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Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services by Research Scholars: A

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 PEARL - A Journal of Library and Information Science DOI : 10.5958/0975-6922.2016.00001.2
Vol. 10, No. 1, January-March 2016: 1-10

Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services

by Research Scholars: A Case Study of the University
of Calicut
P.K. Deepa1*
T.A. Abdul Azeez2

ABSTRACT
The study investigates the use of web-based information services by research scholars of Calicut University. The
study enquires into the web-based services of Calicut University library, reasons for effective use, as well as
problems faced while using the web-based information services by the research scholars of the university. The
study was conducted among 100 research scholars randomly selected from various departments in the university.
Usage statistics provided by the website is not used as the study is conducted only among the research scholars.
Most of the respondents used different types of web-based services. The survey shows that majority of the
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.185.2 on dated 20-Feb-2016

research community are not aware of the services provided by the library. The researchers demanded for awareness
classes about the web services. The findings of the study will certainly help the university library to provide the
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web-based services effectively.

www.IndianJournals.com

Keywords: Web services, Web-based information services, Information services, Calicut university
library, Web resources, Use of web-based services, User study

INTRODUCTION Calicut university library. The services like e-

Information is the basic resource for any kind of
research process. The University library has a
special role for supporting the academic and
research community. Now the libraries are
concentrating on the online or web resources.
There are many web-based information services
that are available in university libraries which
include consortia based information services,
institutional repositories and so on. Researchers
use information in different ways, they need up
to date and exhaustive information, so that web-
based information services are widely used now
a days.
The study is conducted among the research
scholars of Calicut University. Now most of the
library services are provided through the internet
and library website as a gateway. The study
examines the current web-based services of the
resources, institutional repositories and OPAC
(Online Public Access Catalogue) services are
analysed through the study. The study also
analysed variations among the awareness, access
and usage pattern of web-based information
among the research community.
UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT
The University of Calicut is a premier higher
education institution in Kerala, working towards
the goal of excellence in higher education, research
in all areas of human knowledge and
development. Established in 1968, the university
emphasises sustained development of scientific
and technological sectors, the promotion of the
arts and culture of Kerala, the advancement of
the educationally-backward section of the
population, and the furthering of development in
the lesser development region of Northern Kerala.

1
Research Scholar, Library and Information Science, C.H.M.K. Library, 2Deputy Librarian in Charge, University of Calicut, Calicut, Kerala
(*Corresponding author) email id: *deepapk14@gmail.com; 2azeez64@gmail.com

Indianjournals.com 1
 P.K. Deepa and T.A. Abdul Azeez
The main campus where the headquarters of the
university is located is at Thenhippalam, 23 km
south of Kozhikode city. The university has a
satellite campus at Aranattukara, Thrissur and
there are many Educational, MBA and MCA
centres under its jurisdiction. At present, there are
35 teaching and research department and 415
affiliated colleges under the University.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
To review the literature, search was conducted
with combination of various key terms such as
web, web-based information services as well as
web in university libraries. There are a number of
studies available in these fields.
Madhusudhan and Nagabhushanam (2012)
conducted a study on web-based library services
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in university libraries in India. The study analysed
current state and use of the web-based library
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services in different sections via their websites.
www.IndianJournals.com
Questionnaire method was used to conduct the
study. It was found that university libraries are
yet to exploit full potential of web-based services.
Geetha et al. (2013) conducted a study on use of
library portal by research scholars and faculty
members at Kuvempu University. The study
analysed the detailed usage of University portal
during the academic year 2011-2012. The study
found that majority of the respondents used
library portal for their research work. Findings of
the study also suggested that proper training to
the users as well as library staff will improve the
use of library portal service.
Giddaiah and Sarasvathy (2014) evaluated the use
of web information resources by researchers in
biological discipline in universities of Karnataka.
The census method was considered for the survey
and 76 per cent responses were received. The data
was analysed by frequency counting and
percentage. The responses showed that majority
of the research scholars used library and its
resources mainly for their research work. The
study identified that the e-database and online
database are preferred by a large majority of
respondents and most of them gathered
2 Vol. 10, No. 1, January - March 2016
information on current information
developments.
Singh and Samyal (2014) conducted a study on
IIT libraries. The study analysed the web-based
information resources and services through an e-
survey method. Digital contents of 15 IIT libraries
were used for the study. The parameters like
general information, access to web-based
information resources, use of library 2.0
technologies, catalogue search, services and
facilities were analysed. The analysis showed that
most of the IITs provide general information like
‘about the library, postal address, contact number,
e-mail IDs, library timing and others. All the
libraries provided full text e-journal/ databases.
IIT Kharagpur provides maximum access to
informational web content followed by IIT
Madras. Majority of the premier institutions of
India were not using the technologies of library
2.0 like blogs, facebook and others. The overall
analysis revealed that libraries work well by
providing online resources and services to their
patrons.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objectives of the study are the following
1. To understand the current web-based services
in Calicut university library
2. To know the frequency of use of web-based
services by research scholars
3. To know the advantages of using web-based
information services
4. To understand the difficulty faced by the
researchers while using web information
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study is intended to give an overview of the
use of web-based information services by research
scholars of Calicut University through their own
university library portal. The study has certain
limitations. The geographical area is limited to the
main campus only. Centres are excluded from the
study and the study further limited to the full time
research scholars only.
 Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services by Research Scholars: A Case Study of the University of Calicut
METHODOLOGY
The study was mainly based on primary data. In
order to achieve the objectives of the study, a
structured questionnaire was constructed to collect
data. The study was conducted among 100
research scholars randomly selected from various
departments and 80 per cent responses were
received back. The research scholars are divided
into two groups-science and non-science. Science
group includes all the science subject research
scholars and non-science includes social science,
languages and commerce. In the present study,
the main purpose of the questionnaire was to
collect the data on use of web information services
by research scholars from Calicut university
library. The data were analysed using percentage
method. The data obtained through the
questionnaire were analysed and interpreted in
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the following sections.
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DATA ANALYSIS
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Distribution of Respondents According to
Discipline
The respondents of the study have been grouped
in to different categories for convenience of the
study. The analyses of data are provided in
Table 1.
Table 1: Distribution of respondents according to
discipline
Subject Questionnaire Response
distributed
Science 50 38
Non-Science 50 42
Total 100 80
Table 1 shows the subject-wise distribution of
questionnaires among the research scholars of
Calicut University. Out of the 50 questionnaires
distributed among the science students, 38
questionnaires were returned. Out of the 50 among
non-science students, 42 were received back. Total
Table 2: Experience as a user of university library
Subject Below 1 Year
Science 6(15.78%)
Non-Science 10(23.80%)
PEARL - A Journal of Library and Information Science
100 questionnaires were administered and 80 were
received back, thus achieving 80 per cent response
rate.
Experience as a User of University Library
Experience as a user of library was asked to know
about how long the users are making use of the
library service and resources.
Table 2 reveals that majority of the research
scholars in science discipline have library
experience between 1- and 3 years while 15.78
per cent have below 1-year experience and 18.42
per cent have more than 4-year experience as a
user of university library. In the case of non-
science research scholars also majority have 1- 3-
year library experience and 23.80 per cent each
have below 1-year experience and more than 4-
year experience, respectively. It can be seen that
majority of the research scholars in science as well
as non-science have library experience between
1- and 3 years as user of Calicut university library.
Place of Access of Web-Based Information
Research scholars can access web-based
information either from university library, from
the department, from hostels or from the campus.
A question was asked to know about the preferable
place of use of the web-based information services.
Figure 1 indicates the result.
Percentage Figure 1 clearly indicates that majority of science
research scholars prefer to use web-based
76 information services from their department while
84 majority of non-science scholars use it inside the
80 library. It can be seen that majority of the research
scholars use web-based services either from
university library or from their departments.
Awareness about Library website
Respondents were asked to comment about the
awareness of library website. Figure 2 indicates
1-2 Years 1-3 Years More than 4 Years
14(36.84%) 11(28.94%) 7(18.42%)
11(26.19%) 11(26.19%) 10(23.80%)
3
 P.K. Deepa and T.A. Abdul Azeez

100
No of research scholars

80
60 Science
40 Non Science
20

0
Inside the Library Outside the Library Department Hostel
Place of access
Figure 1: Place of access of web based information

that most of the research scholars from science as renewal facility only 5.26 percentage scholars
well as non-science subject are aware of the have made use of the facility.
library website. However, a few research scholars
from science as well as non-science did not know It shows that 52.38 per cent non-science research
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.185.2 on dated 20-Feb-2016

about the library website. scholars are aware of the membership details and
only 21.42 per cent scholars used this service. 47.36
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Use of Library Services through Website by

www.IndianJournals.com

per cent respondents are aware of the working

Research Scholars hours and 57.14 per cent are aware of the renewal
There are many services that are provided through of book and 23.80 per cent used renewal service.
the library website such as membership details, The overall analysis shows that most of the
working hours, library resources and so on. Table research scholars from both science and non-
3 represents the use of general services through science community are aware of the library
the library website by the research scholars. website services, but they do not use the services
Table 3 shows that research scholars from science appropriately for their academic purpose.
departments are aware of most of the services Frequency of Visit
available through the library portal. However,
they are not making use of many of the services. Figure 3 shows that majority of the scholars from
It is seen from the above table that though 63.15 science as well as non-science use the portal 2-3
percentage scholars are aware of the online book times a week, while a good number of scholars
No of research scholars

100
80
60 S cience
40 Non science
20
0
Yes No
Opinion
Figure 2: Awareness about library website

4 Vol. 10, No. 1, January - March 2016

 Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services by Research Scholars: A Case Study of the University of Calicut

visit the portal daily. Overall analysis shows that

24(63.15%)
24(57.14%)

10(23.80%)
5(13.15%)
all the research scholars from science as well as

3(7.89%)

2(2.38%)
2(5.26%)

1(2.38%)
Renewal
of book non-science group visit the library once or 2-3
times in a week.
library staff

11(28.94%)

13(30.95%)
4(10.52%)
9(21.42%)

8(21.05%)
Preferable Device for Using Web Information

2(5.26%)

1(2.38%)

1(2.38%)
List of

Respondents use the devices like desktop, laptop,

mobile phone and tablet to access web services.
11(26.19%) 11(26.19%) 15(35.71%) 10(23.80%) 12(28.57%) 14(33.33%)
6(15.78%)
5(11.90%)
8(21.05%)

4(10.52%)

8(21.05%)
catalogue

4(9.52%)
This question is asked to get the information about
Union

0
the most preferable device used by the research
scholars in order to access web services.
11(28.94%)
4(10.52%)
7(16.66%)
7(18.42%)

6(15.78%)

2(4.76%)
Table 3: Use of library services through website by research scholars

Figure 4 revealed that majority of the scholars

FAQ

from science as well as non-science use laptop for

accessing information while a few use desktop,
10(26.31%)
6(15.78%)
8(19.04%)

4(10.52%)

8(28.94%)
3(7.14%)
Contact

mobile phone or tablet for accessing web services.

details

Purpose of Use of Web-Based Information

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11(28.94%)
7(18.42%)
5(11.90%)
7(18.42%)

4(10.52%)

Research scholars are using web-based

3(7.14%)
gallery
Image

information for different purpose like study,

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teaching, research and other. Table 4 shows the

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11(31.57%)

purpose of visit of research scholars.

8(21.42%)

4(10.52%)

8(23.68%)
3(7.89%)

2(4.76%)
ETD

Respondents from science community use web-

based information services for all their curricular
Institutional

10(26.31%)
repository
7(18.42%)
7(16.66%)
9(23.68%)

2(5.26%)

1(2.38%)

2(4.76%)

activities in which (60.52%) use it frequently for

research purpose. 50.63 per cent from science
community used the service for study purpose.
21(55.26%) 20(47.36%) 13(47.36%) 16(42.10%)
22(52.38%) 20(47.36%) 16(38.09%) 11(26.19%)

50 per cent rarely used the service for teaching

6(14.28%)
9(23.68%)
1(2.63%)

4(9.52%)
3(7.89%)
4(9.52%)
library
Digital

purpose.
Respondents from social science community also
13(34.21%)

14(33.33%)
5(11.90%)
resources

4(7.89%)
2(4.76%)
Library

frequently used (64.28 %) web information for

0

their research purpose. 59.52 per cent opinioned

that they frequently used web information for
6(15.78%)

study purposes, 28.94 per cent used it for paper

Working

1(2.63%)

3(7.14%)

3(7.14%)
3(7.89%)
1(2.38%)
hours

publication and 26.31 per cent used it for seminar

purposes frequently.
Membership

4(10.52%)

4(10.52%)

2(21.42%)
4(10.52%)
4(9.52%)

1(2.38%)

The study reveals that most of the research

details

scholars from both groups use library services for

their research purposes than the other purposes.
Non- Science

Non- Science

Non- Science

Non- Science

Frequency of Use of Institutional Repository

Science

Not aware Science

Science

Science

Calicut University library provides different

materials through their institutional repository
Not used

which include question paper, syllabus, ETD,

Aware

Used

seminar paper and many more. Table 5 shows the

PEARL - A Journal of Library and Information Science 5

 No of research scholars P.K. Deepa and T.A. Abdul Azeez

50
40
30
20
10
0
Every day Once in a week 2-3 times a week At every 2 week Only a few times Not used
through out the
year
Frequency of visit
Figure 3: Frequency of visit
No of research scholars

100
80
60 Science
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.185.2 on dated 20-Feb-2016

40 Non Scie nce

20
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0
Desktop Laptop Mobile Phone Tablet
De vice use d

Figure 4: Preferable device for using web information

Table 4: Purpose of use of web-based information
Purpose Frequently Used Often Used Rarely Used
Science Non-Science Science Non-Science Science Non-Science
Study 20(52.63%) 25(59.52%) 6(15.78%) 4(9.52%) 4(10.52%) 2(4.76%)
Teaching 5(13.15%) 8(21.42%) 3(7.89%) 8(19.04%) 19(50%) 10(2.38%)
Research 23(60.52%) 27(64.28%) 6(15.78%) 7(15.78%) 3(7.89%) 3(7.89%)
Paper publication 11(28.94%) 11(28.94%) 6(15.78%) 6(15.78%) 13(34.21%) 13(34.21%)
Seminar / workshop 10(26.31%) 10(26.31%) 7(18.42%) 7(18.42%) 12(31.57%) 12(31.57%)
preparation

frequency of use of institutional repository by the Respondents from non-science group also used
research scholars. electronic thesis and dissertation (45.23%) as and
when they required it. 33.33 per cent used
Table 5 shows that research scholars from science
question paper, syllabus and seminar paper as
subject (42.10%) use the electronic theses and
when they required. 23.80 per cent respondents
dissertation as and when they required, at the
are not using the question paper through the
same time 26.31 per cent do not use this. 31.57
institutional repository.
per cent respondents use question papers, seminar
papers and photographs as and when they The overall analysis shows that research scholars
required. 36.84 per cent do not use it for question of Calicut University use institutional repository
paper and seminar paper. only when it is required for them.

6 Vol. 10, No. 1, January - March 2016

 Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services by Research Scholars: A Case Study of the University of Calicut

Table 5: Frequency of use of institutional repository

Sources Every day Once in a week As and when required Not used
Science Non-Science Science Non-Science Science Non-Science Science Non-Science
Question paper 0 0 1(2.63%) 0 12(31.57%) 14(33.33%) 14(36.84%) 10(23.80%)
Syllabus 0 2(4.76%) 0 0 11(28.94%) 14(33.33%) 16(42.10%) 9(19.04%)
ETD 3(7.89%) 4(9.52%) 1(2.63%) 1(2.38%) 16(42.10%) 19(45.23%) 10(26.31%) 4(9.52%)
Seminar paper 0 1(2.38%) 2(5.26%) 2(4.76%) 12(31.57%) 14(33.33%) 14(36.84%) 6(14.28%)
Photographs 0 0 0 1(2.38%) 12(31.57%) 8(19.04%) 15(39.47%) 11(28.57%)
Others 0 0 0 1(2.38%) 2(5.26%) 7(16.66%) 11(28.94%) 6(14.28%)

Table 6: Frequency of use of e-resources by science scholars

E-resources Frequently used Often used Rarely used Not used
Ebrary 8(21.05%) 2(5.26%) 4(10.52%) 6(15.78%)
Cambridge Books online 5(13.15%) 4(10.52%) 6(15.78%) 3(7.89%)
ISI Web of knowledge 6(15.78%) 0 7(18.42%) 8(21.05%)
MathSciNet 10(26.31%) 0 0 14(36.84%)
Oxford Scholarship Online 3(7.89%) 1(2.63%) 4(10.52%) 6(15.78%)
J-gate@UGC-Infonet 15(39.47%) 5(13.15%) 3(7.89%) 3(7.89%)
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ACS Publication 10(26.31%) 2(5.26%) 1(5.26%) 6(26.31%)

AIP(American Institute of Physics) 16(42.10%) 0 2(2.63%) 12(31.57%)
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APS Physics 19(50%) 3(7.89%) 1(2.63%) 12(26.31%)

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Science Direct 29(76.31%) 3(7.89%) 2(5.26%) 1(2.63%)

JSTOR 7(18.42%) 1(2.63%) 1(2.63%) 11(28.94%)
OXFORD Journals 6(15.78%) 4(10.52%) 2(5.26%) 7(18.42%)
Springer link 22(52.63%) 2(5.26%) 2(5.26%) 2(5.26%)
Taylor and Francis 12(31.57%) 6(15.78%) 2(5.26%) 3(7.89%)
SAGE Journal 2(5.26%) 2(5.26%) 1(2.63%) 10(26.31%)
Project Muse 2(5.26%) 0 3(7.89%) 11(28.94%)
Project Euclid 2(5.26%) 0 2(5.26%) 11(28.94%)
IOP Science 8(21.05%) 6(15.78%) 1(2.63%) 7(18.42%)
ISID 4(10.52%) 1(2.63%) 1(2.63%) 11(28.94%)
Portland Press Limited 2(5.26%) 1(2.63%) 0 12(2.63%)
RSC Publishing 18(47.36%) 1(2.63%) 1(2.63%) 9(23.68%)
Siam 3(7.89%) 3(7.89%) 0 9(23.68%)
Wiley online library 15(39.47%) 6(15.78%) 2(5.26%) 6(15.78%)
Emerald 3(7.89%) 3(7.89%) 2(5.26%) 8(21.05%)
Cambridge Journal 8(21.05%) 4(10.52%) 5(13.15%) 4(10.52%)
Annual reviews 16(42.10%) 5(13.15%) 3(7.89%) 5(13.15%)
Economic and Political weekly 2(5.26%) 0 0 14(50%)

Frequency of Use of E-resources by Science
Scholars
Frequency of use of e-resources reflects its value
in the library. The frequency of e-resources used
by the respondents from science community is
revealed from the analysis of Table 6.
It can be observed from the above table that most
of the research scholars (76.31%) from science
discipline are frequently using Science Direct. The
other frequently used resources are APS physics
(50%), RSC Publishing (47.36%), Taylor and
Francis (31.57%) and Annual reviews (42.10%).
The non-frequently used resources are SAGE
Journal, Project Muse, Project Euclid, ISID, EPW,
Emerald and others.

PEARL - A Journal of Library and Information Science 7

 P.K. Deepa and T.A. Abdul Azeez

Table 7: Frequency of use of e-resources by Non-Science scholars

E-resources Frequently used Often used Rarely used Not used
Ebrary 11(26.19%) 6(14.28%) 4(9.52%) 4(9.52%)
Cambridge Books online 4(9.52%) 6(14.28%) 7(16.66%) 8(19.04%)
ISI Web of knowledge 2(4.76%) 1(2.38%) 4(9.52%) 11(26.19%)
MathSciNet 0 1(2.23%) 2(4.76%) 15(35.71%)
Oxford Scholarship Online 3(7.14%) 3(7.14%) 2(4.76%) 13(30.95%)
J-gate@UGC-Infonet 28(66.66%) 4(9.52%) 0 5(11.90%)
ACS Publication 2(4.76%) 0 3(7.14%) 14(33.33%)
AIP(American Institute of Physics) 0 0 0 16(38.09%)
APS Physics 0 1(2.23%) 2(4.76%) 12(28.57%)
Science Direct 7(16.66%) 2(4.76%) 4(9.52%) 6(14.28%)
JSTOR 19(45.23%) 9(19.04%) 1(2.38%) 6(14.28%)
OXFORD Journals 10(23.80%) 5(11.90%) 3(7.14%) 9(21.42%)
Springer link 20(47.61%) 7(16.66%) 3(7.14%) 7(16.66%)
Taylor and Francis 7(16.66%) 4(9.52%) 1(2.38%) 7(16.66%)
SAGE Journal 12(28.57%) 5(11.90%) 2(4.76%) 5(11.90%)
Project Muse 4(9.52%) 0 2(4.76%) 14(33.33%)
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.185.2 on dated 20-Feb-2016

Project Euclid 0 0 0 17(40.47%)

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IOP Science 2(4.76%) 0 2(4.76%) 15(35.71%)

www.IndianJournals.com

ISID 0 1(2.38%) 0 15(35.71%)

Portland Press Limited 0 1(2.38%) 0 16(38.09%)
RSC Publishing 2(4.76%) 0 0 16(38.09%)
Siam 1(2.38%) 1(2.38%) 5(11.90%) 13(30.95%)
Wiley online library 9(21.42%) 3(7.14%) 2(4.76%) 9(21.42%)
Emerald 14(33.33%) 1(2.38%) 2(4.76%) 8(19.04%)
Cambridge Journal 5(11.90%) 2(4.76%) 0 13(30.95%)
Annual reviews 3(7.14%) 2(4.76%) 2(4.76%) 11(26.19%)
Economic and Political weekly 15(35.71%) 4(9.52%) 4(9.52%) 8(19.04%)

Frequency of Use of E-resources by Non-
Science Scholars
The frequency of e-resources used by the
respondents from non-science community is
revealed from the analysis of Table 7. Variations
occur in the use of e-resources.
The most frequently used resources are J-gate
(66.66%) followed by JSTOR (45.23%), Sage
journal (28.57%), EPW (35.71 %) and Emerald
(33.33%). The non-frequently used resources are
ISI Web of knowledge, RSC, IOP, Annual Reviews,
SIAM, APS and others.
Search Method for OPAC
The question was asked to know about the
method of searches in OPAC. There are many
search methods that are provided through the
OPAC like simple search, advanced search and
so on. Figure 5 shows the use pattern of search
method of OPAC.
Majority of the scholars from science as well as
non-science use simple search method while a
good number of scholars from both science and
non-science use advanced search and keyword
search. A few scholars did not use the OPAC.
Advantage for Using Web Information
To know the overall advantages regarding web-
based information services, the question were
asked to the respondents. Figure 6 represents the
response which shows that 68.42 per cent
respondents from science discipline use web
information because it has quick-browsing

8 Vol. 10, No. 1, January - March 2016

 Use of Web-Based Information Resources and Services by Research Scholars: A Case Study of the University of Calicut
No of research scholars

40
30
Science
20
Non science
10
0
Simple search Advanced search Restricted Keyword search Not used
search
S earch method

Figure 5: Search method for OPAC

No of rearch scholars

80
70
60
50 Science
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40
30 Non science
20
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10
www.IndianJournals.com

0
Quick browsing Compound Retrieval speed Sharing Print and Comprehensive All the above
access downloading information
coverage
Advantages

Figure 6: Advantage for using web information

advantage and 23.68 per cent prefer it because of cooperative and 11.9 per cent respondents have
the print and downloading facility. 47.61 per cent not yet faced any difficulty.
non-science respondents from social science
discipline also use it because of the quick-browsing SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS
facility and 16.66 per cent prefer it because of the Based on the findings of the study, the following
print and downloading facility.
recommendations are made for the effective use
Barriers for Using Web Information of web-based information services by the research
scholars of university of Calicut.
Respondents were asked a question to comment
if there is any barriers for using web-based The library professionals of the Calicut University
information services. have to create more awareness on web-based
Table 8 shows that 47.36 per cent science scholars information services. In this context, the website
opinioned that infrastructure facility is not of library, institutional repository and e-resources
sufficient while 21.05 per cent respondents have available in the library should get more familiarity
felt slow connectivity of internet for accessing web among the users.
information. Respondents from social science
discipline (40.47%) also have same opinion that High speed internet/ Wi Fi campus needs to be
infrastructure facility is not sufficient. 4.76 per developed by the authority, so that users can use
cent opinioned that library staff are not online resources according to their convenience.

PEARL - A Journal of Library and Information Science 9


Table 8: Barriers for using web information
Barriers
Infrastructure facilities are not sufficient 18(47.36%)
Library time is not convenient
Library staff are not cooperative
Too much information are retrieved
Slow connectivity
Limited access to computers
Lack of IT knowledge
No barrier
E-resources as per users’ requirement need to be
subscribed from publishers, vendors and other.
The central library needs to arrange various user
orientation and training programmes for the
optimum use of web-based information services
Print facility should be provided through the
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.185.2 on dated 20-Feb-2016
library.
Members Copy, Not for Commercial Sale
CONCLUSION
www.IndianJournals.com
This empirical study outlined the web-based
information services in Calicut University. It is the
most important and useful service that University
library can provide for the improvement of
academic activities. The findings of the study
indicate that most of the research scholars are not
utilising the web services provided through the
10
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P.K. Deepa and T.A. Abdul Azeez
library properly as the research scholars are
Science Non-Science unaware of the facilities which are provided
17(40.47%) through the web. The web-based services are
4(10.52%) 1(2.38%) hidden behind the library website and to reach
0 2(4.76%) this service to the users, library should provide
2(5.26%) 2(4.76%) training and orientation classes from time to time.
8(21.05%) 12(28.57%) It is hoped that the findings would help the
0 3(7.14%) authority to provide better services to the users
5(13.15%) 3(7.14%) and thereby improving the quality of teaching and
2(5.26%) 5(11.9%) research of the University.
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Vol. 10, No. 1, January - March 2016