The information-seeking behavior of aquaculture researchers at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Abstract
Understanding the information-seeking behavior of library patrons is essential for the library to provide quality resources and services, and to satisfy its patrons’ information needs. A quantitative research was conducted to describe the information searching and using behaviors of the Filipino aquaculture scientists, researchers and research staff at the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD). The study revealed that although the respondents find it useful to go to the library to get assistance from the librarian, and to browse and read current acquisitions related to their research, they visited the library infrequently. However, remote library services, especially email and phone services, were highly utilized. When searching for information, the Internet, mainly via search engines, was highly preferred rather than visiting the Library and using its online public access catalog (OPAC) or its databases. The combination of print and electronic formats was highly preferred when reading, rather than print only or electronic-only. The majority would print and save the retrieved electronic copy.
Citation
Superio, D. L., Canaman, J. B., Jaco, J. P., & Estember, M. L. (2018). The information-seeking behavior of aquaculture researchers at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. Information Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666917754127
Publisher
SAGE PublicationsCollections
- Journal Articles [1046]
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magazineArticle
Unifying the art, science and business of aquaculture through the information resources and services of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department Library
-Fish for the People , 2013 - Secretariat, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development CenterEstablished in 1973 in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines, the Aquaculture Department (AQD) is one of four Departments of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). AQD is mandated to conduct scientific research to generate aquaculture technologies relevant and appropriate for the region; develop human resources; and produce, disseminate and exchange information on aquaculture. AQD is committed to sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of aquaculture resources through science-based research and the promotion of appropriate technologies and information relevant to the Southeast Asian region (SEAFDEC/AQD, 2009). The need to disseminate AQD’s research results is as important as the conduct of research in fisheries and aquaculture as referred to in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (Wilkinson and Collins, 2007). In cognizance of the role that AQD should play with respect to its function of disseminating and exchanging information on aquaculture, the AQD Library was established to support the information needs of AQD scientists and staff. In addition, the Library also provides services to visiting researchers, local and international trainees and students, as well as the diverse users from AQD’s partner institutions. During the strategic planning workshop conducted by AQD in 2009, one of the goals identified was for AQD to strengthen the capacities of the aquaculture sector. Matching with such goal, the Library and Data Banking Services Section of the Training and Information Division identified its information dissemination and services target for 2012. Primarily, AQD Library aims to improve accessibility to archived and updated information, and to create a digital library collection of AQD publications and documents. In keeping up its goal of providing quality, current and relevant information, the Library continues to avail of quality print and non-print information resources, to ensure that it keeps abreast of the advancements in aquaculture and fulfil the diverse information needs of users. The Library also introduces innovations in its services with the purpose of unifying the art, science and business of aquaculture, and strengthens its local and international linkages for efficient sharing of knowledge and resources. -
Library and databanking services of SEAFDEC/AQD
- In Training Handbook on Rural Aquaculture, 2009 - Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center -
Conference paper
Training programs of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department
- In JV Juario & LV Benitez (Eds.), Seminar on Aquaculture Development in Southeast Asia, 8-12 September 1987, Iloilo City, Philippines, 1988 - Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development CenterWith training as one of its three mandated functions, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department offered its first training course in 1974. Since then it has trained some 6 519 participants in various degree and non-degree programs. The degree courses are MS. Fisheries (Aquaculture) and M. Aquaculture in collaboration with the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. The non-degree programs include regular short-term courses, onsite seminars internship training and practicum for graduating students. The "hands-on" short-term courses cover Prawn Hatchery and Nursery, Marine Finfish Hatchery, Brackishwater Pond Culture, Sanitation and Culture of Bivalves, Freshwater Aquaculture, Aquaculture Management, Aquaculture Engineering, and Aquaculture for Social Scientists. A profile of 637 1982-1986 training participants show 82.3% from Southeast Asia, 79% male and 57.5% from government sector. The paper discusses planning and implementation of training programs, funding support (Japanese Government, International Development Research Centre of Canada, FAO Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia), and future trends.
