The use of electronic information sources in Fisheries Sciences in South India

The purpose of the study is to investigate the use of Electronic Information Sources (EIS) by the academic community (teachers/scientists, researchers and postgraduate students) of the Fisheries Colleges/Research Institutes in South India. The prime objective is to find out the use of different types of EIS, analyze the use of EIS in relation to other information sources and how they perceive the advantages of e-sources and problems for accessing them.

The study's research design involved a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach: a user survey comprising selfadministered, semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face semistructured interviews.

Study results show that the academic community who participated in this survey are aware of e-sources and also the internet. Even though a majority of the academic community uses electronic information sources for their academic-related work, the most preferred information source by the respondents is the printed journals followed by EIS as the next preferred source. It is also observed that ‘Retrieval of irrelevant information’, ‘Poor connectivity or slow access’ and ‘Poor database searching skills’ are the major problems identified by the respondents in the use of electronic sources.

Librarians need to reallocate more budget to expand the availability of electronic resources for students and faculty. The study stresses on improved fisheries libraries, including providing access to additional electronic information sources, improving infrastructure, providing instruction for both library personnel and users of the information, and coordinating efforts to improve collection and access.

This is the first comprehensive study of the use of electronic information sources and an important exploration of the perceptions and patterns of use from users of information about fisheries. Educators are working with the next generation of fisheries managers, while also developing extension programs, research projects, and development initiatives. This means that the information needs and information use of these three groups actually influences a vastly larger number of people connected with fisheries and will have an impact on fisheries’ practice and management for years to come. Access to high quality electronic information resources can improve the work of educators, researchers, and practitioners.