The information needs and information seeking behaviours in Iran; a review of researches

People need information in order to increase their awareness and understanding regarding phenomena around them. Information seeking behavior is a purposive process in which an individual seeks to overcome deficiencies and gaps caused in his/her knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the information needs and information seeking behaviours of academic community and non academic institutions in Iran. Journals published in the field of library and information sciences as Journal of Informology، Research on Information Scienc and Public Libraries (formally Journal of Payam Ketabkhaneh)، Journal of Information Science and Technology، Journal of Ketab، Journal of Ketabdari، and three Journal of Psychology and Education Sciences published by the University of Tehran، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad، and the University of Ahvaz were searched. Articles about information needs and information seeking behaviours were reviewed. The highest rates of uses were belonged to books. Internet was used more than other electronic sources. The most important barriers in the use of printed and electronic resources were identified as: lack of familiarity with foreign languages، shortage of information sources، lack of access to information and time، the low speed of network communications to the country، and lack of familiarity with information sources. Discussion and Overall priorities of using resources and information seeking patterns among various groups were different somehow.