Description

Using several complimentary investigation methods and data collection tools and techniques, information behaviour in general and information seeking behaviour (ISB) in particular of Indian Space Technologists (IST) comprising of scientists, engineers, managers, technocrats, technologists and technicians of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) Bangalore have been investigated and results and findings presented in juxta position with the findings of some related past studies.

Multiple investigation methods are used in a helpful sequence to enable cross checking of data for its validity, reliability and consistency as well as to depict different perspectives like users' opinions, researcher's observation, results of discussions, self reported activities of users and analysis of historical records. Methods used included questionnaire, semi-structured personal interviews, self-reported weekly summary of information- related activities, direct unabtrusive as well as indirect observations, quasi-experiment and a host of indirect methods.

A systematic attempt is made to determine various characteristics and ISB of IST and relate such behaviour to their characteristics. Facets of ISB included the motives and purposes of seeking information, the nature and type of information sought, the sources of bibliographic information used, delegation of information gathering task, time spent on information-gathering activities, sources of information, interpersonal information sharing, intra and inter-organisational communication, informal and formal communication behaviour, use of and user interactions with the primary library. Apart from extensive comparison of results with results of western studies, many possible areas of user studies for further research are identified.