Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Information-Seeking Behavior of Undergraduate,
Graduate, and Doctoral Students:
A Survey of Istanbul University, Turkey
Hülya Dilek-Kayaoglu
Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Information Management
34400 Eminonu, Istanbul, Turkey
dilekkayaoglu@gmail.com
Abstract. The main purpose of this study is to examine the research habits of
undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at Istanbul University.
Specifically, the study tries to develop a deeper understanding of the changing
nature of participants' general research processes and their information-seeking
behavioral patterns. Moreover, the study investigates whether academic level
and discipline influence participants' information-seeking behavior. Based on
survey findings, the author makes recommendations for improving both
students' information literacy levels and library services to better meet the
needs of users.
Keywords: Information-seeking behavior, information literacy skills, Turkey.
1
Introduction
The term “information-seeking behavior” has been used in professional literature
since the mid-twentieth century. Today, this subject investigates the ways people seek
and use information, with library and information science operating as a sub-
discipline. This field has become increasingly important in light of profound changes
in information and communication technologies, especially in the last ten years, as so-
called “millennial” students have entered higher education.
Over the past several years, many important studies have discussed students'
changing use of digital content. Of particular note is the work done by Joint
Information System Committee (JISC) [1] in the United Kingdom, and Project
Information Literacy [2] out of the University of Washington's Information School.
According to the latter study, for many of today's undergraduates, the idea of being
able to conduct an exhaustive search is inconceivable; to them, information seems to
be as limitless as the universe [3]. As research is one of the most difficult challenges
facing students in the digital age, knowledge of users' information needs and
information-seeking behavior are vital for developing strategies and practices to
support students undertaking and investigating the nature of research.
The main purpose of this study is to examine the research habits of undergraduates
and postgraduates at Istanbul University. Specifically, the study tries to develop a
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search