Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Purpose: The present study investigates the differences between faculty and research scholars in terms of e-resource use, methods of use, purpose, hindrances faced and search strategies.
Methodology: The study was conducted in five universities of North India using survey method. Stratified random sampling was used for selection of the samples and the final data consisted of 668 respondents including 252 faculty members and 416 research scholars. Mann Whitney test was conducted for testing of hypotheses.
Findings: In the study it was found that the faculty members used e-resources more in comparison to the research scholars. Significant differences were observed in the e-resource use, methods of use and purpose. The research scholars faced more problems in using e-resources as compared to the faculty members. Significant differences were also found between faculty and researchers in the use of keywords, Boolean operators (AND OR NOT), phrase search and wildcards and these search strategies were used more by the faculty in comparison to research scholars.
Research Implications: The results of the study are relevant to the policy makers as well as library professionals for taking the decisions in providing better library services particularly in terms of e-resources.
Originality: In the previous studies, the faculty and researchers were treated together as single unit whereas the present study deals with them separately. This study focuses on the difference between the faculty and researcher in terms of e-resource use and associated aspects.