Web based information retrieval pattern of doctoral students in Calicut University

Abstract

A structured questionnaire survey of 104 full-time doctoral students in Calicut University reveals that majority of the doctoral students belonging to science departments access the web daily. Most of the doctoral students search the web with simple keywords. Google is the most preferred search engine followed by Yahoo. The use of traditional library resources (print based)among the doctoral students belonging to science departments has decreased considerably. Majority of the doctoral students are not fully satisfied with access to web-based information resources and indicated ‘slow internet accessibility’ as the irmain reason for dissatisfaction. The findings of this study would assist universities in India to develop strategies and policies that could make better use of web-based resources for education and research.