Describe the fundamental concepts of information-seeking behaviors and how they should be considered when connecting individuals or groups with accurate, relevant and appropriate information
Introduction
In many ways the idea of information seeking seems straightforward. That is because every human seeks some type of information everyday. Our queries can be as simple as needing the phone number of the local pizza joint or the name of a dentist. But, by looking deeper into the ways that individuals search for information, we as information professionals, can uncover ways to better connect our patrons with the information they seek.
Unfortunately, there is no universal theory of information seeking, but rather multiple theories that work together to provide a complete picture of the many different ways one seeks information. To start, let us look at Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model. This model is a strong theory that describes a discrete information search with seven steps: Initiation, Selection, Exploration, Formulation, Collection, Presentation and Assessment (Kuhlthau, 2006, P. 230). When fully explored, Kuhlthan’s model does a good job of including descriptions for what the information seeker is feeling, thinking and doing. This allows the model to clearly align those feelings or thoughts with an action during the process. In this way, we see specifically where in the process an information seeker may experience feelings of uncertainty and frustration. As information professionals we can intervene to aid the user during specific points.
The Marcia J. Bates (2010) berrypicking model seeks to express how in real life, an information need evolves and changes as one takes on new information. It also expresses how one might gather bits and pieces of information from many disparate sources to eventually arrive at a complete picture. Sandra Erdelez (1999) introduced Information Encountering theory which looked at the opportunistic acquisition of information. In this type of information seeking one is not so much seeking to answer a specific question but rather just gathering information as it is encountered.
Another pivotal theory information professionals need to understand is Zipf’s Principle of Least Effort (PLE). Zipf theorizes that “in performing tasks…individuals adopt a course of action that will expend the probable least average of their work – the least effort” (Case, 2018, P. 52). An observed consequence of PLE theory is that individuals are habitually drawn to the same sources of information because that source worked in the past and individuals are resistant to trying new sources. By understanding Zipf’s principle an information professional can step in to reassure a user about a new source and make the entire information seeking process better.
O’Brien and Greyson (2018, P. 42) further challenges information professionals to go beyond just inserting themselves into one user’s information seeking. Rather, information professionals should understand the needs of the entire community of users “based on larger societal trends before needs are perceived and expressed.” Activities like the creation of LibGuides, thoughtful programming, and passive reader’s advisory play an important role in proactively satisfying a community of user’s information needs.
Competency development
I developed my understanding of information seeking behaviors through my classwork at SJSU. INFO 200 explored the relevant theories in depth and also provided a deep dive into the behaviors of one information community through our research paper. I also have seen an emphasis on the importance of understanding the information needs of your specific community running throughout all my coursework.
Evidence Description
INFO 200 – Discussion Information Seeking Models
I chose this discussion post to demonstrate my understanding of different information seeking models. In this post I discuss the Ellis’ Information Seeking Behavior model and Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process model and the limitations in regards to international students.
INFO 200 – Information Behaviors of the Women’s March Information Community
This paper discusses in depth the information seeking behaviors of women involved in the social justice movement the Women’s March.
Readers’ advisory is an example of everyday information seeking behavior that a librarian working the reference desk will be confronted with regularly. This paper explores the behaviors of patrons seeking book recommendations and resources for librarians.
INFO 210 – Programming as Reference
This programming proposal is an example of the initiative which implements O’Brien and Greyson’s proactive approach to anticipating the information-seeking needs of a community.
Concluding Remarks
Understanding information-seeking behaviors and theories help an information professional tailor their work to help connect patrons with the information that they need. The many information-seeking theories work together to build a complete picture of how users search for information.
References
Bates, Marcia J. (2010) Information Behavior In Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences, 3rd Ed.
Case, D. (2018). Information Seeking. In K. Haycock & M.-J. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS: insights from the experts (Second edition, pp. 49-56). Libraries Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Erdelez, S. (1999). Information encountering: It’s more than just bumping into information. Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 25(3), 26–29. https://doi.org/10.1002/bult.118
Kuhlthau, C. (2006.) Kuhlthau’s information search process. In Fisher, K., Erdelez, S., McKechnie, L., Theories in information behavior. (Second edition, pp. 230-238). Information Today.
O’Brien, H., Greyson, D. (2018). Diverse information needs. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information Services today: An introduction. (Second edition, pp. 40-51). Rowman & Littlefield.
October 3,2021 12:51 PM
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