Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior of Geo Scientist in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Information need has become foremost among human needs. Due to this significance of information, it has become a necessity to the officials in the field of Library Information Science, to have a better understanding about the information needs of their clientele. The main objective of this research is to identify the information need and information seeking behavior patterns of geo scientists of Sri Lanka. This research was conducted following the judgmental sampling method, with the participation of 128 members of the Geological Association of Sri Lanka. Information was collected by means of questionnaires and observations. The level of response received for the questionnaires was at 46.9% and the responses were subjected to a statistical analysis by SPSS PC 2010. The behavioral patterns of the geologist were identified through Classification and Regression Trees Analysis (CART) based on different variables while comparing the scientific information obtained from the targeted group. The research revealed that geologists have a special tendency in depending on electronic sources to extract the information and the use of scientific periodicals, seminars and workshops. It clearly showed a very low usage of libraries to get access to information. According to the outcomes of this research, geologists were facing difficulties when they are seeking information due to following reasons, such as incomplete information, information not being updated properly, lack of high speed internet facilities, higher rates charged for online access and inability to browse information etc. These factor had an adverse effect on their research articles and its impact was detected clearly through the analysis as well. According to the above findings, geologists are not satisfied with the services provided by the libraries and information resource centers. Therefore, the officers who provide information should be prepared and well equipped with necessary information in order to provide a qualitative service to the core readership in the future without a delay.