Research on Information Science and Public Libraries

Appropriate Information Seeking Behavior in Web for Higher Education Students of Razi University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

zohreh Parvini
Ali Jalali Dizji

Allameh Tabatabaei University

Abstract
Purpose: This research was conducted with the aim of determining the information seeking behavior in web for higher education students of Razi University (Kermanshah).
Methodology: In the quantitative and qualitative parts of the research, survey methodology and Grounded Theory were followed, respectively. In the first part, data analysis was performed using SPSS 11 for the survey, while in the qualitative phase it was conducted by Grounded Theory as proposed by Meho and Tibbo pattern.
Findings: Concerning the familiarity of university students with searching methods and tools as well as types of web resources, and information seeking behavior of students of different fields at levels of information search, retrieval, and processing, the present study obtained significant results. Also, data resulted from Lown test showed that the level of information seeking behavior among engineering students is high, whereas it is low among students of agriculture and human sciences departments. In the qualitative part, the results indicate that appropriate information seeking for students comprises eight steps: the three steps of starting, pursuing, and reviewing are at search level; the two steps of filtering and updating are at retrieval level; and the three steps of information filing, archiving, and organizing are at processing level.
Originality/Value: Based upon studies of this kind, it is possible to predict the information needs of users and facilitate the main ways through which the users access the information resources, and also to help the users to gain their necessary information with less time loss and higher efficiency.

Keywords

Information seeking behavior
Razi University
Grounded Theory
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Research on Information Science and Public Libraries
Volume 17, Issue 3
Autumn 2011
Pages 403-426

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