Notes on User Studies based on your uploaded material, suitable for UGC NET, SET, KVS, NVS, PSC, and other librarian exams:
Topic: Type of Users - User Studies, User Education. (UGC NET Library and Information science) part I
For User Education, please click on this link https://www.libraryinfoscience.in/2025/06/user-education-library-and-information.html
USER STUDIES
1. Basic Definition
User Studies refer to systematic efforts undertaken to obtain information on how different categories of users seek, access, and use information. The primary aim is to understand users' information needs and design library services accordingly.
2. Origin and Development
1930s: L.R. Wilson conducted an early study in the USA on libraries (not user-focused).
1948: J.D. Bernal’s pilot study for the Royal Society in the UK.
1956: R.R. Shaw’s pilot study for the NSF on scientific literature use (first major user study).
1958: International Conference on Scientific Information in Washington highlighted user needs.
1964: Davis and Bail compiled 438 user studies.
1975: Establishment of CRUS (Centre for Research on User Studies) by British Library at University of Sheffield.
3. Need for User Studies
- Identify the gap between information needs and services offered.
- Enhance design, evaluation, and management of library services.
- Guide policy formation and improve service delivery.
4. Characteristics of Users
Studied under 4 major categories:
1. Individual Characteristics:
- Problem perception
- Information-seeking behavior
2. Stages in Information Diffusion:
- Varying needs at different knowledge stages
3. Environmental or Social Characteristics:
- Norms, peer groups, institutional context
4. Communication Characteristics:
- Preferred sources, channels, and systems
5. Categories/Types of Users
a) By Profession/Activity (J.D. Bernal)
Scientists, engineers, doctors, technologists, business managers, etc.
b) By Information Approach
- Potential Users
- Expected Users
- Actual Users
- Beneficiary Users
c) By Purpose (Ranganathan)
- Freshman
- Ordinary Inquirer
- Specialist Inquirer
- General Reader
d) Broad Types
- Researchers
- Practitioners & Technicians
- Planners & Managers
6. Planning a User Study
Steps:
- 1. Survey previous studies and literature
- 2. Define objectives
- 3. Identify variables and model
- 4. Select sample population
- 5. Choose data collection methods
- 6. Plan data analysis
- 7. Presentation & dissemination of results
7. Types of User Studies
1. Communication Behaviour Studies:
- Focus on interaction with the communication system
2. User Studies:
- Use of specific sources like journals, databases
3. Information Flow Studies:
- Study pattern of information transfer
4. Service Evaluation Studies:
Conducted within libraries to improve services
8. Methodologies/Techniques
a) General/Conventional
- Questionnaire
- Interview
- Diary
- Observation
- Operations Research
b) Indirect
- Analysis of Library Records
- Citation Analysis
c) Special/Unconventional
- Computer feedback
- Experimental or alternative approaches
9. Sampling Techniques
- Convenience Sampling
- Random Sampling
- Stratified Sampling
- Representative Sampling
10. Data Collection Methods
Surveying: Direct questioning
Observation: User behavior study
Records Analysis: Usage data
Experimentation: Controlled trials
11. Data Analysis Techniques
- Statistical Analysis
- Semantic Analysis
- Psycho-social Analysis
- Economic Analysis
12. Limitations & Criticisms
- Complexity of information needs
- Sampling issues
- Lack of user psychology consideration (e.g., search fatigue, comfort, habits)
- Incomplete inclusion of socio-demographic variables
13. Case Studies and Efforts in India
1964: INSDOC's user survey on Current Awareness Service → led to Indian Science Abstracts
1965: Carl M. White’s survey at Delhi University Library
1967: INSDOC’s Electronics Information Grid Survey
Krishan Kumar: Study on Chemistry Dept. at DU
M.S. Sridhar: Doctoral study on ISRO scientists
H.R. Sethi: JNU Social Scientists
Neena Kanungo: Researchers in History & Pol. Science in Central Universities
14. User Studies in Electronic Environment
- Hybrid Libraries: Traditional + Digital users
- JUBILEE Project (UK): Study on EIS (Electronic Information Services)
- Tracked user behavior
- Used questionnaires, interviews, focus groups
- Informed subscription, resource development, and policy-making