An Analysis of User Behavior Relating to Information Query Pattern with Special Reference to Allied Health Sciences Library, Kotelawala Defence University

Abstract

In the 21st century Information User is the most important and dynamic factor which draws central focus of the library services in planning and developing its resources and services. In this endeavor, analysis of user behaviour is an essential practice in any library. This study is a desk research, which has been conducted based on secondary data: the user queries reported at the Allied Health Sciences Library, Kotelawala Defence University during the six months of period from May 2023 to April 2024 (total no. of user queries used for the study is, n=296). Investigating the user behaviour in relation to user queries and analyzing its pattern is a significant attempt to understand; types of users (tu), knowledge level of user (ku), queries presenting behavior of user (bu) and nature and type of queries (qu) presented to the library. Inductive research approach has been followed in this study. Two strata of users; staff and students were identified in this study. Majority of the queries presented by the undergraduates (58%) while significance number of academia (42%) has also posed queries to the library. Academia shown medium level of knowledge on certain information needs while presenting their queries. Most of the user queries of academia were received over the phone while undergraduates reached the library physically. Information queries are shown diverse of themes related to Document Delivery Service, database access, institutional repository and past question papers repository access, plagiarism level identification, publication procedures and research support. Academic staff members mainly expected support on Document Delivery Service and identification of quality journals for the publications. Most of the users inquired on articles which are not available at the library, that hinder the need of more database subscription. Faculty liaison Librarians should spend more time to address the user queries that may enhance the library usage as they expecting more attention from the professional staff.

Keywords: Information queries, user behavior, Allied Health Sciences Library, user queries