INTERNET AS A RESEARCH TOOL FOR JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA ( A STUDY OF STUDENTS OF THE POLYTECHNIC,IBADAN)

7 ABSTRACT The researcher investigated internet usage among studentsjournalist at The IPolytechnic,Ibadan using a quantitative case study method. A questionnaire-based survey was done among 381 students and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the library staff. The research findings indicate that the students' level of awareness about the internet services offered at the polytechnic was high. The students journalists had good basic computer and internet skills; however, they lacked more advanced skills and this negatively affected their use of internet resources. The students used the internet for various purposes, including to study, teach and do research; to communicate; and for social interaction. The major recommendations of the study include providing formal internet training and adequate facilities; implementing a better, inclusive policy on internet use; and better co-ordinated school efforts. Free internet access should be made available to all the journalism students, if not all members of the Polytechnic community. Keyterms: internet use; information needs; online databases; e-journals; social networking sites; computer-mediated communication.