Information-Seeking Behavior among PG Students of University of Kashmir: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Abstract
The aim of this study is to reveal the information-seeking behavior of postgraduate students in different departments of the University of Kashmir. A well-framed questionnaire was used to gather the data related to the problem. Questionnaires were distributed among postgraduate students of the University of Kashmir. The students were selected using a random-sampling approach and the departments were randomly selected. The findings reveal that the majority of the students use the information resources for research purposes. Most of the students access information sources through remote login. Users face multiple problems while accessing information sources. Availability of information sources in multiple formats and in large numbers has posed challenges to the user community. Students are also using different sources of information available in the main university library as well as in departmental libraries. Besides, they also use digital information through the internet. The study can be further extended to the analysis of information-seeking behavior through various information models in order to gain a broader perspective of changing patterns in present times. The study will point to the importance of providing access to quality information resources and eliminate the bottlenecks that hamper easy access to information resources. The administration should revisit their strategies in the light of the findings of the study.

Keywords: Information-seeking, information-seeking behavior, information literacy, information access, university of Kashmir