Information seeking behavior of dairy science students: Special reference to KVAFS University Bidar (Karnataka)

This study was undertaken to determine the information seeking behavior of dairy science students at KVAFS University. The overall purpose of the study was to determine what their information requirements and also determine their awareness of library services available to them. From the total population, sample of 500 respondents with different age groups, qualifications, gender, experience and specialization were taken for this study. From the total population of 500, 425 questionnaires were returned duly filled in with response rate of 85% of the total population. Adopting Wilson's information-seeking model (1999) as the theoretical framework, the study identifies factors influencing students ’information behaviour and formulates hypotheses that illustrate the relationship between the different variables. Application of the Critical Incident Technique method provided in-depth data about the patterns of informationseeking behaviour of students. Logistic regression revealed that significant factors related to library awareness, information literacy, organizational and environmental issues, source characteristics, and demographics act as determinants of the patterns of students ’information-seeking behaviour. The collected data were analyzed, classified and tabulated by employing statistical method. The findings revealed that the main information demands that led students into seeking for information are to increase knowledge, preparation to competitive examination (GRF, Net, etc.), preparation for class work. To fulfill these demands maximum students preferred to consult colleague or knowledgeable person in the field. The study finds that test books including reference books and journals are the main sources of information for the students' academic advancement. The users would also like to get information through internet in the library. According to the user's opinion, the users need library orientation programmes and users guides about the use of library to get access to their information easily.