An investigation into the unveiling of information-seeking anxiety among agriculture university library users
| Date | 11 September 2024 |
| Pages | 129-140 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-11-2023-0037 |
| Published date | 11 September 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Collection building & management |
| Author | Nazia Salauddin |
An investigation into the unveiling of
information-seeking anxiety among agriculture
university library users
Nazia Salauddin
Library Services, Integral University, Lucknow, India
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to explore information-seeking anxiety (ISA) among undergraduate, postg raduate and PhD students at Dr Babasaheb
Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, located in Dapoli, Distt. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The research focuses on evaluating the intensity of ISA,
understanding its underlying causes and identifying potential strategies to reduce its effects, particularly within the context of an agricultural
university.
Design/methodology/approach –This research intends to examine Information seeking anxiety (ISA) among undergraduate, postgraduate and
PhD students at Dr Babasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth located in Dapoli District, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This research intends to examine
and investigate the intensity of ISA among students at an agriculture university, its root causes and possible methods to red uce its effects. The
research adopts quantitative surveys with qualitative secondary sources to achieve a comprehensive understanding of ISA among students. A
standardized scale was used as the primary data collection tool to assess participants’levels of ISA. A total of 122 students participated in the study,
completing the survey and providing valuable data for analysis.
Findings –The findings reveal a range of ISA levels among students, indicating the presence of varied information skills and abilities. This
underscores the need for well-structured information literacy programs tailored to address these disparities. A significant gender-based difference in
ISA was observed, with female students exhibiting lower anxiety levels in relation to “integrated elements 3”at a significance level of .05 (t =
1.327). Interestingly, the study found that the students' rural or urban backgrounds did not significantly impact their ISA levels. Additionally, various
integrated elements within the information seeking anxiety scale were found to be interconnected, contributing to the ove rall anxiety experienced
by students.
Research limitations/implications –The study highlights the importance of designing and implementing targeted interventions to address
ISA in academic settings. These findings suggest that tailored information literacy programs could be effective in reducing ISA among
students. Future research could build on these results by examining ISA across different disciplines and institutions,thereby contributing to
the development of broader, more generalized strategies for mitigating ISA in diverse educationalcontexts. Individuals may not accurately
recall or report their anxiety levels, potentially affecting the study’sfindings. This study’sfindings may not be generalizable to all
agriculture university users due to factors such as the specific university setting, student demographics and agricultural disciplines
represented.
Practical implications –This study provides actionable insights for academic institutions, particularly agricultural universities, in developing
targeted information literacy programs. These programs can be designed to address varying levels of ISA among students, enhancing their
ability to effectively seek and use information. Additionally, understanding the gender differences in ISA can guide the creation of more
inclusive resources and support systems, ultimately improving the overall academic experience and reducing anxiety-related barriers to
learning.
Social implications –The research highlights the broader societal impact of ISA, particularly how it can affect students’academic success and
overall well-being. By addressing ISA through tailored interventions, institutions can contribute to reducing educational inequalities, especially in
rural and underrepresented communities. This can foster a more equitable learning envir onment where all students, regardless of their background,
have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Originality/value –This study contributes to the relatively underexplored area of ISA within the context of agricultural universities. By combining
quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of ISA, its causes and potential solutions. The findings
provide new insights into how gender and integrated elements of ISA influence anxiety levels, offering valuable contributions to the field of lib rary
and information science, particularly in specialized educational settings like agricultural universities.
Keywords Information-seeking anxiety (ISA), Anxiety, Agriculture, Information-seeking behaviors, Information-seeking anxiety scale (ISAS)
Paper type Research paper
The current issue and full text archiveof this journal is available on Emerald
Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2514-9326.htm
Collection and Curation
43/4 (2024) 129–140
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2514-9326]
[DOI 10.1108/CC-11-2023-0037]
Received 17 November 2023
Revised 3 June 2024
Accepted 6 August 2024
129
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