Information Behaviour of Slovenian Researchers: Investigation of Activities, Preferences and Characteristics

Introduction: The paper presents one segment of the first comprehensive national study investigating information behaviour of Slovenian researchers in all research disciplines in relation to selected demographic variables. Research questions addressed various types of information behaviour, format preferences, use of different types of sources, organization of work, collaboration, publishing, and impact of information and communication technologies. Method: An online survey was used, containing content and demographic questions. It was based on a random sample of the central registry of all active researchers in Slovenia in all scientific disciplines and all age groups. Analysis: Descriptive and bivariate analysis were employed. Results: The most noticeable demographic elements of influence are age and discipline, and in a few cases also sex. In certain areas, the information behaviour of researchers under study conforms with general trends, for example in power-browsing, squirreling, skimming, etc. Information technology has a strong impact on research work and collaboration. A fairly large segment of researchers often work alone; this is particularly characteristic of researchers in the humanities. In Slovenia, these researchers also show a strong digital preference and do not differ much from researchers in other disciplines, probably because of the nationwide integrated system of research evaluation and centralized subscription to information resources. Low use of open access documents and weak foreign collaboration in some disciplines are also evidenced. Conclusions: Despite some expected outcomes, certain previously unknown and noteworthy patterns have been identified which are characteristic of Slovenian researchers. This information constitutes a useful foundation for further research in this area.