SECTION 1: QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
4.1.11. The web and other information sources
Since the introduction of the Internet, web users have acquired or developed different search experiences and responses. One of the implications of projected experiences and sentiments is that at some point, web users begin to wonder whether to continue using other information sources or not. In this respect, the researcher sought to establish whether electronic sources make it easier or more difficult to gather and use information, and also the effect of the web on the use of and visits to other information sources.
4.1.11.1. Effect of electronic sources on gathering information
Preferences for certain types of information sources and their form of delivery and reasons for these by various user groups are well articulated in information seeking literature. Electronic resources, both scholarly and non scholarly, are now available in abundance because of the web. Not only are materials increasingly available in the
electronic medium, but the nature of the medium also allows for new ways of presenting information. People are no longer limited to the standard book format. Information may now be presented in a manner that is interactive and dynamic, and in multiple source formats that are easily updatable. Even in its infancy, there are already exponential numbers of users taking advantage of the web’s possibilities (Facebook, You Tube, etc.).
This study therefore sought to determine what impact this may have on the gathering of information by students and staff.
52 (72%)
7 (10%)
9 (12%)
5 (7%) 93 (73%)
21 (17%) 10 (8%)
3 (2%) 0
20 40 60 80 100
Easier About the same More difficult Much more difficult
Frequency
UNIZUL DUT
Fig 4.20: Effect of electronic sources on gathering information
As reflected in Fig 4.20 above, most of the respondents reported that the Internet made the gathering of information much easier. Fifty two (71%) respondents from Unizul stated that the Internet made gathering information easier compared to 93 (73%) respondents from DUT. Generally, most respondents stated that information gathering is now easier, although the Internet has also brought along new problems, such as proper web referencing. The ease reported could be attributed to the copy, cut, and paste functions of Internet documents which tend to save users tremendous amounts of time otherwise spent retyping text, and the diversity and range of information that the web offers. While the copy, cut and paste functions are beneficial, because of them plagiarism also seems to have become rampant. Very few respondents stated that they had not seen any changes in their information seeking or gathering processes, as indicated by the 7 (10%) responses from Unizul and 21 (17%) from DUT. Inconsequential figures were recorded for those who claimed to find obtaining information more difficult or much more difficult in both institutions.
4.1.11.2. Effect of the Internet & World Wide Web on the use of or visits to other information sources
The question – ‘Has the Internet and World Wide Web affected your use of or visits to other information sources (e.g. books and print journals)?’ - aimed to understand how the Internet has affected the respondents’ use of or visits to other information sources and providers. As more resources go online, users are likely to be less informed about the resources offered by other information facilities, such as the library, because these resources would be in competition with the Internet. Bell, as quoted by Brophy and Bawden (2005:n.p), says that “Google has become the symbol of competition to the academic library” and Google is but one of many new information services available to students and members of staff. The debate of the Internet and World Wide Web versus traditional sources should be at the forefront of information service providers’ concerns because it is vital in profiling the media preferences of users in academic institutions.
4.1.11.2.1. Effect of the Internet & World Wide Web on students’ use of or visits to other information sources
One of the mooted outcomes of the spreading use of the web has been the lesser use of other information sources. This question asked students if the web has had any visible impact on their use of other sources, particularly traditional print-based sources or information storehouses. Many students reported that the Internet has had a definite impact on their use of and visits to other information sources. At Unizul, just below half of the interviewed 32 (44%) stated that it had an effect, while 78 (62%) from DUT also thought so. The remaining 40 (56%) from Unizul and 48 (38%) from DUT reported that they still accessed and used other resources (as they did before). Overall, more students now use the Internet, although a significant number of the respondents noted that it hadn’t affected their use of or visits to other information sources. Perhaps this is because of the numerous access and infrastructural challenges that affect users’ reliance on technology-based information sources, or even just plain scepticism about the benefits of the Internet.
4.1.11.2.2. Effect of the Internet & World Wide Web on the staff’s use of or visits to other information sources
This question assessed the impact of the Internet and World Wide Web on the use of or visits to other information sources by academic members of staff. It was found that the web has affected academics’ use of or visits to other information sources. This was the trend at both institutions (5; 71%, Unizul and 9; 64%, DUT). Two (29%) respondents from Unizul disagreed, as did 5 (36%) from DUT. From the above, academics, unlike students, appear to be more thoughtful users of various information media. They are not
‘shifty’ and do not subscribe to general trends because they are ‘savvy’.
4.1.11.3. Reasons for changes in searching behaviour
Respondents were asked to indicate what has affected their use of traditional information sources. Their responses are listed below:
Speed: it’s faster to retrieve web material
Saves time: no need to retype material; one can copy and paste
Entertaining: the web appeals to respondents because it satisfies the dual needs of study/work and play
Ease of use and simplicity of the web
Currency of information - library material is often outdated
Relevance
Wide subject/ topic coverage – ‘I get everything I want’
Conducive environment, unlike the library
Laziness (physically getting up and visiting the library)
Easily available and accessible: work from the office or home
Availability of multimedia: the web combines text, video, pictures & sound
Sometimes it is the only available source of information