The Effectiveness of Social Media in Meeting the Information Needs among the Students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Based on the Norwood's Information Needs Pyramid

Nowadays, social media plays an important role in meeting information needs of individuals, especially students. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social media in meeting all kinds of information needs based on Norwood's information needs pyramid among the students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

In this survey study, the data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was carried out using random stratified sampling method. The validity of questionnaire was confirmed by experts in library and information science and psychologists; while reliability was calculated based on Cronbach’s alpha (0.89). SPSS software was used for data analysis.

The mean of using social media to meet information needs was lower than average among studied students. The means of using social media to meet the coping, helping, enlightening, empowering, and edifying information needs were estimated as 2.461, 2.323, 3.147, 2.448, and 2.463, respectively. Field of study significantly affected the use of social media, while the age had no significant effects.

The extent of using social media tools to meet all kinds of information needs of students was less than average in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; and the enlightening information needs of students were met more than other types of information needs through social media tools. To import the use of social media in meeting information needs, health officials should explain the capabilities of social media to students.