Predictors of Web Search Effectiveness from the Perspective of Library and Information Science Students

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This study is an empirical analysis of the determinants of library and information science students’ Web search effectiveness at the  University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Three hypotheses on the correlation between the determinants were tested to reveal their relationships.

Methodology – A total enumerative method was used where all the 146 third and fourth undergraduate students of the Department of Library and  Information Science participated in the study. Through a survey approach, a questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using  percentages, correlation and multiple regression analysis methods.

Findings – The results of the study demonstrate that factors such as Internet and computer self-efficacy, information literacy skills, use of Boolean  operators, and use of appropriate search terms significantly correlate with and determine Web search effectiveness among Library and Information  Science students at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Implications – The findings in this study imply that without user being Internet and computer self-efficacious, possessing information literacy skills,  using Boolean operators and appropriate search terms, effective Web search may be a daunting task and not achievable.

Originality – This research is an  original idea from the authors which has not been published anywhere by any scholarly communication outlet.