Information needs and information seeking behaviour of environmental scientists in universities in Sri Lanka: major issues and concerns

The paper is based on a survey to assess information needs and information seeking behaviour of environmental scientists in universities in Sri Lanka with a view to identify the major issues and concerns which affect their access and retrieval of information. It also examines the feasibility of building up an up to date information resource collection on environmental sciences including print and electronic media and facilitating improved library services beyond the physical boundaries. The major findings of the survey are as follows: Majority of the scientists have pointed out that the library collections of environmental sciences are not up-to-date, collections are not properly stored, available collections are not organized, journals are inadequate and incomplete. The environmental scientists have recommended short term and long term solutions to improve access to environmental information. The environmental scientists have totally agreed that up-to-dateness of the collections is as the major issue. Access to electronic resources is also recommended by the respondents. The respondents recommended to organize special environmental collection in main university libraries rather than having separate buildings for environmental sciences. Respondents showed a positive response to establish an environmental information network for university libraries in Sri Lanka.   

doi: 10.4038/jula.v10i0.315

Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 10) 2006 p.19-28