Information seeking environment of a military university

Abstract

In this study we examine the information use environment of the Naval Postgraduate School [NPS] as a unique academic institution educating approximately 1400 military officers from all branches of the services. This study explores the information environment of the NPS through an examination of the information needs and information seeking behaviors of its students, faculty and staff. Qualitative data from focus groups and interviews conducted in 1998 and 2000 is examined for the range of information needs expressed, barriers to information seeking, and the uniqueness of the NPS environment. The study is based upon the assumption that the identification of the information needs of individuals within an organization can facilitate the understanding of the information environment of the NPS organization. This understanding in turn can lead to improvements in the organization's ability to adopt rapidly changing information technologies and respond to rapid change in the external environment. It can also assist the organization in structuring the information environment to facilitate the successful information seeking activities of its members.