The use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science: a case study in India

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the methodology and results from a questionnaire‐based survey of networked electronic services in India at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) libraries, serving a variety of disciplines. A random sample of the main cohort was selected and, during five months from January 2004 until May 2004, 700 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among 40 departments of IISc; 397 completed and valid questionnaires (56.7 per cent) were received.FindingsThe results showed a growing interest in electronic journals among the users at IISc. Electronic journals were mostly used for research needs and PDF was the most preferred format. The fact that users have free access to electronic journals at all hours from their own computers seems to be the most appealing feature.Research limitations/implicationsThere are many factors that may affect the use of scholarly electronic journals. An attempt is made in this study to see how these resources are being used in a multi‐disciplinary institute in India. Limiting its focus to one institute, this paper provides useful empirical evidence for library staff and the research community.Practical implicationsThe results of the study will be useful for library staff at IISc and similar institutes in India.Originality/valueThe paper provides original data from Indian end users regarding their use of scholarly electronic journals.