The role of information sources for biologists in gathering professional knowledge

Abstract

The Library of the József Attila University (Szeged) was charged with a survey by the Department on Biological Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The survey applied the questionnaire method to find out what kind of information sources are used by selected groups of Hungarian biologists (research workers and teaching staff), and what is the role of these sources in the professional knowledge and in the concrete research work. From the 250 questionnaires distributed 243 were sent back, the data were processed by computers into two-dimensional tables.
Studying the significance and use of literature sources two types are to be distinguished: written sources and oral information. The persons consulted could evaluate the sources with marks 1–5. An index, compiled on the base of these evaluations made possible the comparison of literature sources used by biologists active in research institutions, university and other institutions as well as that between written publications and oral communication.
Characteristical features of answers: in getting information the most significant sources are the scientific periodicals available in the local (institutional) library, the abstracting journals and special bibliographies (indexes) as well as the oral information and the collection of the local library. Collections of other libraries and other printed publications are less used.
The survey revealed smaller differencies between general and special information needs (necessary for general knowledge and for research work) of biologists with the same working place than between information needs and usage of various teaching staffs and research workers acting in different working places. The index, showing the significance and usage of information sources, is more favourable if these sources are necessary for research work and not for getting general professional knowledge.
It was proved that oral information plays a surprisingly big role. Consequently – besides the increase of other information supply – great care has to be paid to the satisfaction of needs for oral communication.