Abstract
Objectives : The objective of this study was to examine the academic informationseeking behavior and demand of the oriental medical researcher and to create the base data for establishing a library environment providing a high-quality information service which would aid the activity of such researchers, Methods : We distributed a questionnaire to the one hundred professors of the college of oriental medicine on the method of acquisition of information data, the environment of the library belonging to the college, and the like. Results : $\circled1$ The main class using the academic information service of oriental medicine was revealed to be researchers having a career of 10 to 15 years who had a domestic doctorate in oriental medicine. $\circled2$ When accessing information, the primary information resource used was academic journals. $\circled3$ Of the data forms mentioned in the study, periodicals was used most in number of printed data; computer databases among non-printed data. $\circled4$ The purpose of using an information resource was for performing a research project. $\circled5$ The path of acquisition of information was usually through the materials in their possession. $\circled6$ The greatest difficulty in gathering information was first of all the lack of information owned by the library, and next a lack of time and insufficient knowledge of information search and use. $\circled7$ More than 90% of respondents on the necessity of an expert library answered as "necessary" or "certainly necessary", indicating that the foundation of an expert library is very urgent. Conclusions : This study is beneficial for researchers engaged in oriental medicine to activate the use of information and also it will form a base of data for researchers to establish an environment of expert library in oriental medicine.
