International Research Journal of Social Sciences_____________________________________ ISSN 2319–3565Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) Int. Res. J. Social Sci. International Science Congress Association 27 Information Seeking behaviour of Library and Information Science Professionals in India Naresh A. Babariya, M.G. Patel and Alka V. GohelSinghania Uni., Rajasthan and Librarian Sanjaybhai Rajguru College of Diploma Engineering, At.-Hadmatiya, Bedi, Rajkot, Gujarat, INDIA Department of Library and Information Science, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, INDIA Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, INDIAAvailable online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 14th February 2014, revised 30th February 2014, accepted 13th March 2014 Abstract The research paper is discussing the various attitudes and behaviour to seek information received through internet from 100 library and information science (LIS) professionals having different designations in various organizations of different states in India. In technological modern era, this research is helpful to user to keep themselves updated and to provide the detail study and information regarding how many the innovative services like library software, classification and cataloguing schemes, RFID systems and Barcode system are used in library. It also indicating a detailed study on which types of information sources are available in library, which information services are provided and with the access of internet, user can get various information as per their requirements. Further, its showing details study which policy (system) is adopted to attract the more users.Keywords: Information seeking behaviour, Information sources, Information services, Internet use, Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. Introduction Information seeking behaviour is one of the important areas in user studies for library and information science professionals. The motives and purposes of users give rise to information use and requirements to satisfy such needs and requirements, users adopt many ways and means of accessing and searching source of information. Library professional should have a clear understanding of their users’ needs and their information seeking behavior. Unless the needs are precisely determined, it is difficult to satisfy their requirements and develop an appropriate information system. Hence, identifying information needs and determining information seeking behavior of users is the crux of the problem for the development of library and information system1-13. Objectives: i.To find out the information resources used in various libraries. ii. To explore the use of information technology. iii. To study the present services. Research Methodology Questionnaire was used to collect the relevant data from the library and information science (LIS) professionals in India. LIS has revealed many important facts and enabled the investigators in making some important suggestions for the overall improvement of library facility and services. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze and interpret the data collected on information seeking behaviour by LIS. This well structured online questionnaire was prepared through Google Drive in www.docs.google.com and distributed by e-mails and online chat in LIS Forum to library and information science professionals in India. The library and information science (LIS) professionals were expected to answer each and every question along with their opinion on the information seeking behaviour. The collected data are in the form of tables, figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation1-13. Results and DiscussionTable-1 shows the gender wise library and information science (LIS) professionals. In different states library and information science (LIS) professionals in India out of that 64 (64%) are Male and 36 (36%) female.Table-1 Gender Gender Respondent Percentage Male 64 64% Female 36 36% Total 100 100% Table-2 is given regarding the age that is very interesting to know that out of that 100 library and information science (LIS) professionals there are 18% respondent 21-25 age group, most of the 59% respondent are from the age group 31-40, 15% respondent are 41-45 age group, 4% respondent is under 46-50 age group and 4% respondent are under the 51 and above age group. International Research Journal of Social Sciences___________________________________________________ISSN 2319–3565Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) Int. Res. J. Social Sci.International Science Congress Association 28 Table-2 Age Group (In Years) Age Group Respondent Percentage 21-25 18 18% 26-30 8 8% 31-40 51 51% 41-45 15 15% 46-50 4 4% 51 and above 4 4% Total 100 100% It is observed from the table-3 that most of the 38% respondent have rich experience of 6-10 year group, 23% are 0-5, 22% are 11-15, 7% are 16-20, 6% are 21-25, 1% are 26-30, 2% are 31-35 and 1% respondent experience are 36-40 year group Table-3 Experience (In year group) Experience Respondent Percentage 0-5 23 23% 10-Jun 38 38% 15-Nov 22 22% 16-20 7 7% 21-25 6 6% 26-30 1 1% 31-35 2 2% 36-40 1 1% Total 100 100% Table-4 display the designation wise distribution of respondents, in which the Chief Librarian amount to 8%, most of the 49% respondent are Librarian, 3% Dy. Librarian, 4% In-charge Librarian, 1% Assistant Librarian, 1% Semi Professional Assistant, 1% Sr. Library and Inf. Assistant, 1% Librarian and Information Officer, 1% Technical Assistant, 1% Sci./Engr. (LIS), 1% Library Web Designer, 8% Library Assistant, 2% Library Attendant, 2% Library Trainee, 1% Library Restorer and 1% respondent are Library Clerk. Table-4 Designation Designation Respondent Percentage Chief Librarian 8 8% Librarian 49 49% Dy.Librarian 3 3% In-charge Librarian 4 4% Assistant Librarian 15 15% Assistant Professor 1 1% Semi Professional Assistant 1 1% Sr. Library and Inf. Assistant 1 1% Librarian and Information Officer 1 1% Technical Assistant 1 1% Sci./Engr. (LIS) 1 1% Library Web Designer 1 1% Library Assistant 8 8% Library Attendant 2 2% Library Trainee 2 2% Library Restorer 1 1% Library Clerk 1 1% Total 100 100% Table-5 about qualification wise distribution of responses. The highest response has come from M.L.I.Sc.-85% and second highest has from B.L.I.Sc. 44% B.A.-22%, B.Com-8%, B.Sc.-18%, B.ed-1%, M.Phil-7%, M.A.-22%, M.L.I.Sc. Pursuing-3%, M.Phil.-15%, M.Phil. Pursuing-1%, M.Sc.-3%, M.Com.-6%, Ph.D.-11%, Ph.D.Pursuing-22%, LLB-2% and 16% respondents are other qualification. Table-5 Education QualificationEducation Qualification Percentage Education Qualification Percentage B.A. 22 M.Phil. 15 B.Com 8 M.Phil. Pursuing 1 B.L.I.Sc. 44 M.Sc. 3 B.Sc. 18 M. Com. 6 B.Ed. 1 Ph.D. 11 M.Phil 7 Ph.D.Pursuing 22 M.A. 22 LLB 2 M.L.I.Sc. 85 Other 16 M.L.I.Sc. Pursuing 3 International Research Journal of Social Sciences__ Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) International Science Congress Association Table-6 and Figure-1 show other qualification wise distribution of respondent. Out of 100 respondents, 25 % NET qualified, 3% respondents are SLET qualified and 8 respondents are SET qualified.Table-6 Other Qualification Other Qualification Percentage % NET SLET SET Figure-1 Other Qualification State Respondent Andhra Pradesh 1 Assam 1 Delhi 4 Gujarat 20 Haryana 2 Jammu and Kashmir 1 Karnataka 6 Kerala 4 MP 2 Classification scheme use in the library Classification Scheme CC DDC UDC Self devised Total    \n Library Staff Professionals Non Professionals Sciences__ ______________________________________ ___________ Association qualification wise distribution % respondents are respondents are SLET qualified and 8 % Percentage % 25 3 8 Table- 7 reveals state wise responses of science (LIS) professionals in India. The highest response has come from Maharashtra 41% and second highest has from Gujarat 20%, 1% Andhra Pradesh, 1% Assam, 4% Delhi, 2% Haryana, 1% Jammu And Kashmir, 6% Karnataka, 4% Kerala, 2% MP, 1% Odisha, 2% Punjab, 2% Rajasthan, 4% Tamil Nadu, 6% UP, 1% UT of Dadra respondent are Uttarakhand. Table-8 shows library staffs details, in which 674 (65%) respondent are professionals and 370(35%) respondent are non professionals. Table- 9 shows that use classification scheme in the library. The highest 86% respondent are using DDC, 6% are use CC, 5% are use UDC and 3% are use self devised. Table-10 and figure- 2 show that use cataloguing scheme in the library. The highest 74% respondent are using using CCC and 22% respondent are use self devised cataloguing scheme.Table-7 States LIS Professionals of IndiaPercentage State Respondent 1% Maharashtra 41 1% Odisha 1 4% Punjab 2 20% Rajasthan 2 2% Tamilnadu 4 1% UP 6 6% UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli 4% Uttarakhand 2 2% Total 100 Table-8 Library Staff InformationTable-9 Classification scheme use in the library Respondent 6 86 5 3 100  Respondents 674 370 ___________ ISSN 2319–3565 Int. Res. J. Social Sci. 29 7 reveals state wise responses of library and information in India. The highest response has come from Maharashtra 41% and second highest has from 1% Andhra Pradesh, 1% Assam, 4% Delhi, 2% Haryana, 1% Jammu And Kashmir, 6% Karnataka, 4% Kerala, 2% MP, 1% Odisha, 2% Punjab, 2% Rajasthan, 4% Tamil Nadu, 6% UP, 1% UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 2% staffs details, in which 674 (65%) respondent are professionals and 370(35%) respondent are non 9 shows that use classification scheme in the library. The highest 86% respondent are using DDC, 6% are use CC, 5% are use self devised. 2 show that use cataloguing scheme in the library. The highest 74% respondent are using AACR2, only 4% using CCC and 22% respondent are use self devised cataloguing Respondent Percentage 41 41% 1% 2% 2% 4% 6% 1% 2% 100 100% Percentage 6% 86% 5% 3% 100% Percentage 64.56% 35.44% International Research Journal of Social Sciences___________________________________________________ISSN 2319–3565Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) Int. Res. J. Social Sci.International Science Congress Association 30 Table-10 Cataloguing scheme use in the library Cataloguing Scheme Respondent Percentage AACR2 74 74% CCC 4 4% Self devised 22 22% Total 100 100% Figure-2 Cataloguing Scheme Table-11 Software use in the library Software Respondent Percentage SOUL 1.0 4 4% SOUL 2.0 21 21% DLib 1 1% ERP 4 4% KOHA 8 8% NewGenLib 3 3% Library Manager 7 7% Other 52 52% Total 100 100% Figure-3 Software Used Table-11 and figure-3 show that which software use in the library.The highest 52% respondent are use other software, in which Alice for Windows, Autolib, flir, Riddhi, Libsys7, Nettlib, Librarian Nano, E-Granthalaya, Easylib, AIMS, Slim 21, Libware, Libraria, Brainstorming, ETH, SoftLib, Library Management System Software, Delplus by Delnet, QSNET by NIIT, E-Librarian, Vidhya Library Solution and Libsuite software included. Second highest 21% SOUL 2.0, 4% SOUL 1.0, 1% DLib, 4% ERP, 8% Koha, 3% NewGenLib and 7% respondent are using Library Manager Software. Table-12 System use in the library Library System Respondent Percentage Barcode 89 89% RFID 11 11% Total 100 100% Figure-4 Library System Table-12 and figure-4 show the most of 89% respondent are use Barcode system in the library and 11% respondent are using RFID system.Table-13 Library shelf system Shelf System Respondent Percentage Open Access 87 87% Key and Lock 13 13% Total 100 100% Figure-5 Library Shelf System Table-13 and figure-5 show that manage shelf system in library. 87% respondents are using open access and only 13% respondents are using key and lock system. Table-14 shows that various responses of information sources available in library. The highest 100% respondents answer for books available in library, 98% respondents are News Papers, 97% respondents CD/DVD, 96% respondents Dictionaries, 95% respondents Journals/Magazines, 88% respondents E-resources and only 19% responses for Patents/Standard information sources available in library.   \n\n  \r  \n     !"\n #$%&' International Research Journal of Social Sciences___________________________________________________ISSN 2319–3565Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) Int. Res. J. Social Sci.International Science Congress Association 31 Table-14 Information sources available in library Table-15 Information services available in library Information Services Percentage % Circulation (Issue/Return) 100 E-mail Alert 52 Content Alert services 29 Content of Journals/Magazines 54 Content of Books 39 Internet 89 Wi-Fi 56 Display of New Arrivals 85 Notice Board Service 87 Inter Library Loan 58 Electronic Document Delivery Service 33 Newspaper Clipping 70 Reference Service 90 Photocopy (Reprography) 76 CAS: Current Awareness Services 62 SDI: Selective Dissemination of Information 44 Library OPAC / Web OPAC 86 Cataloguing 64 Indexing and Abstracting 31 User Education 72 Resource Sharing 51 Library Blogs 16 Library Services through Social Network 22 Other 4 Information sources Percentage % Books 100 Journals/Magazines 95 Theses/Dissertation/ Projects/Technical Reports 76 Conference /Workshop/ Seminars Proceedings 52 Patents/Standard 19 Yearbook /Handbook 72 Encyclopedias 78 Dictionaries 96 Directories 50 News Papers 98 New Paper Clipping Files 74 Exam Papers 74 Syllabus 79 Pamphlets 38 Publisher Catalogues 75 CD/DVD 97 E-resources 88 International Research Journal of Social Sciences__ Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) International Science Congress Association Table- 15 show that information services available in library in which highest respondents 100% are Circulation (Issue/Return), 90% respondents are Reference Service, 89% Internet and 56% respondents answer Wi- Fi services available in library. Table-16 Diffe rent languages books in library Languages Respondents Hindi 54 English 99 Other 46 Figure-6 Different languages books in library Information access from internet Bibliographical information Online purchase books Online books price verify Journal/ Magazines subscription Access publisher catalogues Fellowship/Scholarship Research work Placements/Job opportunities Product profile Access online databases Entertainment Forums for discussion Publishing Downloading programs Professional developments Online shopping Social networks Patents and standards Research abstracts Research articles Software based information Research reports/Project Career planning Proceedings Resource sharing Blogs Training/Workshops/Conferences/Seminars Means of Communication with professionals Other HindiEnglish Other  Sciences__ ______________________________________ ___________ Association 15 show that information services available in library in Circulation (Issue/Return), are Reference Service, 89% respondents are Fi services available rent languages books in library Percentage % 54% 99% 46% Different languages books in library Table- 16 and figure 6 show that different languages books in library. The highest 99% respondents answer are English, 54% respondents Hindi and 46% respondents answer are other languages, in which Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu, Kanadda, Punjabi, Sanskri t, Jain, Prakrit, German, Persian and Arabic languages books available in library. Table-17 shows that different information access from internet, in which highest respondents 85% are using Journal/ Magazines subscription purpose, lowest 22% respo and standards purpose and only 1% respondents are other type of information access from internet. Table- 18 shows that 100% respondents answer are Internet connection available in library. Thus, all libraries have internet connection Table- 19 shows out of 100 respondent 94% are internet services extended to users and only 6% respondent are not provide internet service to users. Table-17 Information access from internet Information access from internet Other  ___________ ISSN 2319–3565 Int. Res. J. Social Sci. 32 16 and figure 6 show that different languages books in library. The highest 99% respondents answer are English, 54% respondents Hindi and 46% respondents answer are other languages, in which Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu, t, Jain, Prakrit, German, French, Persian and Arabic languages books available in library. information access from internet, in which highest respondents 85% are using Journal/ Magazines subscription purpose, lowest 22% respo ndents are using patents and standards purpose and only 1% respondents are other type access from internet. 18 shows that 100% respondents answer are Internet Thus, all libraries have internet 19 shows out of 100 respondent 94% are internet services extended to users and only 6% respondent are not provide Percentage % 70 61 83 85 77 30 72 48 38 66 38 49 44 56 67 35 57 22 51 67 59 51 45 37 45 34 78 57 1 International Research Journal of Social Sciences__ Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) International Science Congress Association Table-18 Internet connection available in library Internet Connection Respondent Yes 100 Table-19 Internet service for users Internet services Respondent Yes 94 No 6 Total 100 Table-20 and figure- 7 show that 94% respondent internet service extended to user in which 88(93.82%) for members, 85(90.43%) for students and 12(12.77) for other (Ph. D. Scholars, Research Scholars, Scientists, Engineers, Technical community, Research Teams, No n Teaching Staff) users. Table-20 Internet serviceextended to users Included Users Respondents Faculty Members 88 Students 85 Other 12 Library policy for attract more users By making the library more high technology By providing users extra ordinary information on every possible field By extending the date of returning issued material CD/DVD maintains or amplifies such Books, Movies, Games, and G.K. etc… Competitive exam related to collection books General Mother tongue from the collection Sciences__ ______________________________________ ___________ Association connection available in library Percentage 100% Percentage 94% 6% 100% 7 show that 94% respondent internet service extended to user in which 88(93.82%) for faculty members, 85(90.43%) for students and 12(12.77) for other (Ph. D. Scholars, Research Scholars, Scientists, Engineers, Technical n Teaching Staff) users. Percentage 93.62% 90.43% 12.77% Figure - Included Users Table- 21 Reasons for not extend internet services to Reasons Respondent Dedicated to library activities only Internet service being provided by other department Total Table-21 show that total 6 respondent are not extend internet services to users for the reasons in which 4(66.67%) have reason dedicated to library activities only and 2(33.33%) have reason Internet service being provided by other department. Table-22 shows that more users a tt question in field of library professional, in which show responses see the table.Table-22 More users attract policy in liy Library policy for attract more users By providing users extra ordinary information on every possible field By extending the date of returning issued material CD/DVD maintains or amplifies such Books, Movies, Games, and G.K. etc… related to collection books  ()$ *+, \r)(")  ___________ ISSN 2319–3565 Int. Res. J. Social Sci. 33 - 7 Included Users 21 Reasons for not extend internet services to users Respondent Percentage 4 66.67% 2 33.33% 6 100% show that total 6 respondent are not extend internet services to users for the reasons in which 4(66.67%) have dedicated to library activities only and 2(33.33%) have Internet service being provided by other department. tt ract policymost important question in field of library professional, in which show Percentage % 86 78 41 57 63 35 \r)(") )-   International Research Journal of Social Sciences___________________________________________________ISSN 2319–3565Vol. 3(3), 27-35, March (2014) Int. Res. J. Social Sci.International Science Congress Association 34 Suggestions received from LIS Professionals: i. Information seeking behaviour is very good topic for your research. Must try to solve the problems which are faced by librarian during their profession. ii. Act as a librarian and guardian to manage and organize the library. Handle the specialized tasks of various library software and massive digitization, storage, access, digital reference services, electronic information services, search co-ordination and manage the archive and its access to ultimate patrons. iii. User training is most important work for use of library resources. iv. Providing textbooks and reference books to faculties and students for their updated knowledge regarding their subject and filed. v. Books are for use it is our first law for library according to it we should satisfy users according to their needs first. Although we have limited sources in our library but we can access every information through network and other social sites user satisfaction must. Work should be divided according to qualification and the work proficiency of the lib workers and timing so they can do their work interestingly. vi. Library takes book talk, book exhibition for students. vii. We also arrange an extra library activist to our students and faculties. We giving more but due to new technology some restrictions are there. Our forum is the best sources for there. viii. Our library provides students night library facility, book bank facility, over night book issue, digital library, reference library, display catalogue. ix. Library staff professionals should keep themselves with latest knowledge about gadgets, technology and professional knowledge, attending technical workshops, training courses, seminars, conferences, with full enthusiasm, zeal and dedicated spirit. x. Fulltime staff required to give better services to the users. xi. We use to provide all the services to the users in any format the required at the year desk top. xii. Libraries should be hub of all activities. iii. Information seeking behaviour of librarian is also based upon the need of the library users. Conclusion The majority of the library and information science (LIS) professionals are 64% male. About 77% respondents are less than 40 year of age group which shows they are quite young exhibiting ability to work ardently. Maximum 38% LIS professionals have 6-10 years experience. Highest designation 49% is Librarian. LIS professionals are well qualified Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc.) 85% and NET qualified 25 Respondents. Maximum 41% respondents are from Maharashtra state. Library employees 64.56% are professionals and 35.44% are non-professionals. Mostly 86% using DDC for classification scheme and 74% using AACR2 scheme. Other software 52% respondents are using for library automation. Maximum libraries have 89% Barcode system and only 11% respondents are using RFID system. Information sources in libraries are 100% books, 97% CD/DVD, 96% dictionaries, 95% journals/magazines, 88% e-resources and 78% encyclopedias etc. Most of books are 54% in English language. Highest 85% responses are journal/magazines subscription details access from internet. Internet connection is available in all libraries. Internet services 94% LIS professionals extended to users. In which 93.62% extended to faculty members and 90.43% extended to students. Only 6% respondents are not providing internet service to users. Policy for more users attract to the library, in which highest 86% responses are by making the library more high technology and lowest 35% responses mother tongue from the collection. References 1.Wilson T.D., On user studies and information needs,Journal of Documentation, 37(1), 3-15 (1981) 2.Babariya N.A., Information Seeking Behaviour: Study of Teaching Staff of R.K. College of Engineering and Technology, MLIS dissertation, IGNOU - New Delhi, (2009)3.Singh H., Information Seeking Behaviour of Users of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar NIT Central Library. 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