Search and retrieval of scientific information on the web: the information behavior of information professionals

Abstract

Technological advances, exponential growth of web content and increase of online search for specialized information contributed to changes on the information accessing behavior of scientists.  In this context, the capital importance of information literacy was revealed. The study aimed to analyze the information behavior of information scientists during the search and retrieval process on internet, highlighting actions, strategies, formulations, critical points, decisions taken, and satisfaction evaluation.  Therefore, the study constitutes an exploratory investigation into the behavior of post-graduate students while searching for scientific information on the web. Questionnaire and interview based on the critical incident technique were applied.  Informal learning constitutes the main mode of skill acquisition in information search and retrieval. The use of a generic search engine without employing its advanced resources, few operators and reduced number of terms constitute the most common search strategies. Results point to the need of fostering information literacy improvement in order to contribute to the search and retrieval process quality among information scientists