Abstract

Mohammad Bagher Negahban

The present study is aimed at assessing the extent of utilization and familiarity in accessing digital technologies of information among post graduate (PG) students in Shiraz city. A total of 97 respondents (31 PG students and 66 research scholars) were randomly selected from the city of Shiraz. A questionnaire measuring the usage of various digital technologies and the accessing of digital resources was prepared by the investigator and administered to the sample selected. Statistical methods like chi-square and contingency table analysis were used. Results revealed that in the extent of digital technologies usage, CD browsing usage was 40.2 of 50%, in internet searching it was 42.3 of 100%, telefax was sparingly used (about 86% to an extent less than 50%) and laser scanner rarely used ( about 83% less than 50%). Printers as digital technologies were used more often (74 of 75%), CD writer (about 65% to an extent of less than 50%), LCD pad/data projector was less (about 83% less than 50%), and online catalogue search (about 70% less than 50%). Research scholars used more of CD browsing, telefax, CD writers, LCD pad/data projectors, while students used more of printers. In familiarity with accessing digital sources, they were more familiar with internet journals and less familiarity was observed regarding internet encyclopedia, directories and yellow pages, and digital libraries. The selected sample were more familiar with book search and book shops on net, internet relay chatting and email and were less familiar with teleconferencing on the net. Research scholars had higher familiarity with book search and book shops on internet than students