INTRODUCTION

Today's era is an information technology era of the world development. The most important and very useful element of today's society is information. Searching for information is a process in which people participate in order to progress and to change the state of their knowledge. It is also an important cognitive function associated with learning and problem solving, which is sometimes seen as a "higher cognitive process". [1] "Searching for information" is a term that describes the ways in which individuals seek to evaluate, select and use information. In the search for new information, the individual may interact with different people, representative tools, and computer-based information systems. The "information search behavior" differs from the actual "information need". "Information need" is a subjective, relative concept in the mind of the person who is suffering Information has now become one of the basic needs of man on every side.

There is no field of human activity in the world wherein information is not a component. It has an important role in decision making, planning and every developmental activity. In this highly competitive environment, those who possess right information at the right time will only succeed. Information professionals are always keen to find out why and how users seek information to enhance their information provision. Technological advances and innovations that have taken place over the years have transformed libraries from merely a warehouse of printed materials to a world of information. The library is no longer a stagnant reservoir of books/documents. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have brought fundamental changes to the way libraries collect, preserve and disseminate information.

Every year Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Jamshoro is spending huge money to give trainings to students as well as research scholars for available electronic resources which are provide by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistanfor the development of research. MUET library also provided awareness trainings regarding library resources and services on weekly base scheduled for students and also requested by researcher and students. MUET library also build the Google online form for the feedback from users regarding the services.

In this study, an attempt was used on investigation, consultant and questionnaire, personal approach as professional and filed work questionnaire distribution on information seeking behavior of researchers in the changing library situation. There are four main faculties of this university were used for study.

Review of Related Literature

This article briefly reviews few studies conducted abroad as well as in kingdom of Saudi Arabia on users' studies of information seeking behavior in chronological order. [10] Examined the use of electronic information resources and service(EIRS) among the teachers and students of Sir Chhotu Ram Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut (UP) India. The major findings of this study are: majority of teachers and students have been aware about electronic information resources and services. Majority of users, that is, 20(50%) of the teachers and 30(50%) of the students use EIRS for study and more than 60% of users in the library were using e-journals simultaneously. The information display on the computer screen and printed form of document is found to be the most preferred for reading articles. Nearly half of the respondents are satisfied or quite satisfied with available resources of the library [11] Conducted a study of the information seeking behaviour of faculty members of BPS Women University. The author found majority of respondents faced the common problem while seeking information that was unavailability of information. Significant findings were reported with the biggest changes because of increased utilization of electronic methods for searching, sharing, and storing scholarly content, as well as for utilizing library services. [12]Carried out a survey on the utilization of CD-ROM databases by the users of NISCAIR, New Delhi. The major findings of the study were: observed that all the user communities use CD-ROM databases as a useful source of information to satisfy their information needs. The frequency of using CDROM databases as a useful on the work situation of users. It has also found that e-journals were the most popular online resources among users .22% users were facing problems while using CD-ROM databases unaware of computer technology or lack of computer handling skills. [13] The impact of the use of the Internet search engine with special research on the searches of OPEC in the library of the University of Punjab, Patiala, Punjab (India). The results of the study showed that the behavior of information search among academics varies greatly in the web environment. Of users explore the web to gather relevant information for academic purposes.

The majority were influenced by search engines because they also used OPAC, like the search engines. It is also clear from the study that internet search engines not only affected OPAC users in developed countries, but also impacted upon the less developed countries like India. [14] Fashioned a questionnaire to determine information needs and information-seeking behavior among rural and urban primary health care physicians in Riyadh region. The study found that the physicians in rural areas were less likely to have access to medical and health information than their equivalents in urban areas, particularly for modern sources such as online databases, medical journals and the Internet websites. Further study found, acquiring primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas with access to medical and health information was very vital in the provision of primary health services. [15] In his paper "Chatbots in the library: is it time?" depicted a pilot at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a chatbot that answers questions about the library and library resources. The chatbot answers questions from a variety of users from around the world. It has attracted an unexpected number of social chatters, which required some additional metadata to accommodate personal chatting and to guide questions back to the intent of the project. The majority of questions are directional or realistic questions that Pixel can address. The database proved to be a process for building and reviewing with changing office and personnel resources. [16] He revealed four patterns of search for the main information adopted by users of the system of social libraries, ie search, browsing, confrontation and control. Most users tend to combine two or more modes, but each user with a dominant style helps identify them as a researcher, browser, coincidence, or Foreman. While search is the most widely used method, browsers are the most widely used types of information seekers.

Research Objectives

* To indentify information seeking behaviors of researchers in MUET LOIC.

* To find out the kind of information used by researchers in MUET-LOIC.

* To identify the purposes of ISB by researchers.

* To find out the problems faced by researchers for during access of information at the MUET-LOIC.

Hypothesis

There is a significant difference in the preference of channels or modes of Information, Literature and Communication among the Researchers of various disciplines.

Research Methodology

This study used questionnaire-based survey method, as many similar studies conducted earlier, have also used this method for data collection. This method is also preferred as it was less time consuming and economical for a scattered population. The questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. Questionnaires were distributed personally at different departments and at the Central Library of the University to the research scholars and Google form also designed for data collection, Google form email to researchers for data collection. In the study researcher distributed 300 questionnaires with the help of both methods. Received 230 questionnaires from the respondent by both methods of data collection 77% respondents give the respond out of 100%. Data was analyzed in MS Excel and SPSS software.

Data Analysis and Discussion

Data collected through different research methods were examined and interpreted here in tables and figures.

A .The sample

There are large numbers of users ranging from students to teachers. A sample of all user categories was taken to see their opinion on the behavior of searching for information and services provided by the library. The table below shows user categories and sample size of the study.

In the table 1 shows that 33% (75) of the respondents from total population of the study were faculty members and 67% (155) respondents were students.

B. Library Visit Purpose

The table 2 shows maximum %age of teachers are visiting library for the access of electronic resources which 28%, 21% of respondent teachers are visiting the library for accessing the research support tools (journals, thesis, articles, magazines). Very low ration of teacher are using library computer lab which is only 5%. 11% of teachers are visiting library for the study purpose. In the table 2 part of students maximum 64% form total population are visiting the library for the issuance of books, 53% of respondents are using the library visit for study purpose.

C. Use and awareness of formal resources of information

Table 3 shows that (93.33%) most respondents are used journals as a formal sources of information whereas (83.3%) of respondents used text books, (77.33%) thesis/dissertation, (84%) yearbooks, (77.33%) dictionary, (85.33%) encyclopedia, (82%)manual/hand books, (86%) indexing/abstracting journals proceedings of conferences/seminars similarly. This table also depicts that (76%) used standards, (64.66%) used technical report and (80.66%) used bibliographies as a primary and secondary sources of information.

D. Use and awareness of informal sources of information

The table 4 shows that (81.33%) users are use and awareness of informal sources of information like university library whereas (80.66%) users are use and awareness of informal sources of information like attains the international as well as national seminar/conferences, workshop etc. The table also deals with the use and awareness of informal information sources such as (79.33%) Scanning of abstracting & indexing Journals, (78.00%) Telephones, (73.33%) discussion with colleagues and low percentage of informal sources of information like visiting exhibitions, conversation, scanning literature etc.

E. Use and awareness of electronic information resources

The table 5 reveals (91.33%) of electronic information resources used by the teachers and students Whereas (74.66%) used by the teachers and students email and e-books as a similar basis. The table also deals with (70.00%) online databases used by users as followed by (66.66%) CD-ROM databases used by the teachers and students. The least numbers of users used electronic information resources such as (62.66%)E-thesis as well (54.00%) of e-books.

F. Information seeking through current contents

The table 6 shows that the majority of respondents i.e.(64%) who were seeking Information through journals\periodicals subscribed by the library as well as personal. The table also shows that (40%) respondents who are seeking information through journals\periodicals by Xeroxcopy of subject related information from library. This was the best way to information seeking through open access journals as well as to present research paper in seminar\conference\symposia etc. i.e. (35.33%) similarly. The least number of respondents who were seeking information through personal communication, journals subscription, retrospective searching of indexing/abstracting periodicals, Inter Library Loan etc.

G. Barriers of Information seeking behavior

The table 7 shows 88(58.66%) teacher and students who was facing problems of information seeking due to lack of time for searching, while 74(49.33%) users have lack of access in reading materials to the library. In this table also deals with the 62(41.33%) users felt to lack of access the seeking of information whereas 44(29.33%)users say due to lack of knowledge for information seeking behavior. The very low percentage of users were facing the problems of information seeking behavior such as lack of organizational information, lack of knowledge for uses of the library resource and services and lack of support from library staffs.

H. Purpose of seeking information

The table 8 indicates that the purpose of information seeking i.e. 131(87.33%) teachers and students who Was the most preferred response to solve immediate practical problem. It followed by the reasons that include seeking information for career development, keeping up-to-date and the being to write articles and research papers.

Finding and Conclusions

The analysis and interpretation of data is revealed that characteristics of the information need and Information seeking behavior of the teachers and students. The findings evolved out of this study provide sufficient scope of the study of the two groups, while students are using libraries more whereas the reverse affects for teachers whose understanding of Electronic Information Services (EIS) and IT very widely as observed.

The present study revealed that the teachers and students visit the library to borrow books. However, it was observed that the majority of the teachers and students are visiting library daily. It is recorded that maximum percentage of users both teachers and students are visit to the library for study while teachers and students go to the library to read newspapers and magazines. The teachers and scholars visit the library generally for reference sources and specific information depending upon their needs. Hence, the purpose of users visit to the library largely depends on the free time available to them to know the development in their respective fields.

It has been found that majority of respondents used journals as formal sources of information while most of the respondents used text books as a second preference. It has also found that majority of users used central library after that attaining seminar, conference, symposia, workshop national as well as international that comes under the informal information sources. Most respondents prefer "internet services/resources". Other electronic information resources mentioned were electronic mail and e-journals for use and awareness of e-information resources respectively.

The majority of users used information through library subscription as well as personal subscriptions of journals\periodicals and most preferred response to solve immediate practical problem.

It has been noticed that majority of the users were facing a problem for lack of time for searching of information. It is found that the satisfaction with overall functions of the library is good as well as fair as most of the users gave response in this regard.

References:

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* Wilson TD and Streatfield DR, Structured observation in the investigation of information needs, Social Science Information Studies, (1)(1981)173-84.

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* Hussain A and others, Utilization of CD-ROM Database by the Users of NISCAIR, New Delhi: A Survey Report. In: Satpathy, K.C. and Ramachandran R. Ed. ICT applications in Library & Information Centre: issues & challenges. National Library, Kolkata, (Jain And Sons, Jaipur),2012.

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* Abou-Auda H S, Information-seeking behaviors and attitudes of physicians toward drug information centers in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Med J,29(1)(2008)47-487. Available at:http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/isham/Documents/information20070195.pdf (Accessed on 15 May 2013).

Liaquat Ali Rahoo Mr liaquatrahoo, liaquat.rahoo@admin.muet.edu.pk

Muhammad Ali Khan Nagar Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, muhammad.nagar@faculty.muet.edu.pk

Maryam Kalhoro

University of Sindh, koonjabbasi@gmail.com

Qurat-ul-Ain Abro

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, abroqurat@gmail.com

Shadab Kalhoro

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, shadabkalhoro@hotmail.com

Muhammad Ali Khan Nagar, Qurat-ul-Ain Abro, Maryam Kalhoro, Liaquat Ali Rahoo, Shadab Kalhoro,

Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro

Table 1. Sample Status

Status     Numbers   % Percentage

Teachers   75        33
Students   155       67
Total      230       100

Table 2. Library Visit Purpose

Purpose to Visit                     % Age        % Age
                                     (Teachers)   (Students)

For Study                            11           53
for Issuance of Books                10           64
To Access Internet in Computer Lab   5            30
For Electronic Resources Access      28           6
For Research support Tools Access    21           2
                                     33%          67%

Table 3. Information sources

Information Sources                % Age        % Age        Tot % age
                                   (Teachers)   (Students)

Textbooks                          90           80           83.33
Journals                           96           92           93.33
Year books                         72           90           84
Thesis/Dissertation                84           74           77.33
Dictionaries                       68           82           77.33
Conference Processing/ Seminars    70           70           73.33
Handbook/Manual                    76           85           82
Encyclopedias                      82           87           85.33
Technical Reports                  74           60           64.66
Patents                            50           54           52.66
Bibliographic                      60           91           80.66

Table 4. Use and awareness of Information sources

Information Sources                % Age        % Age        Tot % age
                                   (Teachers)   (Students)

Discussion with colleagues         90           75           73.33
Scanning of abstracting &          94           72           79.33
Indexing journal
Attaint the Seminar/ conference.   86           78           80.66
Workshop etc.
Through Telephone query            64           85           78
Through Fax, Email, Whatsapp       68           62           64
Personal Collection                72           68           69.33
University Library                 84           80           81.33
Persona Visit to subject expert    74           58           63.33
Writing letters                    60           56           57.33
Exhibition visit                   50           52           51.33
Through Conversion/ Discussion     60           57           58

Table 5. Information sources

Information Sources        % Age        % Age        Tot % age
                           (Teachers)   (Students)

Internet based resources   90           92           91.33
E-Journals                 62           80           74
E-Books                    44           59           54
E-Thesis                   30           79           62.66
E-Mail                     60           80           74.66
Online Databases           40           85           70
CD-ROM Databases           50           75           66.66

Table 6. Information seeking through current sources

Detail                                  % Age        % Age        Tot %
                                        (Teachers)   (Students)   age

Library Subscriptions                   60           66           64
Personal Subscriptions                  60           66           64
Journal articles Xeros from library     50           35           40
E-journals Subscription                 40           15           23.33
Open Access Journals                    64           21           35.33
Document Delivery Services              16           4            8
To Present Research Paper in            24           10           14.6
Seminar/Conference
Citation at end of the book chapters    48           29           35.33
Retrospective searching of              24           15           18
indexing/abstracting
periodicals                             28           17           20.66
personal communication                  36           19           24.66
browsing back volumes                   30           18           22
others                                  4            4            4

Table 7. Barriers of Information seeking behavior

Detail                                % Age        % Age        Tot %
                                      (Teachers)   (Students)   age

Lack of support from library Staff    60           58           58.66
Lack of access to all information     52           36           41.33
Lack of reading materials             36           56           49.33
Lack of Knowledge information         30           29           29.33
Lack of Knowledge for uses of the     32           25           27.33
library resources and services
Lack of support from library Staff    20           15           16.67
Lack of time for searching            18           0            6

Table 8. Purpose of Seeking Information

Purpose                              % Age        % Age        Tot %
                                     (Teachers)   (Students)   age

For Study                            64           28           40
to Solve immediate practical         78           92           87.33
problems
To keep up to date                   44           22           29.66
To write an article and research     30           33           38.66
paper