User Behaviour on the Web in a University Environment: A Case Study

Abstract

World wide web-based sources have become important for education and research. Understanding the behaviour of users in using these systems, hence is essential. Though many studies have been reported worldwide there is a dearth of such studies from the Indian point of view. The study based on the method of observation and interview was undertaken to ascertain how the postgraduate students of Gulbarga University, Gulbarga (N=49) behave on the web. The study indicates that the students are familiar computer and have an acquaintance with various activities on computer. It also indicates students' familiarity with Internet but their level of understanding of Internet, conceptually and practicality varied. As majority of students under study using Internet and the Web had no formal training, their search efficiency also varied. This certainly advocates for a regular and rigorous training programme by the departments of library and information sciences of various universities, particularly on how to find information on Web.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dbit.26.6.3697