Web-based information retrieval trends of researchers - A case study of Sambalpur University (India)

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to find out the trends of web-based information seekers at Sambalpur University, India since the internet is more helpful than the library in the present electronic era. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on the case study method. A structured questionnaire was distributed among the relevant researchers at Sambalpur University in order to ascertain their web searching habits. Findings - The application of is ever increasing - to the extent that people believe that electronic material will eventually replace the traditional library and users need not go there to find and collect the information they need. The study revealed, however, that in one Indian university, traditional library and printed materials are still more effective to researchers than web-based information and resources. Originality/value - This is an original case study on web-based information retrieval trends of university researchers. This paper will help web researchers to obtain a clear-cut picture of the information seeking and retrieval trends of the researchers of an Indian university which will serve as a role model for the universities of the Third World.