Preference of Information Characteristics among Ophthalmologists in India: A Study

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Preference of Information Characteristics among Ophthalmologists in India: A Study

Author : R. Govindarajan and S. Dhanavandan
Volume 8 No.3 October-December 2018 pp 58-62

Abstract

Ophthalmologists – Eye doctors choose information by checking several characteristics of the information to satisfy their information need. The purpose of this study is to determine the key characteristics of information preferred by the ophthalmologists.The study design is cross-sectional and convenience sampling method is adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 18 PASW Statistical package was used for statistical analysis. Frequencies, percentages, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test were used in the study.Around 633 ophthalmologists working in 47 academic eye hospitals from 16 states of India were included in the study. The study results revealed that the majority of the ophthalmologists prefer well known reliable information. The statistical test results showed up that the information characteristics preferences of ophthalmologists differ by designation and experience. The ophthalmic librarians should develop quality norms for building the resource collection and adhere to it. The information service providers like online databases, websites, discussion forums, etc. should ensure to deliver reliable information services.

Keywords

Information Characteristics, Ophthalmologists, Good Information, Information Preferences, Information Seeking Behavior

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References

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Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology (AJIST) a Multidisciplinary Library and Information Science Journal is a refereed International Journal and publish from India. This Journal encompasses all branches of Library and Information Sciences and its sub – disciplines like Library Management; Information Systems & Services, Information Processing & Retrieval; Information Sources & Services; Community Information System, Scientometrics & Informetrics, IR Theory, Knowledge Organization; Information processing & retrieval, Classification, Preservation & Conservation, Information Management, Library classification, Information sources, Systems and Services, Computer Application in Library; Digital Library; Information Systems; Bibliographic Control, etc.

All papers are peer-reviewed and newly selected panels of international referees have been appointed to ensure that review is done rapidly and to the highest standards. Special topics will provide accounts of research, written periodically at the invitation of the Editorial Board by Library Professionals under the direction of Editor-in-Chief.

Ophthalmologists - Eye doctors choose information by checking several characteristics of the information to satisfy their information need. The purpose of this study is to determine the key characteristics of information preferred by the ophthalmologists.The study design is cross-sectional and convenience sampling method is adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 18 PASW Statistical package was used for statistical analysis. Frequencies, percentages, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test were used in the study.Around 633 ophthalmologists working in 47 academic eye hospitals from 16 states of India were included in the study. The study results revealed that the majority of the ophthalmologists prefer well known reliable information. The statistical test results showed up that the information characteristics preferences of ophthalmologists differ by designation and experience. The ophthalmic librarians should develop quality norms for building the resource collection and adhere to it. The information service providers like online databases, websites, discussion forums, etc. should ensure to deliver reliable information services.