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Students' Expertise in Information Searching Skills: A Survey of Effective Query Reformulation Efficiency Among University Students.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Students' Expertise in Information Searching Skills: A Survey of Effective Query Reformulation Efficiency Among University Students.
Authors: Uddin, Md. Riaz1 (AUTHOR), Karim, Md. Abdul1 (AUTHOR) makarim.iis@nstu.edu.bd, Yesmin, Shamima1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Science & Technology Libraries. 2026, Vol. 45 Issue 1, p85-99. 15p.
Subjects: Boolean expressions, Information-seeking behavior, Internet research, Research skills, Training of librarians, College students, Database searching, Information skills
Geographic Terms: Bangladesh
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the advanced search skills of undergraduate students in tertiary academia. Using a mixed-method research approach, quantitative data was collected through a survey with a structured questionnaire. A convenience sample technique was used to choose the respondents. Among the students of the 33-degree offering departments of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, 347 respondents backed their responses. The academic librarians were also interviewed to learn their role in training students with query formulation, and effective search techniques for retrieving information from scholarly databases. When it comes to using Internet resources, the result shows that the majority of respondents (91.4%) use the Internet every day for research and academic reasons. The most used advanced strategies are Boolean operators (57.6%) followed by phrase search (51%). Even while students might be aware of some sophisticated search techniques, their real-world implementation is still lacking. To improve students' navigation abilities, this study suggests incorporating sophisticated research techniques into the university's curriculum. To help undergraduate students become proficient in information seeking and, eventually, improve their research skills, this study also created a module titled "Navigation to e-resources." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate the advanced search skills of undergraduate students in tertiary academia. Using a mixed-method research approach, quantitative data was collected through a survey with a structured questionnaire. A convenience sample technique was used to choose the respondents. Among the students of the 33-degree offering departments of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, 347 respondents backed their responses. The academic librarians were also interviewed to learn their role in training students with query formulation, and effective search techniques for retrieving information from scholarly databases. When it comes to using Internet resources, the result shows that the majority of respondents (91.4%) use the Internet every day for research and academic reasons. The most used advanced strategies are Boolean operators (57.6%) followed by phrase search (51%). Even while students might be aware of some sophisticated search techniques, their real-world implementation is still lacking. To improve students' navigation abilities, this study suggests incorporating sophisticated research techniques into the university's curriculum. To help undergraduate students become proficient in information seeking and, eventually, improve their research skills, this study also created a module titled "Navigation to e-resources." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0194262X
DOI:10.1080/0194262X.2025.2586530