Browsing by Author "Kheswa, Siyanda Edison."

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Academic information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Haythorne Secondary grade eight learners using the Msunduzi Woodlands Branch Public Library, Pietermaritzburg.
(2017) Budhu, Bhavisha Premdass.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
Information is an essential ingredient for a socially and economically engaged democracy in any community. The changes and advancements in the educational system and the lack of school libraries have resulted in a paradigm shift in the role that public libraries play in the 21st century. This necessitates public libraries to become knowledgeable about current information needs and the information-seeking-behaviour of its users. It is against this backdrop that this study investigates the academic information needs and information-seeking behaviour of grade eight learners of Haythorne Secondary using the Msunduzi Woodlands Branch Public Library, Pietermaritzburg. The study’s methodology was largely quantitative, with some qualitative elements as it seeks to identify the academic information needs of a particular community. Hence a mixed methods approach was adopted in order to accommodate both sets of data. The study utilised a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A census survey was undertaken with a sample of grade eight learners (256 learners) of Haythorne Secondary who used the Msunduzi Woodlands Branch Public Library, Pietermaritzburg. The study seeks to ensure equal representation as well as represented, input from both registered and non-registered library users. The instrument used for collecting data from learners was a self-administered questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions. In addition, a semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the Northern Branches Senior Librarian. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were ensured through a pre-test on a group of grade eight learners at Eastwood Secondary School, Pietermaritzburg. The quantitative data was captured using SPSS software. The qualitative data were analysed manually using thematic analysis. The results of the study showed that the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of the learners was influenced by their age and educational context. Learners needed information for diverse purposes, however, their most frequent information need was for academic purposes, self-education, solving problems, health, recreation or leisure, news, family emerging sexuality and careers. The preferred information sources included the Internet, books, study guides, newspapers and informal information sources (professionals, family and friends). The barriers experienced by learners to seeking information from the library included the absence of public computers, Internet access, insufficient and relevant library resources and constraint of library hours. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address certain problems presented in this study. The fundamental conclusion is that sustainable information dissemination and library services in public libraries within the 21st century will depend on a more dynamic leadership and vision of a new model of a public library that holistically embraces the absence of school libraries and bridges the digital divide.
Adult users’ perceptions of library services provided by Nongoma Public Library, Kwazulu-Natal.
(2020) Buthelezi, Nombuso Portia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
The study investigated adult users’ perceptions of the library services provided by the Nongoma Public Library (NPL) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It examined the quality of service provided by the library to its adult library users, by determining their expectations and perceptions of the services provided and whether there were any gaps between users’ expectations and perceptions. It also investigated users’ level of satisfaction with the quality of services rendered. Since its inception in 1996 and despite its importance, no assessment of the NPL had been conducted from the perspective of its users. This study intended to fill this gap and it is assumed that the findings will form a baseline and framework for future services provided by the library. Using convenience sampling a sample of 262 adults was selected from the 819 registered adult library users. One hundred and thirteen (113) users completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 43.1% which was considered acceptable for purposes of analysis and reporting. The study adopted a quantitative approach using the survey design. The LibQUAL+TM survey instrument which was used to collect data was modified and adapted for use in a public library. In line with the quantitative approach, the majority of the questions asked were closed. The results from the questionnaire survey were analysed using SPSS to determine the frequency of responses and were presented in the form of tables and figures. The results of the survey support the usefulness of the LibQUAL+TM instrument used in the study and its importance in the context of public library services. The findings indicate that in most instances, expectations exceeded perceptions regarding the quality of the services provided by the library. However, the gaps between the two were, for the most part, not significant and the extent of the gap depended on the individual services. Significant gaps were found in the categories “Library facility” and “Access to information”. Certain aspects of the category “Staff services” were found to be of concern. Findings revealed that the majority of adult users ranked the overall quality of services as good and that the library is, to a large extent, excelling in service provision. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address the problems identified in the study. The results will be used for service improvements and to make informed decisions concerning the quality of services that are offered at the NPL. The thesis concluded with suggestions for further research. The findings of the survey that indicated that although the adult library users were satisfied with library services they received from Nongoma Public Library but there was a room for improvement. The respondents mentioned the most problematic services as the lack of adequate computers and access to Internet. The respondents further reported that there were gaps in sections involving Access to Information, Access to Electronic Resources, Library Staff and the Library facility. The study recommends that service quality be improved, in a way that the library would satisfy its adult user.
An exploration of the informal learning experiences of home-based caregivers in a non-governmental organisation in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2014) Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Rule, Peter Neville.
Social science research on HIV and AIDS has tended to focus on the statistics regarding the spread of the pandemic and the prevention awareness campaigns. However, there has not been much research on the impact that the pandemic has on families and communities at large. Furthermore, although there are international studies very little research has been conducted on caregivers’ education and training locally. Therefore, the current study was done to bridge the gap between literature and practice by conveying findings that are based on a local South African context. The study was conducted in Mpophomeni Township, in Kwazulu-Natal. The research participants consisted of twelve home-based caregivers. The purpose of the study was to explore the informal learning experiences of home-based caregivers from a non-governmental organisation, Siyasiza, in KwaZulu-Natal. The study tried to establish what informed the informal learning experiences of caregivers. The study further investigated how the informal learning experiences were made explicit to inform further learning and also tried to find out what caregivers did with shared information to inform their practices. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a basic qualitative research design was deemed most suitable. The situated and experiential learning theories informed the study and were also used as lenses in the thematic analysis of data collected through observation, focus group discussions and in depth interviews. The findings of the study showed that caregivers’ informal learning experiences were informed by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The loss of own family members influenced caregivers to join the community home-based caregiving initiative to assist families affected by the pandemic. Furthermore, caregivers’ informal learning experiences were driven by career-directed ambition, exemplary learning and second chance learning. The findings further indicated that, for some caregivers, once new information was obtained, it was compared with the related prior knowledge, looked at for similarities or differences, and the value added to the previous experiences was determined. The study also found that caregivers valued and appreciated the information sharing sessions which improved their future practices and so made their jobs a bit easier. Lastly, the study found that caregivers played a huge role in supporting the families affected by HIV and AIDS since they mediated between homes and hospital by providing basic health services.
Implementation and administration of an integrated library management system in academic libraries in KawZulu-Natal.
(2017) Radebe, Hombakazi.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
This study examined the Implementation and Administration of Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) in three academic libraries in KwaZulu - Natal from the perspectives of Librarians, Systems Librarians, Library Management and Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) who were the vendors of the ILMS. The study conducted biographical sketches of all the participants who were interviewed. The purpose of this was to establish who the participants were, how long they have worked in the library, what modules they were using, and lastly establishing what type of challenges and experiences they have encountered during the implementation of the ILMS. In this study interview schedules questions were compiled with specific questions related to the ILMS. The population of the study consisted of 20 staff members, which consisted of 12 Librarians, three System Librarians, three Library Management and two UKS staff members. All 20 staff members were interviewed as they were all involved during the implementation of the system. The intention of the study was to measure what motivated the change to the ILMS, to establish problems and challenges related to the change, and lastly to evaluate if the change added any value to the staff members in terms of improving efficient and effective service delivery to library users. The results of the study as well as lessons learned will be used to map the future of ILMS, assist other institutions who wants to engage on the similar study, and identify gaps in the study as most institutions have currently moved to Cloud Based Computing. The interviews were conducted with participants in various institutions and appointments were scheduled with participants and permission to conduct interviews was granted by all the participating institutions. The research method used for this study was the qualitative research method. The results were analyzed based on the responses from the Interviews conducted. Based on the evidence from the interviews it is recommended that library management must play an active role regarding improving the implementation and administration of an ILMS. They must ensure that all staff members are on board with the new system, and that they embrace change and they must be involved throughout the planning process. There must also be adequate resources available to solve problems related to ICT infrastructure, downtime, bandwidth and turnaround time must be improved to ensure efficient service delivery. To ensure that the implementation of the ILMS has been achieved the following strategies must be employed.
Information seeking behaviour and dissemination by the leadership of COSATU affiliated unions in the uMgungundlovu District.
(2017) Mdletshe, Ayanda.; Leach, Athol Brian.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
The purpose of the study was to identify and get a better understanding of the crucial aspects of information seeking behaviour and information dissemination by the leadership of unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and by so doing, assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanisms employed by these unions and the challenges associated with utilising these mechanisms. The researcher undertook a post-positivist approach. In this approach both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. Instruments used for data collection in terms of quantitative data were questionnaires with open and closed questions, while in terms of qualitative data, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. A sample size of 120 union leaders was surveyed from 12 affiliates. Three unions withdrew from the study and nine remained comprising 90 surveyed union leaders. A total of 71 respondents from the 90 surveyed union leaders participated giving a response rate of 78.8%. A total of 18 respondents were interviewed, two from each of the nine union. The validity and reliability of the instruments were established by pre-testing the questionnaires on former union leaders in Pietermaritzburg. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data using thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework for the study was provided by Wilson’s (1999) Model of Information Behaviour. The outcome of the study shows that respondents across the nine unions required information when dealing with dismissal cases, workers benefits, retrenchment and workers’ rights. The most used sources of information by union leaders included Employment legislation, the Department of Labour, upper structure leaders, and the Union secretary. The print format was the most preferred format. Lack of information accessibility, information disorganization and information not being updated were identified as major challenges that affected the union leaders’ ability to acquire information that they needed. In terms of information provision, the most used mechanisms to provide information to members were face-to-face communication, Union Secretary reports and television. Lastly, the study reported on the types of information provided by union leadership, which were identified as follows: wage increments, congress resolutions, job advertisements and union campaigns. Recommendations relating to information behaviour and dissemination of union leaders were made. Recommendations included the need for union leaders to be given enough time and be supported with enough information resources to respond to the information needs of their own and of their members and the need for more attention to be given to the use of social media networks as an efficient and effective information dissemination mechanism.
Postgraduate students’ perception of the library as an environment for reading, studying and researching at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2016) Kekana, Matsobane Daniel.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
The study investigated postgraduate students’ perceptions of the library as an environment for reading, studying and conducting research at the Cecil Renaud Main (CRM) library in the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal: Pietermaritzburg campus. This study examined the quality of service provided by the library, by determining postgraduate students’ perceptions and expectations and the gap between the two. It also investigated the level of satisfaction with the quality of service rendered to postgraduate students’. A sample of 8 postgraduate diploma, 65 honours, 47 masters and 49 PhD students in the School of Social Sciences were surveyed. The adapted LibQUAL+ questionnaire was self-administered for data collection from the respondents, and SERVQUAL model (Gap 5) determined the gap. A total of 7 (87.5%) postgraduate diploma, 48 (73.8%) honours, 27 (57.4%) masters and 23 (46.9%) PhD students responded, which generated an overall response rate of 105 (62.13%). The results were analyzed using SPSS24 to determine the frequency of responses. The results are displayed in the form of tables and figures. The results obtained from this study illustrate that there are gaps between users’ expectations and perceptions of service quality at the CRM library. The gaps are different depending on the individual services which were mentioned in each section of the questionnaire. The LibQUAL+ instrument is used in many libraries globally to assess and improve the services in the library and to restructure the organization and the marketing of the library. The questionnaire was adapted in previous studies, and also modified and simplified to identify the gaps found in this study. The findings of the survey that indicated the most problematic services were in sections involving Access to Information, Library Equipment, Library Staff and the Library as a Place. The individual services that had major gaps were adequate computer workstations, computers that work well, an efficient short loan service, a quiet library environment and the library not assisting students in staying abreast of developments in their academic field. Several understandings were gained from this study. It showed that the postgraduate students’ perceptions were low on certain library services and that they had high expectations for almost every service. The satisfaction level differed amongst the various user categories. The overall response of the postgraduate students indicated that they were satisfied with most of the services. The study recommends that service quality be improved, an aspect which would increase the students’ positive perceptions of the CRM Library at UKZN.
Second-year Social Science students’ perceptions of electronic information resources at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
(2024) Jalubane, Joyfull Bongumusa.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
This study was aimed at investigating the perceptions of second-year social science students about electronic information resources offered by the UKZN library. The study sought to establish the extent of use and perceptive factors that influence the use of electronic information resources. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Davis (1989). This study adopted a quantitative research approach as it is underpinned by a positivist worldview that has been adopted as an underpinning paradigm. Furthermore, this approach is consistent with the adopted descriptive research design, which allowed the researcher to generalise the findings of the study to a greater audience. This study's population was comprised of second-year students registered for the Bachelor of Social Science programme offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This population was important to this study as it sought to uncover student perceptions based on their first-year experiences using electronic information resources. The study adopted probability sampling by specifically employing random sampling. The researcher randomly selected participants from the Howard College campus and Pietermaritzburg campus to make up the sample. The sample size was 310 randomly selected participants from both Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses. The sampled participants were surveyed using an online questionnaire made available via Google Forms. A staggering 295 students completed the survey, translating to an excellent 95% response rate. Descriptive data analysis was employed in line with the research paradigm underpinning this study and the research design as well as the approach adopted. The findings revealed that (78.6%) of respondents utilised electronic information resources offered by the library. Furthermore, (34.1%) of respondents considered electronic information resources ‘very much useful’. A notable (42.7%) of respondents indicated that they regarded electronic information resources as relatively easy to access. The findings also revealed that (34.1%) of respondents perceived electronic information resources as ‘relatively easy to use’. Some of the challenges cited by the respondents include internet connection, printing-related problems, staff not always available to help, uncertainty as to which database to use and password requirements. Recommendations based on the significant findings and conclusions were made, which involved the library's need to conduct targeted user education programmes. These programmes should address specific challenges that have been identified instead of having a blanket approach to training. Moreover, there should be strong communication channels for students to interact with library personnel when they encounter problems and need assistance, especially when they cannot be physically in the library. Suggestions for further research were also given.
The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela district, Bergville Circuit.
(2023) Mtshali, Noluthando Cynthia.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
The study aimed to explore the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in promoting reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit. The circuit currently has 110 schools, and only seven have functional libraries. The Circuit has one public library, which is in town. Studies on the reading culture have been done before, but studies have yet to be conducted within the Bergville Circuit. Most of the studies on this topic were conducted internationally, with a few in the African and South African contexts. The study was guided by an interpretivism paradigm and adopted a qualitative research method using a multiple case study design to collect data through in-depth interviews. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select teacher-librarians and principals from seven schools with functional school libraries. The researcher found that factors contributing to the poor reading culture of learners from uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, were: Access to the reading material, poor economic background, illiterate parents, educators’ workload, learners with special needs, and child-headed households. The role of school libraries and teacher-librarians in the promotion of reading culture at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit were: opening the library, organising the books on the shelves, assisting learners in choosing the reading material, providing learners access to books and information, identifying and help learners who are struggling with reading, encourage learners to read, managing and keeping library books safe, monitoring library monitors and creating reading corners and reading competitions. Based on the findings, the study recommends that school libraries should effectively create and sustain a strong reading culture in schools at uThukela District, Bergville Circuit, by ensuring the following: Proper library setup and infrastructure, ensuring learner’s favourite genres are stoked up, Curriculum Integration Plan by educators and school-librarians, attracting new readers and marketing the library, developing programs encouraging learners to read library material and read continuously, storytelling, book recommendation, book clubs, readers cup competitions, read aloud and speeches, getting all educators involved and having the SMT’s involvement in the promotion of the school library usage.
The use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus.
(2022) Letsoalo, Lethabo Mohlago Rogator.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
This ethnographic study investigates the use of electronic databases (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic by Information Studies postgraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg Campus. The motivation for this study stemmed from the researcher’s experience of the majority of students did not know how to use library’s electronic resources to retrieve information for their work. A few years later, with the COVID-19 pandemic involved, the researcher wanted to understand how the pandemic has affected postgraduate students. Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory underpinned the study. The main objectives of the study are to determine whether students are aware of the EDs offered by UKZN, if they received user education during the COVID-19 as well as the challenges experienced with regards to using and accessing EDs during the pandemic. The study used the post-positivism paradigm. The study population consisted of 51 registered postgraduate students. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire, and it was distributed to students via email with the assistance of the supervisor and school administrator. The questionnaire sought to establish if postgraduate students used and accessed EDs during COVID-19, which EDs they used most, to identify challenges they encountered, the training they received and if they were aware of the available EDs. Of 52 registered students, 32 responded, yielding a response rate of 63%. The results were analysed and graphically presented in tables and graphs. The study found that postgraduate students were aware of the available EDs, but few students did not use them because of a lack of training. The UKZN e-journals A-Z list was the most used EDs. The study also found that students want to receive more training because EDs are based on the use of technology, and technology evolves over time. Several problems were experienced when using the databases remotely, such as a need for training on using the databases and improving access for off-campus users. Based on the study’s conclusions, liaising with lecturers for a class visit to increase awareness of EDs and training that includes different techniques to accommodate all students were presented as recommendations.
The use of the Internet by first-year undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus.
(2022) Baganda, Bashimbe.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Olasina, Gbolahan.; Olasina, Gbolahan
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the Internet by first-year undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study sought to address the following questions: what do first-year students use the Internet for?; what are the most Internet sources first-year students use?; how often do first-year students use the Internet?; do first-year students have adequate skills to use the Internet?; what challenges are experienced while using the Internet? The study population comprised 880 College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science first-year students. The sample size of the population was 269 students from which 169 first-year undergraduate students responded, which gave a response rate of 69%. The researcher employed the quantitative approach where data were collected using the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. To ensure validity and reliability, a pre-test of the questionnaire was done using ten first-year students selected randomly from the College of law and Management at the UKZN, PMB campus. The study’ results showed that most first-year in the CAES students used the Internet for learning purposes such as searching for information related to academic work, doing their assignments, e-mailing lecturers on academic-related matters and finding information for their research work. The most relevant Internet services used were social networks, E-mail, Web, telnet, and FTP. Nevertheless, the most used Internet services were the Web, e-mail, and social networks. In addition, the study’s results showed that the majority of students used the Internet services daily. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the Internet. Such challenges included difficulty in locating information, inaccuracy of information, unreliability of source, network signals, and the viruses challenges. Based on the results recommendations included the upgrading of computers, software, and the Internet in all LANs for good Internet connection; the integration of ICT in all field of study at UKZNP, and the improvement of wireless connection around campus to improve connectivity.
The training of teacher librarians and the development of school libraries in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
Libraries are the important resources that knowledge production institutions such as schools must have in order to effectively realise their objectives. It is important to note that libraries are hubs of the learning environment; hence they need to be managed by skilled people who are well aware of their functions, purpose and role in terms of meeting the school’s vision, mission and goals. It was for this reason that institutions of higher learning such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offered the Advanced Certificate in Education in School Library Development and Management (ACESLD) as a specialist qualification for educators to enable them to acquire the necessary skills to develop and manage libraries in their respective schools. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) provided funding to support the training of qualified teacher librarians. However, there has been no comprehensive report on the success and failures of this initiative since its inception in 2004. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACESLD Programme through tracing the educators that have graduated from the Programme and determining the impact it has had on their work as teacher librarians as well as on the development and management of their school libraries. The objective of the study was to determine the influence that the ACESLD Programme has had on the development and management of school libraries in the KwaZulu- Natal (KZN) Province. The study adopted the postpositivist paradigm. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to investigate the problem, although the overall approach was more qualitative in nature. The postpositivist paradigm allows both methods to be used to collect data. Data was collected from teacher librarians, the Education Library Information Technology Services (ELITS) Director and the UKZN ACESLD Programme Coordinator. The study found that the ACESLD Programme had a major influence on the teacher librarians’ contribution to the development and maintenance of school libraries in the Province. Most of the teacher librarians contributed to the development of their school libraries and used the knowledge and skills gained from the ACESLD Programme. It was also found that ELITS had a much broader role to play given that their focus is not only the provision of access to functional school libraries but also necessitates that they provide library-related professional development and support for targeted schools within the Province. The study recommends that the Directorate must compile a report on the progress ELITS has made regarding the school library development in the Province. It was further recommended that ELITS conduct extensive monitoring and evaluation to determine if the teacher librarians are maintaining the school libraries, given that they were provided with the initial resources to develop school libraries.
The use of the internet by grade 11 learners from selected schools in the Sekhukhune district, Makhuduthamaga local municipality in Limpopo Province.
(2015) Matlala, Mpubane Emanuel.; Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.
ICTs are rapidly changing the ways of exchanging and receiving information and provide positive ways of learning and teaching. The sensational growth of internet usage is moving fast and has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. For learners, the usage of the internet is a crucial tool for educational progression. The study is based on internet usage at seven high schools in Limpopo, undertaken to obtain learners’ views regarding their use of the internet, their reasons for using the internet and the impact of internet use on educational activities. The study wanted to find out what learners used the internet for; what internet services were found to be most useful and relevant to learners and how often learners used the internet. The study further investigated whether learners had the necessary skills to utilize the internet and also identified challenges that learners experienced when using the internet. Conclusions were then drawn and a set of recommendations were provided based on the findings of the study. The sample was drawn from schools in Makhuduthamaga where 264 learners were surveyed and results were analysed using SPSS. In the assessment process, frequency and percentage graphs were drawn to summarize the results. It can be noted that the use of the internet amongst these grade 11 learners was popular and they pointed out that the internet is a source of all information for them, that is convenient and reachable. The majority of the learners, 205 (78%) used the internet for learning purposes and it was discovered from the results that the internet services used by learners were mainly social networks, 151 (57.2%), followed by Google 216 (82%) and 25 (9.4%) respondents used email. The majority of the respondents 150 (56.8%) had problems with the cost of the internet. The most common problems of all were the slow speed of the internet and network problems. Recommendations included the need for the South African government to better fund the public secondary schools in order to provide quality education. Provision of more funds by the Department of Education will assist in providing resources needed such as internet connectivity and better facilities (such as school library) in the schools. Internet access will enable learners to access online information sources for educational purposes since most learners use their smart-phones to access the internet in the absence of school library, public library and information centre in their community.
Use of the internet by undergraduate third-year students of the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2010) Kheswa, Siyanda Edison.; Hoskins, Ruth Geraldine Melonie.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the internet by the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study tried to establish how often students used the internet; what did students use the internet for; what internet services did students use the most and why were those services used. Furthermore, the study investigated what information services were relevant and important for students; whether students had the necessary skills to use the internet and what problems they experienced while using the internet. Conclusions were drawn and a set of recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. The study population comprised 330 Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students. A total number of 254 undergraduate third year students responded, which gave a very good response rate of 77%. The researcher employed a triangulation approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. For quantitative data collection the researcher used a questionnaire. An interview schedule to obtain qualitative data from the Director of Information Communication and Technology was used. The data from the interview was used to support the data from the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. To maintain validity and reliability the questionnaire was pre-tested to non Faculty of HDSS undergraduate students at the UKZNP. The findings of the study showed that a majority of HDSS undergraduate third year students at UKZNP used the internet on campus with less than half of them also using the internet off campus. The most relevant and important internet services for third year students were e-mail, Web and telnet. However, the most used internet services by third year students were the Web, e-mail, social networks and telnet. A majority of students used GroupWise e-mail even though they had other e-mail accounts. In addition, a majority of students used FaceBook and students preferred Google more than other search engines. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the internet. Such challenges included a limited number of computers in the LANs, slow internet connections, restricted access to certain sites and a lack of training on how to use the internet on campus.