University Scientists as Seekers of Information: sources of references to periodical literature

Abstract

This article studies the pattern of users' interaction with information sources in science, technology and social sciences at the Antwerp State University Centre. The results showed, first, that the main sources of references to periodical literature were citations at the ends of articles in journals and books, second, the increasing role of the current awareness type of publication in assisting in the selection of relevant articles and, third, decreased use of conventional abstract journals. Computerized information services scored very low, but greater usage of machine-readable data bases is expected upon introduction of interactive on-line systems.