International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.9(2) Apr-Jun, 2019 ISSN: 2231-4911

Comparative Analysis of Information Seeking Behaviour of Research Scholars of Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ballary

M. C. Gudimani Research Scholar Dept. of Library and Information Karnatak University Dharwad, Karnataka

Dr. C. Krishnamurthy Professor Dept. of Library & Information Science Karnatak Universuty Dharwad, Karnataka

Abstract - The present study investigates the information need and seeking behaviour of the research scholars of the Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary. The purpose of the study was to determine about the information requirements and awareness of library services available to them. A survey method was used and conducted on a sample of 120 Research Scholars of both the Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary. A well structured questionnaire was distributed among the research-scholars of both the Universities for data collections. Descriptive statistical measures such as percentages and frequency distribution were employed for data analysis. The findings of the survey reveal useful facts about the Information Seeking Behaviour of the research scholars. It was found that the Information Seeking is an indispensable part of Research Scholars. Majority of the research scholars are satisfied with the sources, services and collections, and behaviour of Library staff of the University Library while some are not so much satisfied however the overall results indicate that most of the respondents are satisfied.

Keywords: Inormation, Information need, Information seeking behavior, ISB, Kannada University, Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University.

1. Introduction

The present era is an era of information & knowledge revolution, where information is considered as a key issue. Hence, every individual use information which makes them evolve as part of the globalization process (Marchionini, 1995) and it is being used by every individuals of all society in order to resolve the problems, uncertainties and chaotic situations in their life. In the Modern world, everyone needs different kind of information to keep up with the recent developments (Demet Soylu, et al (2016). This complex situation appears to be ambiguous in nature and information needs of a particular group of users and information flow from a specific situation are difficult to determine. Again the use of information is so complex that a system cannot cope up with the task of effective retrieval without assessing specific needs of the users. This situation has given rise to the concept of information searching and manner determining the pattern of searching (Priyanka N. & Shamim A.M, 2014).

The information seeking behavior is influenced by various factors, for instance, knowledge about the information, use of information product, accessibility to information, status and

UGC Approved/Jr.No.64344 --- http://www.ijlis.org 164 | P a g e International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.9(2) Apr-Jun, 2019 ISSN: 2231-4911 relation with people etc. The behavior includes a number of components like attitude, approach, activity, information gathering, pattern of seeking information and psychological temperament etc (Lone Showket Ahmad, et al., 2017).

2. Statement of the Problem

Research scholars adopt different behaviours for accessing information relevant to their field of investigation. The present study is a comparative analysis of information seeking behaviour among Research Scholars of Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary

3. Significance of the Study

According to Agbonlahor (2005) a number of factors such as ease of use of system and users’ beliefs, perceptions and training, have been cited as contributing to user acceptance and effective usage of a computer based information systems. It therefore becomes important that adequate knowledge about the information needs and seeking behaviour of this users’ group is vital for developing library collections, services and facilities to meet their information needs effectively, therefore this study intends to ascertain the diverse needs and behavior of the respondents in seeking information.

4. Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of the present study confines to information requirements the research scholars of Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary. Information seeking behaviour is defined to include aspects like motives and purpose of information of seeking, the natural type of information sought, and the mode and means to access, search, identification and information use from their own as well as other libraries.

5. Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the present study are as under; 1. To know the frequency of visit to the library by the research scholars 2. To know the purpose of visiting the library. 3. To ascertain the sources used in order to fulfill the information requirements of research scholars 4. To know the awareness of research scholars regarding services provided by a library. 5. To identify the information searching methods adopted while searching for information in the library. 6. To identify the problems while seeking information 7. 6. Methodology

A questionnaire based survey method was adopted to collect the data on the information seeking behavior of the research scholars of Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary. The questionnaires were distributed among 86 respondents, out of them 77 filled questionnaires were received back from the respondents. Data collected thus was analyzed and the result is obtained.

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7. Data Analysis and Interpretation

7.1 Distribution of the Questionnaires A total of 86 questionnaires were distributed among the research scholars of the two Universities. Of which, 77 filled in questionnaires were received back constituting of response rate of 90.59%. The Table-1 exhibits that 42 (93.33%) questionnaires received from the research scholars of the Kannada University Hampi (KUH) and 35 (77.78%) questionnaires received from the research scholars of the Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary (VSKU).

Table-1: Distribution of the Questionnaires University Distributed Received Kannada University Hampi (KUH) 45 42 (93.33%) Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya 41 35 (77.78%) University, Bellary (VSKU) TOTAL 86 77 (90.59%)

7.2 Gender Wise Distribution of Respondent

The table-2 depicts that, out of the total 77 respondents, majority i.e. 51 (66.23%) are male and rest, 26 (33.77%) are female respondents. It can be concluded that male respondents constitute more in number than female respondents.

Table-2: Gender Wise Distribution of Respondent Gender University Total Male Female KUH 27 64.29%) 15 35.71%) 42 VSKU 24 (68.57%) 11 (31.43%) 35 TOTAL 51 (66.23%) 26 (33.77%) 77

7.3 Frequency of Visit to the Library

Respondents were asked how often they visit the library of total respondents , majority i.e. 15 (35.71%) respondents of the KUH and 18 (51.43%) of VSKU visit the library twice a week. This is followed by 10 (23.81%) and 06 (17.14%) respondents of KUH and VSKU who visit the library once a week respectively. Table-3: Frequency of Visit to the Library Visit the Library KUH VSKU Daily 07 (16.67%) 04(11.43%) Twice a week 15 (35.71%) 18(51.43%) Once a week 10 (23.81%) 06(17.14%) Once a fortnight 06 (14.29%) 04(11.43%) Once a month 03 (7.14%) 03(8.57%) Occasionally 01 (2.38%) 00 Not at all 00 00 TOTAL 42 35

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7.4 Time Spent in the Library

The analysis of data in the following table-4 depicts that 19 (45.24%) respondents of KUH and 21 (60.00%) respondents of VSKU prefer to spend 1-2 hours in the library. around 12 (28.57%) and 09 (25.71%) respondents of KUH and VSKU spend their time from 3-4 hours respectively. As many as 07 (16.67%) respondents of KUH and 05 (14.29%) respondents of VSKU spare time 5-6 hours in library.

Table-4: Time Spent in the Library Time Spent KUH VSKU 21 1-2 Hours 19 (45.24%) (60.00%) 3-4 Hours 12 (28.57%) 09 (25.71%) 5-6 Hours 07 (16.67%) 05 (14.29%) More than 6 Hours 04 (9.52%) 00 TOTAL 42 35

7.5 Purpose of Seeking Information

Respondents were asked for what purpose they are seeking information. It is found that majority i.e.37 (88.10 %) respondents of the KUH and 28 (80.00%) of the VSKU sought information for working on a book/ research report, about 30 (71.43%) and 23 (65.71%) respondents of the KUH and VSKU sought information for writing articles/ review of literature respectively. As many as 24 (57.14%) respondents of the KUH and 19 (54.29%) of VSKU respondents needed for Keeping abreast with the latest developments in their field.

Table-5: Purpose of Seeking Information KUH VSKU Purpose (N=42) (N=35) Working on a Book/ Research Report 37 (88.10%) 28 (80.00%) Writing Articles/ Review of Literature 30 (71.43%) 23 (65.71%) Keeping abreast with the latest developments in 24 (57.14%) 19 (54.29%) my field 12 Teaching 14 (33.33%) (34.29%)

7.6 Preference of using Information.

The below graph-1shows that majority i.e.39 (92.86%) & 31 (88.57%) respondents of KUH and VSKU respectively are using the Information from the central library of the University. As many as 20 (47.62%) respondents of KUH and 19 (54.29%) respondents of VSKU use the information from home.

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39 40 35 31 30 25 20 19 20 KUH 13 15 VSKU 7 10 5 0 At Home Departmental Central Library of Library the University

Graph-1: Preference of using Information

7.7 Method used for seeking help

The respondents under the scope of present study use different methods for seeking help as shown in graph-2. The graph shows that majority i.e. 34 (80.95%) respondents of the KUH seek help from reference librarian, whereas 26 (74.29%) respondents of the VSKU seek help from research guide for getting their required information.

34 35 32 29 30 26

25 21 17 20 KUH 15 VSKU 10

5

0 Reference Friend/Colleague Research Guide Librarian

Graph-2: Method used for seeking help

7.8 Tools used for keeping abreast of current developments

The respondents were asked to indicate number of tools for staying abreast of current developments. The table-6 exhibits that different tool which the respondents depend on. The table indicates that there are various respondents i.e. 32 (76.19%) and 21 (60.00%) of KUH and VSKU respectively who always depend on services provided by library to keep themselves abreast. While 15 (35.71%) respondents of KUH and 17 (48.57%) respondents of

UGC Approved/Jr.No.64344 --- http://www.ijlis.org 168 | P a g e International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.9(2) Apr-Jun, 2019 ISSN: 2231-4911

VSKU keep themselves abreast by Scanning of current issues of print/online journals, followed by personal communication and E-mail Alerts.

Table-6: Tools used for keeping abreast of current developments KUH VSKU Purpose (N=42) (N=35) E-mail alert 12 (28.57%) 09 (25.71%) Scanning of current issues of print/online journals 15 (35.71%) 17 (48.57%) Services provided by library 32 (76.19%) 21 (60.00%) 14 Personal Communication 13 (30.95%) (40.00%)

7.9 Source preferred for seeking required information

The following table-7 reveals that majority of the respondents of VSKU i.e. 39 (92.86%) and 28(80%) respondents of KUH always prefer print sources for seeking their required information. Whereas 13 (30.95%) respondents of KUH and 09 (25.71%) respondents of VSKU opined that they never use e-resources.

Table-7: Source preferred for seeking required information Resources Always Often Usually Sometimes Never Total 03 07 08 13 11 KUH 45 E- (7.14%) (16.67%) (19.05%) (30.95%) (26.19%) Resources 03 04 07 12 09 VSKU 32 (8.57%) (11.43%) (20.00%) (34.29%) (25.71%) 39 03 KUH 00 00 00 45 Print (92.86%) (7.14%) Resources 28 06 01 VSKU 00 00 32 (80.00%) (17.14%) (2.86%)

7.10 Types of Information Resources Used in Research

It is evident from the table-8 that majority of the respondents i.e. 34 (80.95%) & 25 (71.43%) of KUH and VSKU respectively use books as a major information source in research while a least number of respondents use books on usual basis in research. It is also found that a major portion of research scholars i.e. 20 (47.62%) from KUH & 18 (51.43%) from VSKU usually use journals as an information source in research. Table-8 shows that a greater part i.e. 16 (38.10%) respondents of KUH and 09 (25.71%) respondents of VSKU use conference proceedings on usual basis.

Table-8: Types of Information Resources Used in Research Information Resources Always Often Usually Sometimes Never 34 06 04 KUH 01 (2.38%) 00 (80.95%) (14.29%) (9.52%) Books 25 04 03 VSKU 00 00 (71.43%) (11.43%) (8.57%) 09 13 20 Journals KUH 03 (7.14%) 00 (21.43%) (30.95%) (47.62%)

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04 09 18 VSKU 01 (2.86%) 00 (11.43%) (25.71%) (51.43%) 03 10 16 12 04 KUH Conference (7.14%) (23.81%) (38.10%) (28.57%) (9.52%) Proceedings 02 06 09 09 06 VSKU (5.71%) (17.14%) (25.71%) (25.71%) (17.14%) 13 17 08 06 01 KUH Thesis and (30.95%) (40.48%) (19.05%) (14.29%) (2.38%) Dissertations 04 10 09 07 VSKU 02 (5.71%) (11.43%) (28.57%) (25.71%) (20.00%) 02 08 08 15 12 KUH E-Books and (4.76%) (19.05%) (19.05%) (35.71%) (28.57%) E-Journals 02 04 05 10 11 VSKU (5.71%) (11.43%) (14.29%) (28.57%) (31.43%) 08 11 09 13 04 KUH (19.05%) (26.19%) (21.43%) (30.95%) (9.52%) Internet 04 10 12 04 02 VSKU (11.43%) (28.57%) (34.29%) (11.43%) (5.71%)

7.11 Problems Faced In Seeking the Information

Table reveals the problems faced by the respondents in seeking information. Majority of the respondents of KUH i.e. 17(40.48%) disagree with the statement required that the material is not available, whereas 11 (31.43%) respondents of VSKU agree with the same statement. As many as 14 (33.33%) and 12 (34.29%) respondents of KUH and VSKU respectively agree with the statement information is scattered in too many sources, followed by 13 (30.95%) respondents of KUH and 13 (37.14%) of VSKU agree with the statement latest information sources are not available. Table-9: Problems Faced In Seeking the Information Strongly Strongly Problems Agree Not Sure Disagree Agree Disagree 09 13 17 KUH 02 (4.76%) 04 (9.52%) Required material (21.43%) (30.95%) (40.48%) is not available 11 09 06 02 VSKU 04 (11.43%) (31.43%) (25.71%) (17.14%) (5.71%) 14 12 11 04 Information is KUH 04 (9.52%) (33.33%) (28.57%) (26.19%) (9.52%) scattered in too 12 09 04 02 many sources VSKU 05 (14.29%) (34.29%) (25.71%) (11.43%) (5.71%) Latest 13 13 09 KUH 05 (11.90%) 05 (11.90%) information (30.95%) (30.95%) (21.43%) sources are not 13 09 03 03 VSKU 04 (11.43%) available (37.14%) (25.71%) (8.57%) (8.57%) 12 14 10 Information KUH 00 09 (21.43%) (28.57%) (33.33%) (23.81%) sources are very 10 16 04 expensive VSKU 02 (5.71%) 00 (28.57%) (45.71%) (11.43%) 17 08 05 KUH 09 (21.43%) 06 (14.29%) Lack of time for (40.48%) (19.05%) (11.90%) searching 20 04 01 VSKU 07 (20.00%) 00 (57.14%) (11.43%) (2.86%)

UGC Approved/Jr.No.64344 --- http://www.ijlis.org 170 | P a g e International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.9(2) Apr-Jun, 2019 ISSN: 2231-4911

8. Major Findings

The data collected and its analysis resulted in the identification of different information seeking behavior of research scholars which is based on interpretation of the data on “Comparative analysis of information seeking behaviour of research scholars of Kannada University Hampi and Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary”. The findings are listed below:

 Majority i.e. 15 (35.71%) respondents of the KUH and 18 (51.43%) of VSKU visit the library twice a week.  19 (45.24%) respondents of KUH and 21 (60.00%) respondents of VSKU prefer to spend 1-2 hours in the library.  Majority i.e.37 (88.10 %) respondents of the KUH and 28 (80.00%) of the VSKU sought information for working on a research report/books.  Majority i.e.39 (92.86%) & 31 (88.57%) respondents of KUH and VSKU respectively use using the Information from central library of the University.  Majority i.e. 34 (80.95%) respondents of the KUH seek help from reference librarian, whereas 26 (74.29%) respondents of the VSKU seek help from research guide in getting their relevant information.  Majority of the respondents i.e. 32 (76.19%) and 21 (60.00%) of KUH and VSKU respectively always depend on services provided by library to keep themselves abreast.  Majority of the respondents of VSKU i.e. 39 (92.86%) and 28(80%) respondents of KUH always prefer print sources for seeking their required information.  Majority of the respondents i.e. 34 (80.95%) & 25 (71.43%) of KUH and VSKU respectively use books as a major information source in research while a least number of respondents use books on usual basis in research.  Majority of the respondents of KUH i.e. 17(40.48%) disagree with the statement required material is not available,  As many as 14 (33.33%) and 12 (34.29%) respondents of KUH and VSKU respectively agree with the statement information is scattered in too many sources,  13 (30.95%) respondents of KUH and 13 (37.14%) of VSKU agree with the statement that the latest information sources are not available.

9. Conclusion

The expanding volume of information resources has led to changes in student, researcher and Faculty members information needs and seeking behavior, calling for the attention of university librarians and information providers. For the information needs of the library users to be meet, the right resources and sources should be made available to them and proper means of access should be taken care of in the information provision strategies. It is imperative that the provision of computers with effective internet access should be the nucleus of the strategies for improving access. Therefore, a well articulated and sustained effort is required to provide the needed facilities in university library to provide access to its resources. Information seeking is a complex process and, as a result, the role of librarians is correspondingly more complex and more demanding to facilitate the information seeking process.

UGC Approved/Jr.No.64344 --- http://www.ijlis.org 171 | P a g e International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.9(2) Apr-Jun, 2019 ISSN: 2231-4911

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