Surveys of scientists and engineers: Ensuring reliable research evidence for good practice

Abstract

Information scientists around the globe have made tremendous progress in understanding how scientists and engineers find and use information by through the use of a wide variety of survey instruments. Librarians and publishers increasingly turn to the data generated by these instruments in an effort to design and implement information products and services that the scientific community needs and desires.Three researchers experienced in studying the information seeking behavior of academics will describe their current investigations distinguishing between the survey mechanisms found to be effective or ineffective. Discussion will be led and provoked by the moderator and reactor who both have experience providing library services to this community. The last third of the session will be an open discussion soliciting