This work presents preliminary results of research being developed among members of the student academic community of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) about search and use patterns of the scientific information on the internet. This research focuses on the study of the use of the CAPES Portal by graduate students and former students. Through an on-line survey sent to about 4251 students and alumni of MSc and PhD programs, 407 respondents provided information on five variables: (1) personal characteristics, (2) current relationship with UFPE (3) internet use and resources (4) scientific information use, and (5) expectations related to scientific information systems. Difficulties associated with Portal use were identified with respect to both knowledge of its potential and unfamiliarity with the scientific communication process itself.