Information-Seeking Behavior of Geoscientists

Abstract

Authors investigated problems encountered by geoscientists retrieving and processing Information. Through lntervlews and questionnaires, geologists judged the importance of information sources and described their continuous and on-demand modes of information seeking. Journals and personal contacts rank highest. Geologists show little interest in end-user searching and need additional training in information services, sources, and procedures. Results also illustrate opinions of foreign language literature, variations In patterns of information seeking which depend on professional position and time available, and problems resulting from constraints set by employers. Several implications for librarians emerge from the study.