Information seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Radad ◽  
Hassan Behzadi ◽  
Somayeh Zadehrahim
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Native People ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Agricultural Export ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Use Of Information Sources

Purpose The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 375 saffron farmers (295 ordinary and 80 elite saffron farmers) selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a kind of researcher-made questionnaire. Findings The results showed saffron onion, pesticides, cultivators and farmland worker were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-seeking behaviour of both groups. The most important sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience, neighbouring saffron farmers, contact with informants and other family members. The main criteria which affected the behaviour of the two groups on the use of information sources were provided information in local language, native people, clear and intelligible information and low cost. Farmers were also confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers and insufficient number of technical experts. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information-seeking behaviour of elite and ordinary saffron farmers and their performance. Originality/value Saffron is one of the most important agricultural export products in Iran, and this paper is the first research in this subject. The results can help develop information-seeking behaviour of farmers.

The information-seeking behavior of Mosque Speechmakers (MSs) in the State of Kuwait

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam A. H. Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
The State ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The State Of Kuwait

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the cover of research regarding Mosque Speechmakers (MSs) in the Arabic environment. The researcher tries to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of MSs in the State of Kuwait in terms of their thoughts, approaches, habits, preferences, tools and problems met when using of and accessing information. Design/methodology/approach – The author employed a questionnaire, with a response rate 70.6 per cent (561/795). Findings – The findings of the study revealed that most of MSs in Kuwait tend to be older (aged over 35 years), educated (mostly with BA degrees) and with an average monthly income over 300 KD ($1000 = 282 KD). The study showed that MSs were significantly seeking information to make a specific/general research, to collect necessary statistics, to make a speech/sermon and to present religious sermons/lectures. They preferred to use the home/personal library as well as the special library, specifically the Mosque library. The information-seeking behaviour of a large number of them indicated a preference for printed sources over electronic sources, and a good number preferred to access information through the audio-visual materials as well as the web. A very small number of them were looking for information for the purpose of making a speech (Friday speech/sermon). The study also showed that the most important sources of information MSs were seeking for were biographies, specialised books, particularly Islamic books, mass media (press, TV, videos, etc.). The study also showed that a large number of MSs were poor in the usage of foreign languages, and this in turn has negatively affected to take advantage of the vast information available in these languages. The unpretentious role of the library to deliver requested information, the use of foreign languages as well as the high cost of information were the most significant problems met by MSs when using of and accessing information. Research limitations/implications – This paper investigates the topic of MSs’ use of and access to information. This topic, unfortunately, has limited previous research, especially in the Arabic and Islamic environment. Practical implications – The paper provides valuable insight into the information behaviour of a very important client group, namely, MSs. Originality/value – Being the second one of its type throughout the Arab world, this study is characterised to be a distinguishing one among several studies conducted in the area of the information-seeking behaviour, especially with such a significant group of information users/seekers. Any findings resulted from this study may help in a better understanding of the MSs’ information-seeking behaviour, and may also help policy and decision-makers (Mosques and Islamic institutions) as well as religious information service providers to understand well the nature of these beneficiaries of information sources and to enrich the awareness of researchers and professionals on the topic of information-seeking behaviour of Mosque speechmakers.

Triggers and strategies related to the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of researchers in ResearchGate

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077-1096
Author(s):  
Sanam Ebrahimzadeh ◽  
Saeed Rezaei Sharifabadi ◽  
Masoumeh Karbala Aghaie Kamran ◽  
Kimiz Dalkir
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Collaborative Information Seeking

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the triggers, strategies and outcomes of collaborative information-seeking behaviours of researchers on the ResearchGate social networking site.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the population of researchers who use ResearchGate. The sample was limited to the Ph.D. students and assistant professors in the library and information science domain. Qualitative interviews were used for data collection.FindingsBased on the findings of the study, informal communications and complex information needs lead to a decision to use collaborative information-seeking behaviour. Also, easy access to sources of information and finding relevant information were the major positive factors contributing to collaborative information-seeking behaviour of the ResearchGate users. Users moved from collaborative Q&A strategies to sharing information, synthesising information and networking strategies based on their needs. Analysis of information-seeking behaviour showed that ResearchGate users bridged the information gap by internalizing new knowledge, making collaborative decisions and increasing their work's visibility.Originality/valueAs one of the initial studies on the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of ResearchGate users, this study provides a holistic picture of different triggers that affect researchers' information-seeking on ResearchGate.

Profiling information needs and behaviour of Syrian refugees displaced to Egypt

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 161-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Basic Services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Syrian refugees displaced to Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data in the form of three focus groups were collected from 37 Syrian refugees who have displaced to Egypt and are concentrated mainly in Greater Cairo. In-depth interviews were conducted in September 2016. Findings Data collected about the demography of Syrian refugees revealed that they tend to be men, slightly more than half, mostly with no formal education, with an average age in the mid-30’s, labelled as low-income persons and mostly single. Findings also showed that much of the information needed by Syrian refugees was described as realistic and real, but some was less clearly defined. All Syrian refugees’ information needs are strongly linked to their daily tasks. The majority of Syrian refugees reported that their priority information need was to be aware of the situation in their home country, followed by issues related to their states of the diaspora that they are passing through, such as services provided to their children, shelter and aid in general, as well as rights and obligations related to their refugee status. They also showed that they need information to help get the right or any appropriate work in the host country (Egypt). The study showed that many Syrian refugees were seeking information that meets their basic daily needs. It also showed that the information-seeking behaviour profile of a very large number of Syrian refugees was to prefer informal sources to formal sources to meet everyday problems, as well as troubles challenged by them. A very large number of Syrian refugees revealed that the verbal communication with friends and families were identified as the most popular informal sources of information sought. The study revealed that most of the Syrian refugees were able to use a variety of technologies for the purpose of communication with others, especially mobile phones, being the most key communication devices followed by almost all of them. The use of assisting technologies and devices, such as the computer and the internet and its vast applications proved to be meaningful by Syrian refugees. Other assisting technologies are also heavily used by Syrian refugees, particularly social media, including social networking sites and many other mobile applications. In addition, Syrian refugees have also relied on other technologies and tools to meet their information needs, including television and satellite channels, especially Arabic, which are widely distributed in the Arab environment. Because of some difficulties related to education and awareness, a number of Syrian refugees were not using any type of library. Syrian refugees have met several problems and challenges in accessing information. Such problem may make it difficult to find basic services, make informed decisions and stay in communication with families. Such problems have also a significant impact on their seeking and using information. Finding appropriate work to get money to secure housing, psychological burdens suffered concerning the image of being refugees, emotional distress, lack of accessing some basic services such as education and transportation, lack of financial resources, lack of time, lack of motivation and cultural and social barriers, were significant to Syrian refugees when seeking information. In spite of these challenges and problems met by Syrian refugees, a good number of them wished to improve their image as refugees and to improve their disastrous situation. Based on the review of the existing literature, as well as the findings of this study, further research is needed to understand information needs and information dissemination among Syrian refugees fled to Egypt and how they perceive, select, use, access and evaluate sources of information. Proper strategies should be designed towards the use of traditional and commonly used information dissemination channels among these refugees, such as cultural performances and group discussions. Research is also needed on the impact of illiteracy on the use of information by this category of information users. Owing to the fragile role played by different types of libraries in meeting the information needs of refugees, further research is seriously needed in this regard. In addition, appropriate services should be provided to refugees. Research limitations/implications This study focuses only on Syrian refugees displaced to Egypt. It does not cover any other refugees inside or outside Egypt, although they significantly exist in Egypt, such as Palestinians, Sudanese, Iraqis, Yemenis, Africans and many other nationals. Any conclusions resulting from this study are limited to only Syrian refugees hosted by Egypt. Practical implications This study tries to investigate the Syrian refugees’ information needs and behaviours in terms of their thoughts, motivations, attitudes, preferences and challenges met by them in their search of information. It tries to look at the factors and characteristics that affect this search. Any results from this study may generate interest and create awareness of the information needs of refugees among advocates who are interested in such groups of information users. Originality/value This study attempted to identify a significant gap in identifying the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Syrian refugees displaced to Egypt. It is the first study of its type to address, in a systematic way, this disadvantaged group resettled and hosted by Egypt. Syrian refugees displaced to Egypt have become a matter of major concern that should be addressed and met by serious academic researchers, as well as by official authorities. The literature on the topic of this research revealed that further research is still needed to be undertaken on such group of information users, as there is a very limited research conducted on this topic in developing and Arab countries, including Egypt, particularly among academic library and information professionals.

An assessment of the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 48-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Uzzal Hossain ◽  
Md Arman Hossain ◽  
Md Shariful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Members Of Parliament ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh. It aimed at determining the information sources, preferred information format, frequency of seeking information and access to information and communication technology and online information services by the MPs. The study also intended to assess the role of parliament library for satisfying the information needs of the MPs. Design/methodology/approach A survey method was adopted for data collection; the respondents were interviewed by the researchers with the guidance of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was read out for the respondents and filled up by the interviewers based on the answers they received. Fifty MPs were selected for the study using simple random sampling. The data were analysed with the help of weighted mean. Findings The study found that the MPs mainly seek information to make a parliamentary request/inquiry, to make a speech and to make a decision. The most important sources of information were minutes of sessions, mass media, personal letters and information networks; and they preferred printed formats rather than online documents. The result also showed that only a few MPs were aware of the information services provided by the parliament library and were satisfied with the services they received. Originality/value There has been no study carried out on the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of MPs in Bangladesh prior to this research. The study will help the policymakers to improve the library services for MPs in Bangladesh.

Comparison of diffused layer prepared using liquid dopant solutions and pastes for solar cell with screen printed electrodes

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazimierz Drabczyk ◽  
Edyta Wróbel ◽  
Grazyna Kulesza-Matlak ◽  
Wojciech Filipowski ◽  
Krzysztof Waczynski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Ethyl Alcohol ◽  
Diffusion Processes ◽  
Phosphorus Oxychloride ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Base Solution ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Two Stages

Purpose The purpose of this study is comparison of the diffusion processes performed using the commercial available dopant paste made by Filmtronics and the original prepared liquid dopant solution. To decrease prices of industrially produced silicon-based solar cells, the new low-cost production processes are necessary. The main components of most popular silicon solar cells are with diffused emitter layer, passivation, anti-reflective layers and metal electrodes. This type of cells is prepared usually using phosphorus oxychloride diffusion source and metal pastes for screen printing. The diffusion process in diffusion furnace with quartz tube is slow, complicated and requires expensive equipment. The alternative for this technology is very fast in-line processing using the belt furnaces as an equipment. This approach requires different dopant sources. Design/methodology/approach In this work, the diffusion processes were made for two different types of dopant sources. The first one was the commercial available dopant paste from Filmtronics and the second one was the original prepared liquid dopant solution. The investigation was focused on dopant sources fabrication and diffusion processes. The doping solution was made in two stages. In the first stage, a base solution (without dopants) was made: dropwise deionized (DI) water and ethyl alcohol were added to a solution consisting of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 99.8 per cent ethyl alcohol. Next, to the base solution, orthophosphoric acid dissolved in ethyl alcohol was added. Findings Diffused emitter layers with sheet resistance around 60 Ω/sq were produced on solar grade monocrystalline silicon wafers using two types of dopant sources. Originality/value In this work, the diffusion processes were made for two different types of dopant sources. The first one was the commercial available dopant paste from Filmtronics and the second one was the original prepared liquid dopant solution.

Pregnancy-related health information behaviour of Estonian women

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadri Ojaperv ◽  
Sirje Virkus
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Search For Information

Purpose This study aims to increase the understanding of the pregnancy-related information behavior (IB) of pregnant women in Estonia. Design/methodology/approach The research involved a quantitative research methodology consisting of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was collected from pregnant Estonian women through a self-administered Web-based questionnaire using a convenience sampling during the period from January to February 2019. A total of 300 pregnant women answered the questionnaire. The data were analysed using statistical analysis and the results of the study were compared with the results of previous studies. Findings The three topics on which information was most frequently sought were: fetal development, use of medicines during pregnancy and symptoms of pregnancy. The main sources of information were the internet and the midwife. The most reliable and valuable source of information was a midwife. Health-related information was sought mainly because it helped women make decisions related to pregnancy and childbirth. A number of factors facilitate the information seeking process. In addition, widespread access to the internet and technological skills facilitated IB. The following factors hindered the search for information: the controversy and/or ambiguity of information published on the internet and the time spent searching for information. Most women used wearable technologies during pregnancy. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations. First, the weakness of online surveys is the potential lack of representativeness, as it excludes from the survey those who do not have access to or ability to use the internet for various reasons (Evans and Mathur, 2005; Limbu et al., 2021). Second, as most recruitment for the study took place online, there was a risk that those who did not use the internet could be excluded from the survey. Third, as the questionnaire was also shared in the Facebook news feed by the Women’s Clinic and Maternity Hospital of the East Tallinn Central Hospital, it may be that the respondents recruited through it more often used the support provided by medical professionals. Fourth, due to the volume limits of the study, it is not possible to present all the results of the study on the basis of socio-demographic characteristics and stage of pregnancy. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to the broader population and future studies should explore a larger and more representative populations. Practical implications This study will give some useful information to help to improve the services offered for pregnant women in Estonia. Social implications The findings of this study may inform how to better support this target group. Originality/value There is a lack of research in Estonia that focuses on the IB of pregnant women and this research fills this gap.

Information seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 614-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
DONUS WORLANYO BUADI ◽  
PATIENCE EMEFA DZANDZA
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Leaders ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The case study methodology was used. An interview schedule was designed to elicit information from 12 chiefs from the Shai Traditional Council. Findings – The findings of the study showed that traditional leaders sought information on issues that bordered on their community as well as information for their personal use. It also showed that they usually used informal sources such as the traditional council and their subjects but also exhibited similar information-seeking behaviour to that of professionals. They also used information dissemination or transfer methods that were in line with the oral culture of their traditional society. They had challenges in the use of information technology due to their low educational level, as well as challenges in having access to formal sources due to unavailability. Practical implications – The study brought to light the challenges traditional leaders encountered in executing their roles. It was therefore recommended that government agencies collaborate with them to enhance their work. Originality/value – Several studies have been conducted on information-seeking behaviour of different categories of people within different contexts. However, few studies have been conducted on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders. This study thus sought to serve as a foundation research on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders, with Shai Osudoku District of Ghana as the study area.

Effects of the characteristics of online multimedia synergy on consumers’ message acceptance and message response

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 710-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuebing Dong ◽  
Yaping Chang ◽  
Xiaojun Fan
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Media ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Credibility ◽  
Message Acceptance

Purpose Marketers recognize that the internet is crucial in the lives of consumers; thus, they invest money on online advertisements. Using multiple online media primarily influences the message acceptance of consumers. The synergistic effect of online multimedia relies on form, content, and sources of information, and time. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A model that reflects the influence of the characteristics of online multimedia on message response through message acceptance is established based on theories of information persuasion, encoding variability, and multiple-source assumption. Based on a survey of 411 online media users, the study applies partial least-squares regression to test the research model. Findings The results show that variety of forms, complementary of contents, diversity of sources, and time interval influence message response via message strength. Complementary of contents and diversity of sources affect message response via perceived credibility. Synergy type moderates the relationship between variety of forms and perceived credibility and between diversity of sources and perceived credibility. Research limitations/implications The current study mainly tests the effect of these characteristics on message response and the moderating effect of synergy type. Future research can examine the effect of these characteristics on information seeking and consumption behavior and the moderating effect of the cognitive mode of consumers. Practical implications This study provides insight into the characteristics of synergy and contributes to the literature on integrated marketing communication. The results provide guidance for practitioners to effectively plan online multimedia practices. Originality/value This study explored the influence of the characteristics of online media synergy on message response through message acceptance. The study also discussed the moderating effect of the type of online multimedia synergy.

scholarly journals Socio-Psychological Factors as Determinants to Information-Seeking Behavior of LIS Undergraduates in Kwara State

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Kabir Alabi Sulaiman
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
Use Of Internet ◽  
Descriptive Survey

This study examines socio-psychological factors as determinants to information-seeking behaviour of LIS undergraduates in Kwara state. A descriptive survey method was adopted. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The total population for the study is 2392. From which the sample size of 333 was selected using Raosoft size calculator. The study revealed that most of LIS undergraduate have fear during information searching process. The study also revealed that LIS undergraduates are of opinions that having access to the internet improves their ability to search for information. It was also found out that most of LIS undergraduates were helped with internet to have access to various sources of information simultaneously. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between computer/internet and information-seeking behaviour of LIS undergraduates in Kwara state. This research recommends that LIS undergraduate should improve confidence in the use of internet/computer to seek information with ease and LIS undergraduate should develop a mechanism for self-confidence while seeking for information

Profiling information-seeking behavior of mosque speechmakers in Upper Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 635-652
Author(s):  
Essam Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Upper Egypt ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Web

Purpose The purpose of this paper is attracting attention to the use of information by mosque speechmakers (MSs) in the Islamic and Arabic world, specifically in Upper Egypt. Design/methodology/approach This study used a survey, which was conducted from September to November 2019. A structured questionnaire was designed in Arabic and distributed to the mosques that were chosen as a sample to represent all the mosques of Upper Egypt. The researcher sampled 5% (n = 421) of the total of 8,421 mosques in Upper Egypt. Findings The findings showed the majority of the MSs in Upper Egypt are to be older (from 36 to 60 years, educated [mostly with BA degrees]), married and with an average monthly income over LE 3,500. Almost all MSs were strongly looking for information to make specific/general research, to make a religious lecture and be aware of contemporary events. The most frequently used sources of information by MSs were biographies, books, mass media, references and the Web. Most of the MSs had been using information heavily. The highest percentage of them spent from 7 to 12 h a week searching for information. MSs preferred the use of printed sources of information to those non-print sources. Mobile apps, followed by the Web and information databases were the most significant technological tools used by MSs. MSs’ efficiency level of using English was good and a reasonable number of them indicated that they were not good at speaking other languages, such as French. The home/personal library and the special library were the most important types of libraries used by MSs. The unaffected role of the library to access information, followed by the use of foreign languages to access some sources of information, as well as the use of technology, were the most significant problems faced by MSs when searching for information. Research limitations/implications This paper investigates the topic of MSs’ use of and access to information. This topic, unfortunately, has limited previous research, particularly in the Arabic and Islamic environment. Practical implications This paper provides valuable insight into the information behavior of a very significant client group, namely, MSs. Originality/value Being one of the very few studies conducted on these beneficiaries of information in the Arab and Islamic environment, this study is considered a unique one among several studies conducted in the area of the information-seeking behavior, especially with such a significant group of information users/seekers in such influencing environment in the world. The findings of this study may help in a better understanding of the information-seeking behavior of the MSs.

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