Use of electronic journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, India

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the use of electronic (e)‐journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa (India). The main aim is to know the use of e‐journals for research work. Further, the study aims to highlight the problems in accessing e‐journals, degree of utilization, and influence of e‐journals on research work.Design/methodology/approachA survey is conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 100 doctoral research scholars (PhD) in Goa University and the response rate is found to be 96 percent. The responses received from the doctoral research scholars to 16 questions is presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation. Stratified accidental random method is used for selection of respondents.FindingsThe paper arrives at the following conclusions: the e‐journals have become vital part of information for research work. This study helps in knowing the importance and use of e‐journals in comparison to printed journals particularly for the research community. Most of the respondents are accessing e‐journals from the Department Computer Labs for their research work and e‐journals meet the instant desire of users to have an access to information. Springer & Kluwer is the leading publisher. Boolean Search is the most popular advance search technique. The study shows that there is need for user orientation for efficient searching of e‐journals. The most common problem faced by the respondents is that there is difficulty in accessing full text and many of the respondents are not satisfied with the Internet facilities available in Goa University and they provide some constructive suggestions for improving the accessing of e‐journals.Practical implicationsThe paper is confined to the use of e‐journals by the doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa.Originality/valueThis paper is an outcome of the study made in Goa University, Goa about the use of University Grants Commission (UGC)‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium's e‐journals by doctoral research scholars during the study period, i.e. 1‐28 June 2008.