Comment

The Internet has become an integral element of academic research and study. As informationspecialists are we really aware of how university students and academic staff perceive theinformation on the Internet and how they use it for research and study? This paper outlinesthe findings of an investigation undertaken at La Trobe University Library to gain criticalinformation from users on their practice and success in locating relevant information fromthe Internet. Information gained was incorporated into the design of client-centred Internettraining programs and modification of Library web pages.Abstract:l.chapman@latrobe.edu.auLa Trobe UniversityBorchardt LibraryLibrarian (Health Sciences Team)Lorraine ChapmanUse of the Internet as a research toolRussian roulette or Pandora’s box:IntroductionThis paper reports on an enquiry undertaken during 2000 by Lorraine Chapman and HelenIvankovic (Health Science librarians at La Trobe University Library) into the perceptions anduse of the Internet for research or study by members of the La Trobe University academicThe title of this paper is derived from a statement by a postgraduate student, who wasexpressing frustration and distress at her lack of searching skills. She stated that findingrequired information on the Internet was for her pure chance ‘like Russian Roulette’.Throughout the investigation, the researchers encountered many similar expressions ofconcern and frustration. For many users, the ...