Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour : Library and Information Science Research

Contents: Acknowledgements. List of abbreviations. I. Theoretical background: 1. Introduction. 2. Review of literature. 3. Information needs and use pattern. II. Data analysis: 4. Descriptive analysis and interpretation of data. 5. Summary, findings, conclusion and suggestions. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.

"This book is broadly divided into two parts. The first part deals with the theoretical background for the work and the second part with the data analysis. In a library or information center environment the users are the last link or the recipients of the information in the communication cycle. There are a number of terms used as synonyms or near synonyms to user such as patron, client, member, customer etc. The user is an important component in an information system. Needs of the users vary with the kind of users. The user\'s needs are to be satisfied at the earliest possible time. However, most of the users cannot express their needs properly and clearly. It is the job of the information specialist to make the user comfortable and then elicit his needs by putting a series of questions. As the work of progresses and time passes, user needs also change. The study aims to make aware of the collection and services, simultaneously the study projects the effectiveness of sources and services, and focuses the skill of using electronic sources available in the library. The study attempts to highlight the adequacy of the collection and services with the research needs of the colleges/university library and effective channels through which information is accessed." (jacket)