Internet Search Tools and Their Use by Undergraduate Students: A Survey of District Baramulla and Kupwara - J&K

Abstract

The article reports the findings of a survey conducted to find out the pattern of internet searching, search tools, satisfaction with the search results and need for professional guidance among the undergraduate students of 8 colleges in two major districts of Baramulla and Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir. The findings show that the rate of internet use for finding information related to their subjects of study is higher among boys than the girls. Search engines, particularly Google, are the commonly used search tools. The knowledge of other search tools like Meta-Search Engines, Directories, and Subject Based Information Gateways is negligible among the students. The knowledge of working of the search engines is lacking and the results retrieved in response to a keyword are confusing. The students also find a dire need of professional skill and guidance for learning various search techniques and strategies in finding current and up-to-date information relevant to their subjects. Thus the present work tries to emphasise the need for knowledge, skill and guidance of the above mentioned search tools and various search strategies especially among the college going undergraduate students to make maximum use of the quality and up-to-date information resources available on the Internet. The study also depicts the role of modern information professionals working in different colleges in educating the students about the role of the Internet and different skills to find the relevant information effectively.

Keywords: Internet, Search Engines, Gateways, Search Tools, Undergraduate Students, Baramulla, Kupwara

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