The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 60 research scholars (PhD and MPhil) taken from different departments of Kurukshetra University and the response rate was 83 per cent. A stratified accidental random sample method was used for selection of respondents and interacting with them. These respondents were among those available in the university library during the survey period (18-28 December 2008). The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation. Findings -The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars at Kurukshetra University.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the use of electronic (e)‐journals by doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa (India). The main aim is to know the use of e‐journals for research work. Further, the study aims to highlight the problems in accessing e‐journals, degree of utilization, and influence of e‐journals on research work.Design/methodology/approachA survey is conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 100 doctoral research scholars (PhD) in Goa University and the response rate is found to be 96 percent. The responses received from the doctoral research scholars to 16 questions is presented in the form of tables and figures and analyzed by using a simple method of calculation. Stratified accidental random method is used for selection of respondents.FindingsThe paper arrives at the following conclusions: the e‐journals have become vital part of information for research work. This study helps in knowing the importance and use of e‐journals in comparison to printed journals particularly for the research community. Most of the respondents are accessing e‐journals from the Department Computer Labs for their research work and e‐journals meet the instant desire of users to have an access to information. Springer & Kluwer is the leading publisher. Boolean Search is the most popular advance search technique. The study shows that there is need for user orientation for efficient searching of e‐journals. The most common problem faced by the respondents is that there is difficulty in accessing full text and many of the respondents are not satisfied with the Internet facilities available in Goa University and they provide some constructive suggestions for improving the accessing of e‐journals.Practical implicationsThe paper is confined to the use of e‐journals by the doctoral research scholars of Goa University, Goa.Originality/valueThis paper is an outcome of the study made in Goa University, Goa about the use of University Grants Commission (UGC)‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium's e‐journals by doctoral research scholars during the study period, i.e. 1‐28 June 2008.

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the use of Internet among the research scholars of the Central Science Library (CSL), University of Delhi, India. The prime objective is to find out the current trends in information search through Internet by the research scholars and type of problems faced by them in their research work.Design/methodology/approachTools used for the study are questionnaire, observation and informal interview using stratified method. Content analysis is used to analyse open‐ended questions. Data were collected from the 51 research scholars in the CSL, University of Delhi. The questionnaire consists of 15 main questions with many of the main questions having a number of subsidiaries. The questions are designed for the research scholars to elicit their experience with the Internet use for their research work.FindingsThe study finds that Boolean logic, truncation and wildcards are the most often used search techniques, web directories, while subject gateways are least used navigational tools, and the researches are beset with the problems of inadequate computers with Internet facilities, slow Internet connection and lack of skills and training. The survey also reveals that 57 per cent of the respondents are facing retrieval problems. Some research scholars lack research techniques and training.Originality/valueThis is the first comprehensive study of the use of the Internet by the University of Delhi science research scholars. Its findings should help CSL, University of Delhi in its plans and programmes related to effective and efficient use of Internet to fulfill information requirements of the research scholars and also proposes proper Internet searching training to research scholars to keep up‐to‐date on harnessing the immense potential of the Internet as a source of information for their research work.

Purpose -This paper aims to explore the usage of academic social networking sites (ASNSs) among the research scholars in Central Universities of Delhi, India.Design/methodology/approach -A structured questionnaire was designed and personally distributed among 200 research scholars in Central Universities in Delhi in May 2016. Of this, 180 filled-in questionnaires were personally collected by the investigator, eliciting a response rate of 90 per cent.Findings -Findings of the study reveals that research scholars have knowledge of ASNSs. ResearchGate and Academia are the most used ASNSs among research scholars. ResearchGate is used the most for connecting to other research scholars, and Academia is used for sharing and following research. Additionally, ASNSs help research scholars in research and learning and to share research ideas and experience. Finally, research scholars find ASNSs time-consuming and have cited data security as main concern for using academic social networks.Research limitations/implications -The findings of the study show that potential uses of ASNSs in Indian libraries are slow compared to the libraries of developed countries and some of the developing countries. It is suggested that universities under study may realize the benefits of ASNSs and incorporate these tools in their websites to enhance faster transfer and retrieval of information.Practical implications -The results also stress upon the responsibility of research supervisors to accord knowledge of ASNSs among research scholars and encourage them to join and use ASNSs efficiently and effectively for building professional connections and collaborations in their research area.Social implications -The study is significant because it represents one of the earliest works to shed the light on the current level of use of SNSs and ASNSs by research scholars in Central Universities in Delhi, which are in primitive nature. They provide space for self-expression, research updates, expert advice, connecting with fellow scholars, creating and joining events and discussions, presenting their views on a particular topic, finding collaboration on projects, finding jobs and much more.Originality/value -ASNSs have further promoted the open source movement. The paper apprises the academic stakeholders about the unique features, adoption, acceptability and usage of ASNSs for research work, exchange of information and collaborations, so that more productive and quality research is produced. The findings will also guide research scholars to find popular ASNSs, so that they can build more academic connections.