Abstract
Introduction. This paper reports on a qualitative study investigating the information seeking behaviour of first-generation students enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Humanities' Mastering Academic and Professional Skills programme. The purpose is to determine the way in which their socioeconomic situations influenced their ability to solve information problems. The target population come from low-income families with low social and cultural capacity in their home environment. Method. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was followed. A purposive convenience sample was drawn from the target population. A total of 17 students participated in the study. Analysis. Qualitative data analysis procedures were used with inductive reasoning as an open-ended approach. The data were collected using interviews with an open-and close-ended interview schedule. Results. Both contextual (environmental) and personal experiences influence the information seeking behaviour of first-generation students. Information literacy as an intervention served as a catalyst to change the students' information seeking behaviour. Conclusions. An understanding of first-generation students' information seeking behaviour can provide insights for librarians on the way in which to meet these students' information needs.