A Study of Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Research Fraternity of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar (India)

The aim of the present study is to investigate the information needs and seeking behaviour of the users of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar (Haryana). A sample of 200 users was taken from various categories of users covering faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate (PG) students. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among the users to collect the primary data. Statistical tools like percentage analysis are used to analyse the data. The paper discusses various aspects of information needs and seeking information, such as knowledge of information resources, frequency of use, usefulness of library resources, information search preferences, adequacy of library collection and Information Technology IT based information resources and services, barriers in seeking information and perception towards helpfulness of library staff and so on. The findings revealed that 85% users were aware about the information resources available in the library. More than 80% research scholars were given preference to electronic-resources (e-resources) for getting their desired information. Cent percent research scholars were using Internet facilities and e-resources, whereas 17.88% PG students were using CD-ROM databases. 60% users (all categories) were satisfied with the performance of library staff. In the end, the study suggests that library staff, preferably in-charge of Readers Service Division, should focus on assisting users for their requirement of information resources and should improve the user's skill.