Exploring the effect of individual differences on self-efficacy in getting information

Abstract

Self-efficacy in getting information, which is defined as individuals’ judgments of their own capabilities to search, compare and evaluate information they need, is critical given the negative effects of information overload in the modern information society. This study focuses on digital library users with the purpose of identifying the user groups with lower levels of self-efficacy in getting information so as to provide insights for targeted user training. Specifically, this study explores the effect of individual differences on self-efficacy in getting information in terms of gender, current position, field and experience with using the digital library. The findings suggest that there are no significant differences between male and female users regarding self-efficacy in getting information. Undergraduate students as well as master or doctoral students and the users coming from the fields of arts and humanities as well as social sciences perceive lower levels of self-efficacy in getting information. The users who have longer experience with using the digital library perceive higher levels of self-efficacy in getting information. These findings and implications are discussed.