Comparative analysis of academic scientists, social scientists and humanists' scholarly information seeking habits

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate academic scientists, social scientists and humanists' scholarly use of information sources, self-reported digital literacy skills, use patterns of e-journals and differences in scholarly information seeking habits of academics at the University of the Punjab. The design of the study was quantitative, and survey method was employed to achieve objectives of the study. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 841 regular and contractual academics. The findings of the study showed that e-journals, discussion with colleagues and e-reports were frequently used by scientists and social scientists and occasionally used by humanists. Scientists and social scientists exhibited good digital literacy skills as compared to academic humanists. Significant variations were found among respondents of three disciplines in their digital literacy skills, scholarly use of information sources and use patterns of e-journals. The findings of the study provide insights into university librarians to plan training programs keeping in view disciplinary differences of academics e-journals use and their self-reported digital literacy skills.