5: a Survey on Information Derivation Techniques of Post-graduate Student of Tabriz University of Medical Science in 2015

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the information derivation techniques of medical and allied health sciences’ postgraduate students. Methods: The study was a cross sectional descriptive survey. The data was collected from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences’ student using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and T-test through SPSS 16. Results: Total of 300 questionnaire were collected that 178 (59.3%) of them were female students and 122 (40.7%) male. Out of 300, number of 160 (53.3%) were studding in M.Sc. level and 140 (46.7%) were doctoral students. Findings of study showed that the most significant motivation of students for searching information was continuing education in the higher levels, finding answer for the course assignments and projects. Academic publishing were the other considerable reasons for information search and retrieval. Searching information via general search engines like Google with (70.7%) and book with (50.3%) were the most used formal information resources by students. The most considerable limitation for accessing information was numerated as low speed Internet/networks, and internet disconnection (59.7%), subscription discontinuing with some of databases (47%). Conclusion: The study did not find differences between male and female students information seeking skills. The students’ attitudes towards using databases and search tools were different among M.Sc. and Doctoral students. There were no statistically significant differences between the students’ educational level and their aim for information searching as well as the educational level and the limitations they face in searching information. The biggest complaint of students was the speed of internet connection in all level, and access to core databases. Therefore it is suggested to promote the internet connection speed and access at least in university campus.