Understanding Information Seeking Behavior of Users in Academic Context (A Critical Review of Literature)

Abstract

Information has become quintessential for everyone. It is hailed as the most valuable resource in modern times1. Owing to the rapid proliferation of technology and increased Internet adoption rate, interacting with this valuable resource has become easy2. Users seek information from myriad sources to satisfy their information needs3. The information needs are secondary needs that arise from some basic needs, which arise in some contexts4. Information seeking behavior is "purposive seeking of information in response to a need to satisfy a goal" 5 . It is a concept of great importance in library and information sciences6, with studies dating back to the early 1900s. With time and advancement in technology, the focus of researchers and scholars shifted from information systems to users' information needs and information use5. The present study has reviewed literature pertaining to various aspects of users' information seeking behavior, such as information sources, information needs, factors, and challenges affecting it in academic settings. The studies reviewed here are mainly from the field of library sciences. This paper concisely attempts to elucidate the basic concepts of information seeking behavior and gauge the influence of technology on users' information seeking practices in academic settings. The review findings suggest that faculty and students' information seeking behavior is concerned chiefly with their academic lives. The Internet is the most used and popular source/medium for academic information seeking processes. The paper shall assist future researchers, scholars, students interested in understanding the concept of information seeking behavior qua affective factors and technology usage.