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Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of understanding the online information-Seeking Process(ISP) among M.L.S students of libiary and information sciences at the state universities of Tehran. 36 students’ demographic features, preliminary knowledge and field of interests in web searching were identified using a questionnaire. Based on obtained results, 4 search scenarios in scientific, news and entertainment areas were designed and submitted to students. At the end of their search process, the participants were interviewed and asked 4 questions (3 close-ended and one open-ended). Using Track4Win Software Package, all search actions of the participants were recorded in Access Microsoft databases. Using Log Analysis method, and basing Marchionini’s ISP model, it was revealed that the participants go through the following stages during their information seeking process:35.63 percent in examin results, 27.42 percent in formulating and executing query. 17.33 percent in selecting source, 14.99 percent in extracting information, 2.82 percent in defining problem and 1.78 percent in reflecting/stopping. Based on logs, additional results were obtained, including records, time, scenarios, retrieved documents, first visited web sites, most frequently used web sites, search strategies, errors, and keywords.

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