Information Behaviour of Humanities Scholars

This study explores the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of humanities university teachers. The study revealed that most of the humanities teachers preferred to consult with experts in their subject field to get their required information. Reference books were ranked as the most important source of information for teaching purposes and consultation with knowledgeable persons or experts in the subject field was ranked as the most important source of information for the research activities. The printed material was the most preferred information format. Required material was not available was ranked as number one problem in information-seeking. The study shows that humanities scholars prefer to use the library themselves, rather than seeking help from the library staff. The humanists still stick to printed information sources but they pay good attention to electronic resources. Most of them have access to computer and Internet at office and home. They are regular users of a variety of electronic technologies. This study can be useful to design services and facilities in humanities libraries and information centres.