Findability and quality of Thai collections: Thai studies scholars’ perceptions

This study examines Thai Studies scholars’ experiences and perceptions regarding access to and discovery of Thai materials in a globally dispersed bibliographic environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, it draws on 120 survey responses to identify which collections are perceived as the “best” and the qualities used to make such assessments. Respondents, largely from the humanities and social sciences, most frequently use books and manuscripts. Perceptions of collection value were shaped by factors such as relevance, uniqueness, size, and accessibility. The study also employed the Critical Incident Technique to elicit detailed accounts of successful information-seeking experiences. Findings reveal that personal networks and institutional affiliations play a key role in discovery, while scholars face challenges including fragmented collections, poor metadata, and limited digital access. These results offer new insights into the information behavior of area studies scholars and suggest practical implications for improving discoverability and equitable access in global knowledge infrastructures.