CHANDEL (AS) & SARAF (Veena). Studies in Information Seeking Behaviour and use: Need for Paradigm Change. 27,2;2002;152-74
Reviews the concept, characteristics, types and scope of information needs and information seeking behaviour along with some significant findings of the earlier studies. Considers that the findings of the past users' studies have not been able to achieve the objectives. Users' information seeking behaviour is not only unpredictable but also unascertainable mainly due to varied and changing needs conditions by innumerable factors. Makes the comparative study of some of the important models of information-seeking behaviour, which are not congruent and conclusive but at the same time none of them, is challengeable. These models hardly have general applicability in different environment. Considers that every study is a model in itself. Therefore, it is difficult to conceive a single model applicable in different environment. Realizes that methodological model can be more workable than the cognitive. Combining the two could still be better. Suggests that when cognitive approach is not ascertainable, a methodological model by conditioning user to fit into any of the model may be more effective which need orientation to the systems and user education program to seek information on a set/prescribed principles with which user are comfortable as well as familiar. Therefore, in today's context there is again a need for paradigm change from cognitive to methodological.
SARAF (Veena) & MEZBAH-UL-ISLAM (Muhhamad). Measuring Library Effectiveness: A Holistic Approach. 27,2;2002;81-105
Libraries are social organisations with a sense of direction. There seems a general consensus that libraries should attempt to be effective but there is lack of agreement on what the concept effectiveness means. Most of the authors take one approach or the other to define the library effectiveness. However some of the authors recently tried to synthesize all major approaches to generate a model of library effectiveness encompassing all its variables. Attempt is made here to review various approaches for measuring library effectiveness with a view to identify multiple construct of variables rather than a single variable which will measure library effectiveness. This is a part of ongoing study conducted by the two authors for measuring library effectiveness.