An Investigation Of The Information Seeking Behaviours Of Veterinary Scientists In Namibia

ABSTRACT

Thesis reports findings of an explanatory sequential mixed method research design study that examined information seeking behaviours (ISBs) of veterinarians, laboratory scientists, veterinary hygiene inspectors, animal health and laboratory technicians in Namibia with a view to determine their information needs, information source preferences, familiarity with Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) information systems and Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) library services, respondents` adoption of Internet technologies, and barriers to information-seeking. Understanding respondents` information behaviours is vital in designing suitable information systems and aligning library services with user needs. In phase 1, quantitative data was gathered through surveys from 62 conveniently sampled respondents. Completed questionnaires were coded, and a dataset created using SPSSv20. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews held with 7 purposively sampled key informants in phase 2. Voice-recorded data was transcribed, then coded, and organised into groups of related themes.