It is a paper that examines the way Generation Z students, between the age of 18 to 28 years, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, search information in the real and digital environment. We used a mixed-method design to interview college and university students; to conduct qualitative interviews with librarians and students.

Findings suggest that Gen Z has become an exceedingly digital native generation: more than 90% of the respondents use online search engines and social media to obtain information on a daily basis, and most of this generation still attaches importance to physical libraries as a source of academic work and trustworthy sources of information. It is important to note that 54% had taken a visit to a library within the last one year and hardcopy books were still preferred as a source of serious reading.

The analysis of data indicates a phenomenon of a fused space: students dynamically combine virtual and physical sources based on the task requirements. We address these results based on the previous study and conclude that the digital and traditional channels have a complementary role. It is recommended to boost digital services and library interfaces that meet the needs of Gen Z; these findings can help inform policy-makers and educators about the ways to help young adults in Bangladesh to access information and become more literate.

Keywords: Generation Z, Information Seeking Behavior, library use, information literacy, comparative study.

Published In: IJFMR Vol. 7, Issue 6
Date: 2025-12-28

Target Age
18 - 28 Years

Daily Digital Use
> 90%

Library Visit (1yr)
54%

Research Method
Mixed-Method