Exploring the Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Scientists Working in the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune.

Abstract

Information is central to scientific research, directly influencing research quality, innovation, and productivity. This study examines the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of scientists at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, a leading cell biology research institute in India. It explores the types of information scientists require, the sources and channels they use, the resources they prefer, and the challenges they encounter while fulfilling their information needs. A mixed-method approach combining surveys and interviews was adopted. The findings show that online databases and peer-reviewed journals are the most frequently used sources of information. However, scientists often face difficulties such as restricted access to paywalled content and information overload. The study recommends improving access to digital resources and strengthening information support services to enhance research efficiency and productivity at NCCS.