Training needs of agricultural scientists in electronic environment: A study

This article is based on an extensive study that investigated the information seeking behaviour of agricultural scientists at the ICAR establishments of North-Western India in the electronic environment. The characteristics of electronic environment have an advantage over print environment, and have paved way for effecting changes in the traditional formats of information, emergence of new formats, as well as formulation of new models for dissemination of information. But this machine-dependent environment also has certain challenges such as internet speed, lack of training, high cost, etc. Those agricultural scientists who have used print sources during the major part of their research and professional career have to face difficulties even in respect of the basic aspects of this new information environment due to their being long accustomed to the old models of information and their apathetic attitude to the new environment. Imparting necessary training regarding information skills goes a long way in creating awareness and proper utilization of the products and services of the new information environment. This paper highlights the difficulties faced by agricultural scientists in practising electronic information sources and services to seek information which they require to meet their varied information needs. Further, the paper highlights the training aspects of agricultural scientists such as training needs, duration and the areas where they feel it necessary to upgrade their skills through training programmes