Information needs and information-seeking behaviour of maritime students: a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method Constantinos Chlomoudis Department of Maritime Studies, School of Maritime and Industrial Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece Anastasia Konstantinou and Petros Kostagiolas Department of Archives, Library Science and Museology, Faculty of Information Science and Informatics, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece, and Petros Pallis Department of Maritime Studies, School of Maritime and Industrial Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece Abstract Purpose – Digital information seeking behavior incorporates the effective information seeking, retrieving and using in maritime studies. Moreover, digital information literacy skills support the employment of digital tools and information databases for decision making and for performing specific tasks online. The main aim of this paper is to explore the relevant research for the information needs and information seeking behaviour of maritime students. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review over scholarly publications in English language over the last decade was performed through PRISMA method. Findings – The systematic literature review resulted to 22 related publications that are consistent with the criteria of the systematic literature review. These publications are analysed and discussed. The need for further research in the area of information seeking behaviour of students of maritime studies as well as of digital information literacy is exposed. Originality/value – This work explores the behavioural patterns surrounding the central role of information for maritime students as well as for decision-making in the maritime sector. Digital information literacy competencies are discussed in order to be included in the curricula of maritime studies. Keywords Maritime information, Maritime students, Information seeking behavior, Information needs, Information resources, Systematic review, PRISMA method Paper type Research paper 1. Introduction Maritime transport is a key sector in the global economy and is profoundly based on the information interchange between different actors. At the same time, it is considered to be the backbone of international trade (Broeze, 2005). Rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) are changing the operation and the management of freight and passenger transport companies. For example, trustworthy information in maritime transport is significantly influencing risk-assessment as well as safety and quality management (Chlomoudis et al., 2012; Kostagiolas and Chlomoudis, 2011). According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), this has emerged over the past decade with a view to developing efficient and effective approaches for custom-made data and information generation and exchange in a digitized multi-disciplinary and Digital information seeking behavior The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/0143-5124.htm Received 29 November 2021 Revised 3 March 2022 Accepted 14 March 2022 Library Management © Emerald Publishing Limited 0143-5124 DOI 10.1108/LM-11-2021-0105