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Web search behavior of university students: A case study at University of the Punjab
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The World Wide Web is now known to be the richest source of information. The growth rate of the web is exponential. This paper explores different aspects of web search behavior of university students, in terms of user's background and experience with web, purpose of use, searching skills, query formulation, frequency of use, favorite search engine, etc. All these factors contribute to the way in which the students search the web. Data have been collected from students of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore through questionnaire. Key findings include the use of web for academic tasks, preference of Google, reformulation of query, use of basic and advance search features, browsing of first ten hits and problem of slow speed.
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... Web search activity and online information retrieval and information search studies through surveys, observations and experiments have been carried out (Moon, 2004;Kim, 2008, Lopes, 2016Khan, 2018). In a comprehensive review of these studies, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) concluded that research on web search activities and behaviour is still in the formative stage. However, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) stated that it is not clear whether the factors influencing the search process, effectiveness or outcomes are understood well enough to be effectively studied in a cause-effect study. ...
... In a comprehensive review of these studies, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) concluded that research on web search activities and behaviour is still in the formative stage. However, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) stated that it is not clear whether the factors influencing the search process, effectiveness or outcomes are understood well enough to be effectively studied in a cause-effect study. Studies have also examined web search activities and behaviour most of which generally focus on managers and students. ...
... Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous related studies (e.g. Zhang, Anghelescu, and Yuan, 2005;Malik and Mahmood, 2009). The questionnaire was divided into two sections. ...
This is the print version of the International Journal of Library and Information Services (IJLIS) for Volume 10, Issue 2 during July-December 2021.
... Web search activity and online information retrieval and information search studies through surveys, observations and experiments have been carried out (Moon, 2004;Kim, 2008, Lopes, 2016Khan, 2018). In a comprehensive review of these studies, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) concluded that research on web search activities and behaviour is still in the formative stage. However, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) stated that it is not clear whether the factors influencing the search process, effectiveness or outcomes are understood well enough to be effectively studied in a cause-effect study. ...
... In a comprehensive review of these studies, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) concluded that research on web search activities and behaviour is still in the formative stage. However, Malik and Mahmood (2009) and (Khan, 2018) stated that it is not clear whether the factors influencing the search process, effectiveness or outcomes are understood well enough to be effectively studied in a cause-effect study. Studies have also examined web search activities and behaviour most of which generally focus on managers and students. ...
... Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous related studies (e.g. Zhang, Anghelescu, and Yuan, 2005;Malik and Mahmood, 2009). The questionnaire was divided into two sections. ...
This study examined an empirical analysis of the determinants of library and information science students’ web search effectiveness at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A total enumerative method was used where the entire 146 year three and four undergraduate students of the Department of Library and Information Science represent the sample. Through a survey approach, a questionnaire was developed and used for the collection of data. Three research questions were developed to guide the study. The results demonstrate that determinants such as internet and computer self-efficacy, information literacy skills, use of Boolean operators and use of appropriate search terms significantly correlate with and determine web search effectiveness.
... Information and communication technology (ICT) had brought about a revolution in every walk of today's life (Omotosho, 2015). It has become an integral part of education and its impact on teaching and learning is widely accepted (Malik, 2009). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a comprehensive concept and parallel concept with information technology (IT) that denotes not only a single unit of technology but an assemble of technologies like telecommunication equipment (Adeagbo, 2011), data processing equipment (Mofoluwaso, 2015), semi-conductors, consumer electronics etc. (Adeniran, 2013). ...
The study was conducted in the Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala to
study the adoption behaviour of awardee farmers. Altogether, 70 awardee farmers, 35 each from
the two districts constituted the sample. A list of farming practices in coconut, rice, banana and
vegetables were selected from package of practices recommendations of Kerala Agricultural
University (KAU, 2016) to study the adoption behaviour of awardee farmers. The statements on
recommended practices were administered to awardee farmers and it was measured as no
adoption, partial adoption, full adoption and modified adoption. The results showed that majority
of the awardee farmers belonged to the medium to the high category of adoption behaviour.
Profile characteristics like farming experience, decision making ability, dealing with failure,
creativity, credit orientation and training acquired had a significant relationship with adoption
behaviour.
Key Words: Awardee farmers, Adoption behaviour, Package of practices recommendations,
decision making ability, dealing with failure, creativity, credit orientation.
... Information and communication technology (ICT) had brought about a revolution in every walk of today's life (Omotosho, 2015). It has become an integral part of education and its impact on teaching and learning is widely accepted (Malik, 2009). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a comprehensive concept and parallel concept with information technology (IT) that denotes not only a single unit of technology but an assemble of technologies like telecommunication equipment (Adeagbo, 2011), data processing equipment (Mofoluwaso, 2015), semi-conductors, consumer electronics etc. (Adeniran, 2013). ...
... Information and communication technology (ICT) had brought about a revolution in every walk of today's life (Omotosho, 2015). It has become an integral part of education and its impact on teaching and learning is widely accepted (Malik, 2009). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a comprehensive concept and parallel concept with information technology (IT) that denotes not only a single unit of technology but an assemble of technologies like telecommunication equipment (Adeagbo, 2011), data processing equipment (Mofoluwaso, 2015), semi-conductors, consumer electronics etc. (Adeniran, 2013). ...
Journal of Krishi Vigyan is regularly published by the Society of Krishi Vigyan and its NAAS rating is 4.55 w.e.f. 1/1/2021. All scientists related to agriculture and allied fields are requested to kindly see this journal and comment.
... Digital library resources have become indispensable for research scholars and teaching faculty in accelerating their research and academic tasks (Feng et al., 2005). The study of Malik and Mahmood (2009) that the resources of HEC digital library are used by faculty members for the purpose of fulfilling their various research and academic needs. Similarly in another study Ansari and Zuberi (2010) observed that faculty members use the electronic resources of HEC digital library for the purpose of completing their various academic assignments. ...
The study aimed to evaluate the impact and purpose of using Higher Education Commission (HEC) digital library resources by the faculty members in the universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The population of study comprised of 280 social science faculty members working in the public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Census Based survey method was used to solicit both genders’ views for this study. A quantitative survey procedure was employed for data collection, obtaining 89.2% response rate. Majority of faculty members who were lecturers participated in survey. The study indicates that both male and female respondents have knowledge about the HEC digital library resources. However, male faculty members used these resources more than female. The faculty members between the age group of 31- 40 years were major users of these resources. Among them MS/Phil faculty members use these resources extensively to fulfill their teaching and research needs. The results of the study showed that majority of the faculty members used HEC digital library resources for the purposes of teaching and research, writing articles, updating their knowledge, improving professional competencies, and guiding research students respectively. Results further showed that these resources have a significant impact on respondents’ teaching and research performance. The study suggests that in order to enhance the impact and effectiveness of HEC digital library resources in the public and private sector university of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it was suggested to make necessary planning to increase its usage among the faculty members which will increase their research and academic outputs.
... The initial projects namely Education For All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) started by Pakistan would be an integral part of SDG.Digitalization and demand for digital content is increasing in academia and Pakistan is also emerging in digitalization of educational sector. Various studies have been conducted in the digitalization adoption in Pakistani universities which revealed that the universities and students are adopting and preferring the digital platforms(Malik & Mahmood, 2009;Ullah, 2007;Rafiq & Ameen, 2009). The usage of digital media in educational institutions of Pakistan is growing(Rafiq & Ameen, 2012). ...
Higher educational institutes today need to focus on identifying the requirements of industry as well as the market, so that they can help students develop the necessary skills and enable them to work with intelligent machines in today's era of the 4th industrial revolution which is also termed digitalization. Digitalization has increased pressure on educational institutions to update their existing curricula and course contents. It is important to note that, while industry as well as educational institutions in the developed world are rather quick on embracing such trends, developing economies often lag behind. Universities in developed countries are mostly on the path towards a hybrid way of teaching, while those in developing countries, such as Pakistan, frequently struggle to make these changes. This chapter seeks to provide suggestions and recommendations for the higher education sector, including universities and policymakers. It identifies the role that the higher education sector must play in preparing and upskilling future employees for Pakistan's digital future.
... ,Arif and Kanwal (2009),Malik and Mahmood (2009), revealed similar results.Bhatti , Chohan and Asghar (2014) observed that lack of computers, slow internet speed, electricity failure, lack of formal training are the main issues in accessing HEC digital library resources.Hussain and Mahmood (2012) examined different aspects including advantages, disadvantages, issues, needs and requirements of digital libraries and recommended proper trainings and orientation programs for library professionals to enhance the usage of digital libraries in Pakistan.Other locally conducted studies areAhmed and Amjad (2014),Khan and Ahmed (2016);Khan et al. (2017),Iqbal et al. (2017),Hussain and Jan (2018) andMuhammad (2020). ...
... The advent of the Internet, World Wide Web (www) and search engines in the early 20th Centuiy has transformed information communication and accessibility. The Internet provides link to myriads of intellectual works produced all over the world, while the World Wide Web provides the channel of accessing these works on the Internet (Malik and Mahmood, 2009). With the help of the search engines, databases that contain thousands of intellectual works on the web are searched with the use of specific keywords. ...
Plagiarism is an act that is capable o f jeopardizing quality assurance in library schools. This academic crime if left unchecked can call into question the reputation and value o f degrees conferred
on students in Nigerian library schools. Even though technology has been employed to combat plagiarism in some library schools through the use o f detection software like Turnilin, Copycatch, Plagscan etc., this unwholesome act seems to continue unhindered. This reveals the need to adopt a
holistic strategy to combat this menace, especially as it applies to thesis writing in library schools. The strategy includes the use o f effective quality assurance methods. This paper therefore discusses the role o f plagiarism policy formulation and implementation, as well as the development of competencies in library and information science (LIS) students as quality assurance methods that can reduce the rate o f plagiarism in Nigerian library schools. The content o f such policy was explained
and the various ways o f building LIS students ’ competencies were sufficiently discussed. Finally, the
paper recommended the formulation and/or strict application o f institutional policy on plagiarism
and the development o f students ’ competencies in order to stem the tide o f plagiarism and enhance
quality assurance in LIS postgraduate education in Nigeria
A study of web search behaviour of 16 selected libraries of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar conducted through a survey reveals the satisfaction level of the LIS Professionals with the type of information sought through search engines. Also this paper investigates the dependency on the search engines and the familiarity of the advanced search options available in the search engines. 0. INTRODUCTION The Internet has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for global communication. The Library and Information Science (LIS) professional has a vital role to play in supplying the relevant information to the right user at the right time in the right form. The volume of information on the Internet is growing exponentially and it is being regularly updated with the latest information from all fields. In the 21 st Century, the Internet has become one of the reference tools for all libraries. According to Wempen Faithe 1 , beginners complain about the vastness of Internet. There are millions of pages all over the world, and Information Professionals are not going to stumble onto the information they need by just clicking on links. It is highly frustrating that there is not one comprehensive index, like in the back of the book, where they can just look things up.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions of library and information science professionals regarding a national digital library programme in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
– This study investigates the perceptions of LIS Professionals regarding the usage and satisfaction of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital Library (NDL) databases. This program provides free access to electronic resources including 30 full text databases with access to 24,000 peer reviewed online journals and e‐books to universities and non‐profitable research and development organizations in Pakistan. The study utilized an online survey, group interviews, and observations. Seventy‐five respondents from 40 institutions responded to the survey.
Findings
– The findings reveal that younger professionals showed greater interest in the use of databases. A majority of users accessed these databases from the HEC website. Respondents were more satisfied with electronic journals and least satisfied with e‐books. The study also showed that the resources of the HEC NDL are underutilized and increased promotion and training is needed.
Originality/value
– This study will be helpful for universities regarding the use of digital resources.
The paper presents the results of a survey of the
undergraduate, graduate and post graduate students of the
University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. The objective of the
study was to explore the Internet use behavior of students. The
results show that most of the students use this technology for
course related reading and research needs. They are new users of
the Internet. They use it at the University Library’s Digital Lab Unit
as well as their departments and homes. A large number of them
have learnt to use the Internet tools by themselves, or relying on
assistance from friends without attending any formal training
programs. Ease of work and time saving are the reasons of
Internet use among university students. Google as a search
engine and Yahoo as an email service are the most popular
among students. The paper recommends that the university
authorities should arrange training programs for the students’
Internet use.
Purpose
– This study provides evidence on the actual information‐seeking behaviour of students in a digital scholarly environment, not what they thought they did. It also compares student information‐seeking behaviour with that of other academic communities, and, in some cases, for practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
– Data were gathered as part of CIBER's ongoing Virtual Scholar programme. In particular log data from two digital journals libraries, Blackwell Synergy and OhioLINK, and one e‐book collection (Oxford Scholarship Online) are utilized.
Findings
– The study showed a distinctive form of information‐seeking behaviour associated with students and differences between them and other members of the academic community. For example, students constituted the biggest users in terms of sessions and pages viewed, and they were more likely to undertake longer online sessions. Undergraduates and postgraduates were the most likely users of library links to access scholarly databases, suggesting an important “hot link” role for libraries.
Originality/value
– Few studies have focused on the actual (rather than perceived) information‐seeking behaviour of students. The study fills that gap.
Searching for relevant information on the World Wide Web is often a laborious and frustrating task for casual and experienced users. To help improve searching on the Web based on a better understanding of user characteristics, we investigate what types of knowledge are relevant for Web-based information seeking, and which knowledge structures and strategies are involved. Two experimental studies are presented, which address these questions from different angles and with different methodologies. In the first experiment, 12 established Internet experts are first interviewed about search strategies and then perform a series of realistic search tasks on the World Wide Web. From this study a model of information seeking on the World Wide Web is derived and then tested in a second study. In the second experiment two types of potentially relevant types of knowledge are compared directly. Effects of Web experience and domain-specific background knowledge are investigated with a series of search tasks in an economics-related domain (introduction of the Euro currency). We find differential and combined effects of both Web experience and domain knowledge: while successful search performance requires the combination of the two types of expertise, specific strategies directly related to Web experience or domain knowledge can be identified.
This article reviews research conducted in 1998–99 examining students’ perceptions and uses of the World Wide Web for academic purposes. Recent developments in the Web that may be of particular interest to educators and parents of students are considered. Since the mid-1990s the Internet, and more specifically the World Wide Web, has been eagerly adopted by school districts, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Recent data from the National Center for Educational Statistics indicates that, in the fall of 2002, 99 percent of public schools and 92 percent of instructional classrooms were wired for Internet access (Kleiner, Lewis, & Greene, 2003). This is even more impressive when you compare 1994 figures, which estimated that 35 percent of schools and 3 percent of classrooms had Internet access. The latest in a long line of technological solutions to our educational woes, the Web, and its evangelists, promise no less than a radical restructuring of the way that students access and acquire information. However, some have raised concerns about the value of the Web as an educational resource. Historians have noted that the use of the Web in a public school setting marks the first time that the end user controls the process of choosing the content to be consumed. published or submitted for publication
Introduction. This study sought to answer three questions: 1) Would the level of domain knowledge significantly affect the user's search behavior? 2) Would the level of domain knowledge significantly affect search effectiveness, and 3).What would be the relationship between search behaviour and search effectiveness?
Method. Participants were asked to rate their familiarity with 200 thesaurus terms to measure their level of domain knowledge. They also searched on three assigned topics using the COMPENDEX database. Data were collected through pre- and post-search questionnaires, thesaurus term rating form, computer logs, and search session printouts.
Analysis. Twenty-two engineering and science students' data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative analysis included both descriptive statistics and statistical testing, while the qualitative analysis was on the use of terms in queries.
Results. As the level of domain knowledge increases, the user tends to do more searches and to use more terms in queries. However, the search effectiveness remained the same for all participants.
Conclusion. The level of domain knowledge seems to have an effect on search behaviour, but not on search effectiveness, and search behaviour does not seem to be related to search effectiveness. The findings are limited by the small sample size and need to be confirmed in further studies.
The author investigated the information requirements and search habits of graduate students at Tatung University, a private university in Taipei City, Taiwan. Data were collected by means of questionnaires (416) and follow-up interviews with graduate students from nine departments. Results show that 90% of the subjects conducted information searches using outside sources in addition to the university library. More than half of the respondents said that they depend on the university library and fellow students when conducting information searches. Finally, the amount of required effort and speed of access were more important than cost when choosing an Information source.
This article reviews studies, conducted between 1995 and 2000, on Web search behavior. These studies reported on children as well as on adults. Most of the studies on children described their interaction with the Web. Research on adult searchers focused on describing search patterns, and many studies investigated effects of selected factors on search behavior, including information organization and presentation, type of search task, Web experience, cognitive abilities, and affective states. What distinguishes the research on adult searchers is the use of multiple data-gathering methods. The research on Web search behavior reflects researchers' commitment to examine users in their information environment and exhibits rigor in design and data analysis. However, many studies lack external validity. Implications of this body of research are discussed.