They Seek, but Do They Find? Investigating the Financial Information-Seeking Behavior of College Students

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a survey administered to a large academic university student population, assessing students’ self-reported motivations, difficulties, and methods used in finding and using financial information. Results discussed include information types and sources students consult for financial information. The survey also explored students’ perceptions of the relative ease of finding financial information and the degree of success students had in finding appropriate information. These results are relevant for librarians who support financial literacy through collection development or one-on-one patron support, or who are involved in developing financial literacy programs for libraries.