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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter Saur August 25, 2017

Determining the Prevalence and Correlates of Information Seeking Anxiety Among Postgraduates in Pakistan

  • Muhammad Asif Naveed EMAIL logo and Kanwal Ameen
From the journal Libri

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and correlatives of information seeking anxiety in postgraduate students of the University of the Punjab, Lahore using Information Seeking Anxiety Scale (ISAS). The participants’ selection was made using a stratified convenient sampling due to non-availability through random process. Postgraduate students were approached through a questionnaire, containing ISAS and demographic variables, with descriptive and inferential statistics used for data analysis. Results indicated the prevalence of information seeking anxiety among postgraduates as a large majority of the sample did face more than low anxiety for overall ISAS and all its sub-scales. Participants’ age, gender, faculty, program of study, study stage, computer proficiency, and research experience also appeared to be correlatives to the information seeking anxiety. These useful insights had serious implications to viable information literacy (IL) programs and could be used as a guide by academic information professionals managing information services, especially those engaged in IL instructions.

Appendix A

Resource Anxiety: this dimension included items related to access, relevance, reliability, validity, usability, recency, novelty and quality of information resources.

ICT Anxiety: this factor represented issues in using information and communication technologies (ICTs) for seeking information resources.

Library Anxiety: this sub-scale contained items representing issues with library policies, services, staff and environment.

Search Anxiety: this dimension emphasized issues determining search terms, inability to define information need, how to start and where to search information resources.

Mechanical Anxiety: this dimension comprised statements related to mechanical issues such as system malfunction, unknown computer errors, rapid changes in hardware/software, fear of damaging computers/machines and dealing with special equipment.

Thematic Anxiety: this factor refers to the issues with research theme or topic such as selection, exploration, focus formulation, and gathering relevant information on theme in question.

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Received: 2016-3-1
Accepted: 2017-1-6
Published Online: 2017-8-25
Published in Print: 2017-8-28

© 2017 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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