IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUN ICATION TECHNOLOGY ( ICT) IN INFORMATION SEEKING AND ENRICHMENT OF RESEARCHERS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KERALA

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Philosophy
( Integrated M. Phil./ Ph.D Programme )
in Library and Information Science

Submitted by

MEHABOOBULLAH.K

Under the supervision of Dr. JALAJA.V Head of the Department Library and Information Science

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT
SEPTEMBER 2005

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work presented in this dissertation entitled Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Information Seeking and Enrichment of Researchers in Universities in Kerala is original and carried out by me on Calicut University Campus and has not been submitted earlier in part or in full, or any degree or diploma of any University.

C.U.Campus 01-12-2005

MEHABOOBULLAH.K

UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Dr. JALAJA. V Supervising Teacher CALICUT UNIVERSITY 673 635- KERALA Date 01-12- 05

CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the dissertation entitled Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Information Seeking and Enrichment of Researchers in Universities in Kerala embodies the results of a bonafide work carried out by Mr. MEHABOOBULLAH.K during 2004-2005 for the partial fulfilment of Master of Philosophy in Library and Information Science, under my supervision and guidance. This dissertation has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma or other similar title or recognition.

Dr. Jalaja. V (Supervising Teacher) Head of the Department Library and Information Science

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I wish to express my profound gratitude to Dr. Jalaja. V, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science , University of Calicut, for her scholarly guidance and inspiration at every stages of this work. I accord my profound thanks to Dr. Raju M. Mathew, Former Head of the Department and the faculty members Sri.T.M. Vasudevan, Dr. Denasen Koovakkai and Dr. MuhammedHaneefa for the encouragement and help rendered by them. I record my sincere thanks to Mrs. Sucy. P. C, Librarian, Department of Library and Information Science and my Department Staffs who have been helpful to me during different phases of the work. I owe my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to my friends, Sri.MansoorBabu, Sri. Salil, Sri. Vijayakumar, Smt. Sujaand Smt. Geetha for condescending from their hectic activities to offer their help. Last, but not the least , I express my obligation towards my beloved parents and family members for their keen interest, constant inspiration and encouragement all through the completion of this work.

MEHABOOBULLAH.K

CONTENTS Chapter I II III IV V VI Title Introduction Information And Communication Technology: An Overview Review of Related Studies Methodology Analysis and Interpretation Summary, Major Findings and Suggestions Bibliography Appendix 11 20 30 39 67 74 Page 1

Chapter I

Introduction

Information Importance of Information Information Need Information Seeking Behaviour Motives of Seeking Information Purpose of Seeking Information User Studies Importance of Information in Research Statement of the Problem Definition of Key Terms Objectives of the Study Hypotheses of the Study Significance of the Study Scope of the Study Limitations of the Study Organisation of the Report

Chapter II

Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) : An overview

Introduction Emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development of Storage Technologies Development of Communication Technologies Emerging Technologies

Chapter III

Review of Related Literature

Chapter IV

Methodology

Variables Used for the Study Objectives of the Study Hypotheses of the Study Selection of Sample Tools and Methods Used for Data Collection Data Collection Procedure Data Analysis Method

Chapter V

Analysis and Interpretations

Chapter VI

Finding, Testing of Hypotheses, Suggestions and Conclusion

Findings Tenability of Hypotheses Suggestion for Improvement of ICT Resources/ Services Suggestion for further Research Conclusion

Bibliography

Appendix