Abstract

Access to relevant information is crucial for Art and Design students to meet their information needs and achieve their educational goals and expand their knowledge base. This paper explores the information needs, and sources of information, of Art and Design students in diploma – awarding institutions in Uganda. This is part of a PhD study that investigated the information-seeking behaviour of Art and Design students in diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda. The study population comprised Art and Design diploma students in the four Art and Design diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda, library heads in the same institutions, and directors at National Council for Higher Education. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview, and observation methods. Quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS whereas qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that the information needs of the students are primarily related to art and design tasks. The most needed information included information on employment opportunities in the art and design industry, information on production materials for art and design products, information on tools and equipment for art and design products, information on art markets and sales for art and design products, information on production techniques for art and design products, information on computer graphic design programs, and information on art and design industries for internship placements. The most used sources of information included Art and Design lecturers, images, Pinterest, Artists and Designers, YouTube, nature and environment, and art documentaries.