Changing Trends in Information-Seeking Behavior: A Review

Abstract

In this article, an attempt has been made to highlight various studies about the information-seeking behavior and its related components at different institutions globally. An extensive literature survey was carried out to attain the purpose of the study. Various research articles, books and websites were consulted to give more authenticity to the work. Besides, subject experts, teachers and researchers have been consulted to seek the guidance for the work. Study divulges that information-seeking behavior of users varies from country to country and is influenced by different factors. Significant factors influencing students’ information-seeking behavior were found to be related to library awareness, information literacy, organizational and environmental issues, source characteristics, and demographics. Users consult variety of information sources to satisfy their information needs. Information needs are satisfied only when an information seeker has the skill of searching precise and relevant information. Educating the users about searching the accurate information and fulfilling their needs is possible only when Information literacy programs are applied in every institution. The paper finds great implications in this regard. The work can be highly obliging to the researchers and professionals to study information literacy and information-seeking behavior in depth. Further, it will be also accessed to know the current status of information-seeking behavior globally.