Online Databases as a Tool for Research: A Study among Science Research Scholars at the University of Kerala Shibin S.B.1, Devi B. Mini2 1Junior Library Technician, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala-673601 2Asst. Professor and Head DLIS, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram-695034 *Corresponding Author, B. Mini Devi drminidevi1968@gmail.com
Online published on 21 May, 2020. Abstract The sources of information available via the internet are increasing exponentially, leading to a steady increase in the use of the Internet for education and research. For the past few years, free online information sources like e-journals, e-books, edatabases have increased considerably. The present study analysed the use of online databases as a tool for research among the Science research scholars at the University of Kerala. A questionnaire study was carried out to analyse the study. The result of the study shows that the majority of the research scholars (45.16%) were moderately aware of online databases. Also, the majority of the research scholars (64.52%) used online databases daily. The study further revealed that most of the research scholars (52.26%) used an online database because of its up-to-date information and the majority of the researchers (57.42%) used advanced search methods and a fewer respondents (4.52%) used expert search method. A greater part of the respondents (64.52%) opined that online databases are very influential for research and no one stated that it is not at all influential. The study concludes with recommendations to ensure the effective and efficient use of the databases. Top Keywords Online Databases, Research Scholars, University of Kerala, Science Research, Electronic Resources, Databases. Top |