Efficiency and effectiveness of accessing information in the digital environment by the Agricultural Faculty

According to the American Library Association (ALA 2000) Information Literacy Competency standards for higher education, the information literate student acquires, needed information effectively and efficiently. The present study was conducted among agricultural faculty members in Kerala on efficiency and effectiveness of accessing information from the sources. This study shows that faculty members are using computers in their research activities and also that still they are lagging behind in information literacy. Faculty members are not aware of various information sources and the use of advanced search techniques. Hence there is a gap between available information sources and actual information retrieved, which reduces research efficiency. Study recommends informal training and fostering for higher age group, advanced training for middle aged group and inclusion of information education in the curriculum for future scientists to improve the present scenario.