WEB SEARCH BEHAVIOUR OF RESEARCH SCHOLARS: A CASE STUDY

After the advent of internet, a significant transition is seen in users approach and the way they seek information and methods they use in research and learning activities. Web resources help research scholars to update their knowledge through latest information in their respective field of interest which enable them to fertile grounds for further studies. Ignorance of search strategies results the retrieval of irrelevant information and wasting of time and there by affect the research. In this scenario it is necessary to know whether the research scholars are using the suitable search strategies to extract their required information. Here the research scholars of St Berchmans College (Autonomous) is taken for study. Survey method based on questionnaire is used to collect data form them. Besides this interview and observation also are used for the same. Specifically, the study sought to understand the search characteristics, reasons for using the Web, usage of various web features, web search skills and problems faced while using the Web. This study would assist higher learning institutions to develop strategies, policies and plans to improve the use of web-based information resources.