Patterns of Information Seeking Behavior and Information Needs of the Faculty: Basis for Collection Development Enhancement

Abstract

The information resource center or the library is the most widely-used source of information available in an educational institution like Olivarez College. Information seeking needs of students, faculty, and non-academic staff to update information for research and other academic purposes are attended to by the library. The significant findings were the following: most of the respondents were lecturer 35-60 years old. They were Bachelor’sdegree holders. Majority of them came from the Senior High School (DPRO). They visited the library at least once a week.It was noted that the respondents moderately agreed on the following information seeking behavior to wit: the purpose of library visit 3.19; methods of information seeking 3.11; use of the library sources and services 3.08; purpose of information seeking 3.28; assessment of the collection 3.55; and assessment of the e-resources 3.55. While problems encountered is the immediate concern with 2.42. Significant relationship with moderate degree (rs = -0.23) was found between “Age” and “Problems encountered” (p=0.04), but inversely related. This means that as “Age” increases,“Problems encountered” decreases. Significant relationship with moderate degree (rs = -0.23) was found between “Type of Visit” and “Method of seeking information” (p=0.04), but inversely related. This means that as “Type of Visit” becomes more frequent “Methods of information” becomes less. Significant relationship with moderate degree was found between “Education” and “Assessment of E-Resources”. As the level of education increases, the assessment of e-resources becomes more important to respondents. It was recommended to establish a as council of elders or members of the library faculty committee who will serve as adviser that helps promote the services and activities of the library. Formulate a staff development program tailored fit to the needs of the library. Identify areas of operation where productivity or efficiency needs to be improved. The library must understand information-seeking behavior of the faculty to re-engineer their services and provide information efficiently. Invite and involve faculty members in book selection process. Moreso, to revisit the collection development plan to strengthen the policy by deletion of the inapplicable policy and inclusion of the current policy. Acquisition plan should be monitored to have a balance library collection.