COGNITION OF INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF SCIENTISTS OF ICAR REGIONAL CENTRES OF NORTHEAST INDIA: AN OUTLOOK

摘要

Purpose – The main purpose of the paper is to find out information seeking behaviour of the agricultural scientists working in the regional centres under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani, Meghalaya. Based on the results of the study, this paper will seek to identify the information needs, information seeking behaviour and also different types of constrains while accessing information by scientists of agriculture field. Design/Methodology/Approach – A well designed questionnaire was distributed amongst the scientists as a data collection tool along with observations and informal interviews. Overall 79 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 56 questionnaires received back with response rate of (71%). First, they were asked to state their library visit pattern, next purpose of library visit, methods of seeking information and problems while accessing information from the library. Findings – The study revealed that scientists used to visit not very often to their centre libraries. They mostly visit the library for consulting reference sources and certain extent for getting books issued and returned. It is also discovered that they seek information generally from other sources including their personnel collection and discussing with experts in their field and to some extent discussing with their colleagues outside the organisation. They were not satisfied with their library collections which are not adequate at all and it is also found that while seeking information they have to face different types of difficulties like lack of reading materials, non-cooperation from library staff etc. in their respective institutes. The study findings emphasized the needs to continue accessing and understanding their specific needs to find innovative solutions to gratify the agricultural community. Originality/value – This study sincerely explores the information-seeking behaviour of scientists in agriculture regional centres under ICAR in northeast region. It also ascertains the realistic situation and the outcome which can be used for redesign the libraries including its sources and services to please the users in the agricultural field.