicating with and empowering international students with a library skills set , 2001 .