The use of electronic resources at IIT Delhi Library: a study of search behaviours

The paper seeks to examine the use of electronic information services (EIS) among the users of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Library in Delhi, India.

Both questionnaire and observational methods were used for data collection where 300 valid samples were collected. The analysis of data collected covers awareness of EIS services, use of e‐journals, advanced search facilities, acquaintance with electronic information sources, the purpose of using e‐information, problems faced by the users while using EIS, infrastructure facility available and satisfaction level of users.

The study found that Boolean logic and truncation are the most often used search facilities by IIT users. Lack of printing facilities, terminals and trained staff are the major reasons that would discourage users from accessing the EIS. The survey also reveals that some 60 per cent of users face difficulties while browsing e‐information.

The paper provides suggestions for the further improvement of EIS to fulfill the information needs and requirements of users at the IIT Library, Delhi.