Information Seeking Behavior of Pharmacy Students in Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT:

Information seeking behavior (ISB) is a fundamental component in the academic and professional development of pharmacy students, as it directly influences their ability to access, evaluate, and apply relevant scientific and clinical information. In the modern academic environment, where information is rapidly expanding and increasingly digitized, understanding how students interact with information systems has become crucial for educators, librarians, and policymakers. This review aims to critically analyze the information seeking behavior of pharmacy students within academic libraries, focusing on their information needs, preferred sources, search strategies, and the challenges they encounter during the information retrieval process. The study is based on a comprehensive review of scholarly literature retrieved from major databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Emphasis is placed on studies published between 2015 and 2025 to ensure contemporary relevance. The findings reveal a significant shift in user behavior from traditional print-based resources to digital platforms, including electronic journals, bibliographic databases, and web-based search engines. Pharmacy students demonstrate a strong preference for easily accessible and time-efficient information sources, often relying on general search engines as their primary tools. However, despite the availability of advanced digital resources, many students lack the necessary information literacy skills required to effectively navigate and utilize these tools. The review also identifies several barriers affecting information seeking behavior, including information overload, inadequate search skills, limited awareness of library services, and technological constraints. Furthermore, the evolving role of academic libraries is highlighted, emphasizing their transition from traditional repositories to dynamic, user-centered knowledge hubs that provide digital access, training, and research support. The study concludes that enhancing information literacy, improving digital infrastructure, and adopting user-centered library services are essential strategies for optimizing information seeking behavior among pharmacy students. These improvements will ultimately contribute to better academic performance and the development of competent healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Information Seeking Behavior, Pharmacy Students, Academic Libraries, Information Literacy, Digital Resources, Evidence-Based Practice