Information searching habits of Internet users: A users’ study of Banaras Hindu University

Nazim, Mohammad and Saraf, Sanjiv Information searching habits of Internet users: A users’ study of Banaras Hindu University. Annals of Library and Information Studies, 2006, vol. 53, n. 4, pp. 213-218. [Journal article (Paginated)]

WarningThere is a more recent version of this item available.
[img] Microsoft Word
Paper247Nazim.doc

Download (227kB)

English abstract

Reports the results of a survey conducted at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to determine the extent to which Internet users are aware and make use of the Internet. Efforts are on to find the information searching habits of Internet users. Data were collected using a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with the Internet users of three institutes and six faculties. Results show that all respondents are using Internet because of quality information they got through the Internet. Majority of respondents use Internet for research work because the university library has provided access to a large number of databases and online journals. Fifty percent of respondents search information through the search engines, whereas thirty-five percent prefer to go through the specific website/URL. Google and Altavista are more widely used search engines compared to others due to their wide coverage and user-friendly interface. About seventy percent of respondents prefer to take print out before making use of Internet material as compared to those who prefer online or CD. Thirty-five percent of respondents believe that Internet is most useful because they find good information all the time. It has also been observed that slow speed, high Internet charges, lack of training and lack of organized information are some of the factors that affect the use of Internet. Present recommendations to improve the use of Internet, including a well planned Internet literacy program and preparation of subject gateways.

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: Internet searching, Banaras Hindu University
Subjects: L. Information technology and library technology > LC. Internet, including WWW.
Depositing user: Dr. Mohammad Nazim
Date deposited: 26 Dec 2007
Last modified: 02 Oct 2014 12:10
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/10934

Available Versions of this Item

References

Chowdhury, G G and Chowdhury, S C. Introduction to digital libraries. London, Facet Publishing, 2003.

Nazim, M and Chowdhary, A H. Services using Internet and Intranet technology. 49th All India Library Association Conference 2004: Responding to Users’ Need in Changing Information Landscape from Palm-leaf to Palmtop, 29 December 2003 to 01 January 2004, Jhansi: Bundelkhand University.

Asemi, A. Information searching habits of Internet users: A case study on the Medical Sciences University of Isfahan, Iran. Webology, 2, 1; 2005; Article 10. Available at:http://www.webology.ir/2005/v2n1/a10.html

Spink, A. Et al. Searching the Web: a survey of EXCITE users. Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy. 9( 2); 1999..

http://202.107.14/bhulibrary/history.htm

Know your Library: BHU library and its information resources. Central Library. BHU, Baranasi.2005.

Bnaras Hindu University. Annual report, 2000-01.

Singh, D. The use of Internet among Malaysian librarians. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Sciences, 3 (2); 1998; 1-10.

Becker, H J. Internet use by teachers. Available at: http://www. crito.uci.edu/ TLC/findings/ Internet-Use/ startpage.html

Voorbiji, H. Searching for scientific information on the Internet: A Dutch academic user survey. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 50 (7); 1999; 598-615.

Bavakutty, M. and Salih Muhamad, T K. Internet services in Calicut University. National Convention Academic Libraries in the Internet Era. Organized by INFLIBNET, 18-20 February 1999.

Mahajan, S G and Patil, S K. Internet: Its use in university libraries in India. National Convention Academic Libraries in the Internet Era. Organized by INFLIBNET, 18-20 February 1999.

Naushad Ali, P M. Internet and its use in Aligarh Muslim University: A survey. Conference on Information Services in a Networked Environment in India. Organized by INFLIBNET, 18-20 December 2000,

Laite, B. Internet use survey: analysis. Available at: http:// www. ship.edu/~bhl/ survey/

Chandran, D. Use of Internet resources and services in S. V. University, Tirupathi environment. Conference on Information Services in a Networked Environment in India. Organized by INFLIBNET, 18-20 December 2000.

Kaur, A. Internet facility at GNDU: A survey. National Seminar on Academic Libraries in the Modern Era, Organized by IASLIC, 4-6 December 2000..

Kalichman, S C. Et al. Internet access and Internet use for health information among people living with HIV-AIDS. Patient Education and Counseling, 46 (2); 2002; 109-116.

Spink, A and Jansen, B. A study of Web search trends. Webology, 1, 2; 2004; Article 4. Available at: http://www.webology.ir/2004/v1n2/a4.html

Akporido, C E. Internet use in a Nigerian suburban setting. Electronic Library. 23( 3); 2005; 302-310.

Badu, Edwin Ellis. Internet Awareness and Use in the University of Ghana. Information Development. 21(4); 2005.

Igun, Stella E. Users and Internet Skills: A Report from Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Electronic Journal of Academic & Special Librarianship.6, 3; ; 2005; 5-15.

Asemi, A. Information searching habits of Internet users: A case study on the Medical Sciences University of Isfahan, Iran. Webology, 2, 1; 2005; Article 10. Available at:http:// www.webology. ir/2005/v2n1/ a10.html

Mahajan, Preeti1. Internet Use by Researchers: a Study of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Library Philosophy & Practice.8(2); 2005.

Adams, J A and Bonk, S C. Electronic information technologies and resources: use by university faculty and faculty preferences for related library services. College & Research Libraries. 56(2); 1995.

Ghikas, M W. Collection development for the 21st century. Journal of Library Administration.11 (1/2). 1989.


Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item