Information needs and information seeking in a biomedical research setting: a study of scientists and science administrators

Suzanne F Grefsheim,Jocelyn A Rankin

doi:10.3163/1536-5050.95.4.426

Suzanne F Grefsheim, Jocelyn A Rankin

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3163/1536-5050.95.4.426

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Abstract

An information needs study of clinical specialists and biomedical researchers was conducted at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to inform library services and contribute to a broader understanding of information use in academic and research settings. A random stratified sample by job category of 500 NIH scientists was surveyed by telephone by an independent consultant using a standardized information industry instrument, augmented with locally developed questions. Results were analyzed for statistical significance using t- tests and chi square. Findings were compared with published studies and an aggregated dataset of information users in business, government, and health care from Outsell. The study results highlighted similarities and differences with other studies and the industry standard, providing insights into user preferences, including new technologies. NIH scientists overwhelmingly used the NIH Library (424/500), began their searches at the library's Website rather than Google (P = or< 0.001), were likely to seek information themselves (474/500), and valued desktop resources and services. While NIH staff work in a unique setting, they share some information characteristics with other researchers. The findings underscored the need to continue assessing specialized needs and seek innovative solutions. The study led to improvements or expansion of services such as developing a Website search engine, organizing gene sequence data, and assisting with manuscript preparation.

Highlights

In the last twenty-five years, research has contributed to a better understanding of information needs and information-seeking behaviors among health practitioners in primary care settings
This study indicated that most National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers prefer email or telephone calls over interactive reference sessions
This study indicates both similarities and differences between the NIH staff and a national database of corporate, academic, and government information users, a finding that underscores the importance of each library identifying its own customer needs and environmental influences on information seeking

Summary

Introduction

In the last twenty-five years, research has contributed to a better understanding of information needs and information-seeking behaviors among health practitioners in primary care settings. Coumou et al reviewed studies of primary care physicians published between 1992 and 2005, a period when information technology and medical databases became widely available to health practitioners. They found no change in information-seeking behaviors, with lack of time and limited searching ability again the primary obstacles [12]. J Med Libr Assoc 95(4) October 2007 stitutes and centers These science administrators identify emerging research areas, set research funding priorities, and monitor and administer grants and contracts. They typically are former research scientists and domain experts with medical and/or doctoral degrees. Most intramural research programs include a training component with post-doctoral fellows from around the world spending two to five years learning to conduct translational research

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