Information-seeking behavior of design, process, and manufacturing engineers

This article discusses the information sources used by design, process, and manufacturing engineers in an international microchip manufacturing company, and the characteristics that influence their,information source selection and use. Findings differ from previous research in three ways. First, there was a significant difference in these engineers' information behavior. Second, the higher the engineers' level of education, the less likely they were to depend on their personal memories as sources of information, and the more likely they were to rely on libraries. Third, the higher the level of engineers' education, the less likely they were to consider "personal mastery" (information toot mastery) as a source influencer. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.