Information Search Behavior By Net Generation (Case Study At The Medan State University Library)

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Information Search Behavior by Net Generation: Case Study at the Medan State University Library

Understanding the Information Search Behavior of the Net Generation

In today's digital era, the way people search for information has undergone significant changes. The net generation, also known as the digital natives, has grown up with the internet and has developed unique information search behaviors. This study aims to explore the information search behavior of the net generation at the Medan State University Library. By understanding how undergraduate students search and manage information, this study provides valuable insights for library managers and educators to improve services and support for students.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive approach, where data was collected through questionnaires distributed to active students at the Medan State University Library. The analysis framework used refers to the stages of information search stages by David Ellis, which includes eight stages: starting, chaining, browsing, differentiating, monitoring, extracting, verifying, and ending.

Results

The results of the study revealed various important findings that describe information search behavior among students. The following is an analysis of each stage:

Starting

The initial stage of information search shows that most students (95%) are able to determine the topic of information needed. In addition, 86% of students discuss with lecturers to get information, and 93% of students are aware of the information needs of lectures. This shows that students are very proactive in finding information relevant to their studies.

  • Determining the topic of information needed: 95% of students are able to determine the topic of information needed, indicating that they are able to identify their information needs.
  • Discussing with lecturers: 86% of students discuss with lecturers to get information, showing that they value the opinion of their lecturers.
  • Awareness of information needs of lectures: 93% of students are aware of the information needs of lectures, indicating that they are able to identify the information needs of their lecturers.

Chaining

In this stage, students use the bibliography (80%) and the author's name (77%) to deepen the search for information. The use of the subject of core references is also monitored well (75%). This shows that students not only depend on the main source of information, but also use the existing information network.

  • Using bibliography: 80% of students use the bibliography to deepen the search for information, indicating that they value the use of secondary sources.
  • Using author's name: 77% of students use the author's name to deepen the search for information, showing that they value the opinion of experts.
  • Using subject of core references: 75% of students use the subject of core references to deepen the search for information, indicating that they are able to identify relevant sources.

Browsing

In the browsing stage, the results show that 90% of students are looking for information via the internet, while 62% uses the Library Catalog (OPAC). Although only 49% feel the library can always meet information needs, the high number of online information search reflects the preferences of the younger generation of digital technology.

  • Using the internet: 90% of students use the internet to search for information, indicating that they prefer online sources.
  • Using Library Catalog (OPAC): 62% of students use the Library Catalog (OPAC) to search for information, showing that they value the use of library resources.
  • Feeling that the library can always meet information needs: Only 49% of students feel that the library can always meet information needs, indicating that there is still a need for improvement in library services.

Monitoring

At this stage, 89% of students are looking for the latest information from the internet and 96% consider it important to enrich the reference source. This indicates that they are well aware of the importance of the latest information in the learning process.

  • Looking for the latest information from the internet: 89% of students are looking for the latest information from the internet, indicating that they value the use of online sources.
  • Considering it important to enrich the reference source: 96% of students consider it important to enrich the reference source, showing that they value the use of high-quality sources.

Extracting

Students search for information through search engines (88%) and Journal Databases (65%), but only 46% collect information effectively. The use of high search engines shows how to search for efficient information, although the overall collection of information still needs to be improved.

  • Using search engines: 88% of students use search engines to search for information, indicating that they prefer online sources.
  • Using Journal Databases: 65% of students use Journal Databases to search for information, showing that they value the use of academic sources.
  • Collecting information effectively: Only 46% of students collect information effectively, indicating that there is still a need for improvement in information literacy.

Ending

As many as 86% of students are able to end the search for information well. This reflects their awareness to complete the search process after getting the necessary information.

  • Ending the search for information well: 86% of students are able to end the search for information well, indicating that they are able to complete the search process effectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that the net generation in the Medan State University Library has undergone all stages of information search behavior as described by David Ellis. These results provide a clear picture of how students take advantage of various sources of information and manage their search processes in the growing digital era. This research is expected to be a reference for library managers and educators in improving services and support for students in the information search process.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Improving information literacy: There is a need for improvement in information literacy among students, particularly in collecting information effectively.
  • Providing access to online resources: The library should provide access to online resources, including search engines and Journal Databases, to support students in their information search process.
  • Developing library services: The library should develop services that meet the needs of students, including providing access to the latest information and supporting students in their information search process.

By understanding the information search behavior of the net generation, library managers and educators can improve services and support for students in the information search process. This study provides valuable insights for improving library services and supporting students in the growing digital era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Information Search Behavior by Net Generation

Q: What is the net generation? A: The net generation, also known as the digital natives, refers to individuals who have grown up with the internet and have developed unique information search behaviors.

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to explore the information search behavior of the net generation at the Medan State University Library and to provide insights for library managers and educators to improve services and support for students.

Q: What are the stages of information search behavior? A: The stages of information search behavior, as described by David Ellis, include starting, chaining, browsing, differentiating, monitoring, extracting, verifying, and ending.

Q: What are the key findings of this study? A: The key findings of this study include:

  • 95% of students are able to determine the topic of information needed.
  • 86% of students discuss with lecturers to get information.
  • 93% of students are aware of the information needs of lectures.
  • 90% of students use the internet to search for information.
  • 62% of students use the Library Catalog (OPAC) to search for information.
  • 89% of students are looking for the latest information from the internet.
  • 96% of students consider it important to enrich the reference source.
  • 88% of students use search engines to search for information.
  • 65% of students use Journal Databases to search for information.
  • 46% of students collect information effectively.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: The implications of this study are that library managers and educators need to improve services and support for students in the information search process. This includes providing access to online resources, developing library services, and improving information literacy among students.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study? A: The recommendations of this study include:

  • Improving information literacy among students.
  • Providing access to online resources.
  • Developing library services that meet the needs of students.
  • Supporting students in their information search process.

Q: Who is the target audience of this study? A: The target audience of this study includes library managers, educators, and students who are interested in understanding the information search behavior of the net generation.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: The limitations of this study include:

  • The study was conducted at a single university library.
  • The study only included undergraduate students.
  • The study only explored the information search behavior of the net generation.

Q: What are the future directions of this study? A: The future directions of this study include:

  • Conducting a similar study at other university libraries.
  • Exploring the information search behavior of other generations.
  • Developing a more comprehensive understanding of the information search behavior of the net generation.

Q: How can I access the full study? A: The full study is available upon request. Please contact the author for more information.