Impact of personality traits on information needs and seeking behavior of LIS students in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to identify the personality traits (agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism) of library and information science (LIS) students in Pakistan. The difference among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior is also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach Two instruments, namely, BFI scale and a self-structured instrument were used to collect the data. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to find out differences among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior. Findings Findings of the study revealed that out of 320 respondents, 186 possessed openness to experience, while only 7 possessed extraversion personality trait. Moreover, the students having extraversion personality trait were, generally, more concerned toward information needs. On the other hand students having conscientious trait were increasingly more seekers of information. Overall, the conscientiousness was identified as the most suitable personality trait for LIS students. A significant difference was also observed among all the personality traits of LIS students. Practical implications The findings of this study will help in the identification of LIS individual’s personality. The library managers can use these personality traits for the selection of suitable library professionals for their libraries. Originality/value This study can be valuable for the induction of new library professionals and also help managers in assigning the duties based on these personality traits.

Information Seeking Behaviour and Personality Traits in Secondary-school Students

“…However, that correlation was indirect in the sense that being open meant that students were more likely to be deep learners and have higher self-efficacy related to using computers, therefore they had higher information literacy levels. Ahmed et al (2019) found that extraverts were more concerned about information. Halder et al (2010) found that "Information seeking behaviour as a whole was positively correlated with extraversion, openness and conscientiousness and negatively correlated with neuroticism.…”

“…The opposite of A would include such traits as indifference, self-centeredness, and jealousy (Howard & Howard, 1995), critical and impatient (Kwon and Song, 2011). Those with this trait tend to use a variety of information-searching techniques (Ahmed et al, 2019) and may be motivated to search for information (Costa & McCrae, 1992). Schmidt and Wolff (2016) found that Agreeableness was positively correlated with use of different search strategies.…”

“…Individuals who are low in this trait may show more emotional stability and resilience (Cherry, 2017). Those with this trait may be unmotivated to seek information (Ahmed et al, 2019). In general, Neuroticism tends to correlate negatively with ISB (Heinström, 2003).…”

“…Aharony and Gur (2017) concluded that openness to experience and curiosity combined with deep learning strategies, self-efficacy in computer use and computer mastery affected students' level of information literacy (p. 1). Ahmed et al's (2019) study focused on differences in students' personality traits in relation to their information needs and seeking behaviour.…”

Assessing the factors influencing clients’ impulsive information seeking behaviour in using information resources and services of the academic library

“…Chakraborty 2010;O'Brien, Dickinson, and Askin 2017;Harati et al 2019;Ahmed, Rehman, and Sheikh 2019;Thindwa, Chawinga, and Dube 2019) shows the importance of this variable in using library resources and services. Therefore, the necessity of assessing the influence of individuals' features on developing the library clients' impulsive behaviours is justifiable…”