Use of UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium resources by research scholars and faculty members of the University of Delhi in History and Political Science: A study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium Resources by research scholars and faculty members of University of Delhi in History and Political Science. The main aim is to determine the needs of research scholars and faculty members of University of Delhi in the discipline of history and political science and to find out how far their information needs are fulfilled by the information resources available through UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium. The paper attempts to define this consortium, its objectives, scope, e‐resources subscribed and the government initiative to provide current information in various disciplines for research and teaching excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the information usage pattern and needs of the respective users a survey was conducted among faculty and research scholars. The population included in the study comprised 105 respondents from both departments and of that, eight are faculty and 97 are research scholars.

Findings

The study tangibly explains the genesis, e‐resources facilities and usage of e‐resources available through UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium (a University Grants Commission of India sponsored consortium) to provide e‐resources and current information in various disciplines. The UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium is the most important consortium providing access to a large array of e‐resources to all academic universities and colleges in India and thus facilitates the prompt access and efficient and effective usage of e‐resources for teaching and research activities.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the study is confined to faculty members and research scholars of the Department of History and Political Science of the University of Delhi respectively, regarding the use of e‐journals provided by UGC‐INFONET Digital Library Consortium.

Originality/value

The paper reflects the users' awareness regarding the consortium resources available in the respective fields, information about important databases and e‐journals, search techniques, recurring usage for information and knowledge, help and support in research output and teaching activities, benefits accrued such as saving of time, effort and the problems faced.

Citation

Bhatt, R.K. (2010), "Use of UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium resources by research scholars and faculty members of the University of Delhi in History and Political Science: A study", Library Management, Vol. 31 No. 4/5, pp. 319-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121011046371