Internet Use by Research Scholars in University of Delhi, India

Abstract

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the use of Internet among the research scholars of the Central Science Library (CSL), University of Delhi, India. The prime objective is to find out the current trends in information search through Internet by the research scholars and type of problems faced by them in their research work.Design/methodology/approachTools used for the study are questionnaire, observation and informal interview using stratified method. Content analysis is used to analyse open‐ended questions. Data were collected from the 51 research scholars in the CSL, University of Delhi. The questionnaire consists of 15 main questions with many of the main questions having a number of subsidiaries. The questions are designed for the research scholars to elicit their experience with the Internet use for their research work.FindingsThe study finds that Boolean logic, truncation and wildcards are the most often used search techniques, web directories, while subject gateways are least used navigational tools, and the researches are beset with the problems of inadequate computers with Internet facilities, slow Internet connection and lack of skills and training. The survey also reveals that 57 per cent of the respondents are facing retrieval problems. Some research scholars lack research techniques and training.Originality/valueThis is the first comprehensive study of the use of the Internet by the University of Delhi science research scholars. Its findings should help CSL, University of Delhi in its plans and programmes related to effective and efficient use of Internet to fulfill information requirements of the research scholars and also proposes proper Internet searching training to research scholars to keep up‐to‐date on harnessing the immense potential of the Internet as a source of information for their research work.