scholarly journals An integrated model highlighting information literacy and knowledge formation in information behaviour

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-334
Author(s):  
Samuel Kelechukwu Ibenne ◽  
Boyka Simeonova ◽  
Janet Harrison ◽  
Mark Hepworth
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Knowledge Formation ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Literature Base

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review key models of people’s information behaviour (IB) exploring the integration of the concepts of information literacy (IL) and knowledge in their designs. Scholarly perspectives portray IL as providing individuals with capacity for good information practices that result in generating new knowledge. It is surprising that this important perspective is not reflected in the reviewed IB models. This paper contributes to the literature base by proposing a new model highlighting IL and knowledge as important concepts within the IB discourse. Design/methodology/approach A discourse of the integration of IL and knowledge, which are integral factors, associated with IB, in selected IB models. Findings Identifying a need for information and understanding its context is an IL attribute. IL underpins IB in providing awareness of information sources; how to search and use information appropriately for solving information needs and leveraging generated new knowledge. The generation of new knowledge results from using information, in a process that combines with sense-making and adaption. Correspondingly, the knowledge that develops, increases capability for sense-making and adaptation of information to suit various contexts of need, iteratively. Originality/value A new model of IB; the causative and outcome factors of information behaviour (COFIB) is proposed. COFIB stresses that IL and knowledge are prominent factors within the general framework of people’s IB. The model emphasises knowledge generation as the outcome of IB, applied in solving problems within specific contexts.

A call for libraries to go green

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Environmental Friendly ◽  
Making A Difference ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeWhen confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians' interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference.Design/methodology/approachThe column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services.FindingsAlthough rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e‐books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front.Originality/valueAlthough much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.

To be Lost and to be a Loser Through the Web

2011 ◽  
pp. 249-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Limberg ◽  
Mikael Alexandersson ◽  
Annika Lantz-Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
School System ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Knowledge Formation ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
The World ◽  
Democratic Knowledge ◽  
The Web

The purpose of this chapter is to present and discuss findings from a study of students’ information seeking and use for a learning assignment. The overall interest is to describe the coherence between differences in the quality of students’ information seeking and the quality of their learning outcomes and to relate this to issues of information literacy in the Knowledge Society. The study was framed within a sociocultural perspective of learning and adopted an ethnographic approach. Analysis of data resulted in the identification of two major categories of competences related to information seeking and knowledge formation, one of which involves serious shortcomings in meaningful learning through information seeking. There is little evidence that ICT conclusively supports the development of new knowledge in terms of seeing the world differently. Conclusions are that the school system tends to produce ‘information illiterates’ which may entail unwanted consequences for both individuals and for maintaining a democratic Knowledge Society.

Information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafiz Zaman Shuva
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Community People

PurposeStudies on the information behaviour of immigrants including refugees across the globe show a significant dependency of immigrants on their informal networks for meeting various settlement and everyday life information needs. Although there are quite a few studies in LIS that globally report the dependency of immigrants on their personal networks, very little is known about their experiences with their informal personal networks in the contexts of their settlement in informational terms. This paper explores the information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada consulting informal networks including broader Bangladeshi community people in pre- and post-arrival contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed-method approach including semi-structured interviews (n = 60) and surveys (n = 205) with Bangladeshi immigrants who arrived in Canada between the years of 1971 and 2017. Interview data were analysed thematically, and descriptive statistics are used to describe the survey data relevant to this study.FindingsAlthough the overall scope of the original study is much larger, this paper features findings on the information experience derived from an analysis of the interview data with some relevant references to the survey data when deemed appropriate. This paper provides insights into the information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants within their personal networks, including friends, family and ethnic community people. The findings of this study show that participants sometimes received discouraging, unhelpful or wrong information from their personal networks. The multiple dimensions of the information experiences of the study participants show the many consequences for their settlement lives. For some participants, settlement was particularly impacted by the concept of “information sharing fear” that emerged from the interviews. Information sharing fear relates to concerns that sharing information about the challenges faced by newcomers could be considered by potential immigrants as a kind of active “discouragement”. Participants described being sensitive to charges of envy or jealousy when they shared information related to challenges newcomers face, as friends and family see them as trying to prevent competition for social status.Originality/valueThe findings related to the information experiences of immigrants consulting informal networks has potential implications for research in various discipline such as LIS, migrational studies and psychology that explore the benefits of social networks in newcomers' settlement. The study also sets a ground to take a more holistic approach to the information experiences of newcomers, not just naming the sources newcomers utilize in settlement and everyday life contexts. The study also provides some future directions to comprehensively understand the culturally situated information behaviour of various immigrant groups.

Support your staff employees: they support the academy

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Samson ◽  
Kimberly Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Academic Support ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Student Interactions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Settings

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to serve both as an informational tool identifying library services and resources and as a mechanism to gather input from campus staff to inform outreach services. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys were distributed to all non-faculty and non-administrative support staff. Questions included direct choice and open-ended responses in four categories: demographics; general library use; information needs; and student interactions. Findings – The results confirm that knowledge and awareness of the library can empower staff employees and that support staff are eager to learn about and use library resources and services. The results give guidance to liaison librarians to facilitate an effective outreach program to improve the ability of support staff to do their work and to share information with the students and faculty with whom they come into contact. Research limitations/implications – While these survey findings cannot be extrapolated to all academic settings, they build on similar research and authenticate the significance of library outreach to academic support staff. Practical implications – Enormous potential exists in adapting these survey findings to expand information literacy programs across the academy. Originality/value – Academic support staff are a frequently untapped user group whose information needs are essential to the academy. This case study highlights the value of staff outreach within the context of extending the Library Instruction Program by enhancing the information literacy skills of personnel who are in frequent contact with students and faculty across the campus.

scholarly journals Australian motor sport enthusiasts’ leisure information behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 1078-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Motor Sport ◽  
Information Behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the leisure information behaviour of motor sport enthusiasts, examining: their information needs; their information seeking and sharing; what personal information they had; and their satisfaction with their information seeking and personal information management efforts. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study examined participants’ information behaviour from a postpositivist and inductive research approach. An online survey was completed by 81 motor sport enthusiasts. The quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst the qualitative data were analysed using thematic coding. Findings The research findings highlighted that enthusiasts engaged in mixed serious leisure. They required information before, during and after race events, and sought this primarily from online sources, as well as from other individuals. Totally, 90 participants shared information about their interest in motor sport with family, friends and fellow enthusiasts, primarily via e-mails (69 per cent) and Facebook (49 per cent). They also gathered information about motor sport, including photographs and memorabilia. Participants were satisfied with their information management strategies for their personal collections. Research limitations/implications Participants were limited to motor sport enthusiasts in Australia, hence findings cannot be generalised more broadly. Practical implications Understandings of enthusiasts’ information behaviour provide information management professionals with insights to work with this user community. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the literature about leisure information behaviour of motor sport enthusiasts in Australia. It identifies and provides a typology of the 12 categories of information needed by enthusiasts. Provides a preliminary motor sport information behaviour model guided by the conceptual frameworks of the everyday life information seeking model; general models on information behaviour; and the information problem solving behaviour model.

Mark Hepworth: in memoriam

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-260
Author(s):  
Thomas Jackson ◽  
Peter Willett
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
In Memoriam

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to honour the contributions of Mark Hepworth to library and information science (LIS). Design/methodology/approach The personal views of the two authors, both of whom knew Hepworth for many years. Findings The significance of Hepworth’s research in LIS, in particular to studies of information behaviour and information literacy. Originality/value Demonstrates the community’s appreciation of Hepworth’s contributions to the discipline.

scholarly journals The information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers

2011 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Mason ◽  
Lyn Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Career Advice ◽  
Cost Factors ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to report an empirical study of the information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers. It also aims to add to understanding of the information behaviour of the group both as practising artists (a little understood category of information users), and also as “new practitioners”.Design/methodology/approachA literature analysis is used to guide creation of an online questionnaire, eliciting both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 78 practising artists participated, all having graduated in the seven years prior to the survey.FindingsThe group have generally the same information practices as more established artists. They place reliance on internet and social networks, while also using traditional printed tools and libraries. Browsing is important, but not a predominant means of accessing information. Inspiration is found from a very diverse and idiosyncratic set of sources, often by serendipitous means. Their status as emergent practitioners means that their information behaviour is governed by cost factors, and by needs for career advice and interaction with peers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study group are a convenience sample, all having access to the internet. No observation or interviews were carried out.Practical implicationsThe results will provide guidance to academic and public librarians serving artist users, and to those providing career advice to them. It will also be valuable to those providing services to “new practitioners” in any field.Originality/valueThis is one of a very few papers reporting empirical studies of the information behaviour of artists, and has the largest sample size of any such study. It is one of a very few papers considering the information needs and behaviour of new practitioners.

scholarly journals “Systemic Managerial Constraints”

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Willson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Personal Agency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Share Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the information behaviour of early career academics (ECAs) within humanities and social sciences (HSS) disciplines who are starting their first continuing academic position. The proposed grounded theory of Systemic Managerial Constraints (SMC) is introduced as a way to understand the influence of neoliberal universities on the information behaviour of ECAs. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research used constructivist grounded theory methodology. Participants were 20 Australian and Canadian ECAs from HSS. Their information practices and information behaviour were examined for a period of five to seven months using two interviews and multiple “check-ins”. Data were analysed through two rounds of coding, where codes were iteratively compared and contrasted. Findings SMC emerged from the analysis and is proposed as a grounded theory to help better understand the context of higher education and its influence on ECAs’ information behaviour. SMC presents university managerialism, resulting from neoliberalism, as pervasive and constraining both the work ECAs do and how they perform that work. SMC helps to explain ECAs’ uncertainty and precarity in higher education and changing information needs as a result of altered work role, which, in turn, leads ECAs to seek and share information with their colleagues and use information to wield their personal agency to respond to SMC. Originality/value The findings from this paper provide a lens through which to view universities as information environments and the influence these environments can have on ECAs’ information practices and information behaviour.

scholarly journals An Examination of the Information Behaviour of New Entrepreneurs in the Start-Up Phase of a Business

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Susan Elder Leslie
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Start Up ◽  
New Business ◽  
First Time ◽  
A Company

<p>This research set out to examine in detail how eight first-time entrepreneurs went about finding out what they felt they needed to know during the first months of their business's operation, and in particular how they constructed their problems or questions in discourse and how they went about addressing them. Based on Brenda Dervin's Sense-Making methodology and work by Pamela McKenzie, the research involved semi-structured interviews in which participants were invited to recount specific instances of problems or questions they had experienced in their business. Data analysis involved close reading of both the interview transcripts and the researcher's notes and observations in order to draw out key themes and enable analysis of the discursive practices respondents used, particularly in privileging some information sources over others. The research found that the respondents experienced questions and problems largely relating to a small number of business issues, principally around the mechanics of setting up a company, deciding what kinds of services to provide and learning about the market environment in which they were operating. Like other studies of the information behaviour of small business owners, the research found that all of the respondents reported acting on information obtained from friends, colleagues or family. Most had consulted professional advisors, and all but one talked of using the Internet as a source of information. Only one respondent had sought assistance from an enterprise agency. The objectives of this research were twofold; to gather information about the actual behaviour of new entrepreneurs, and to test the potential usefulness of the sense-making methodology to an understanding of new business owners' information needs. Both of these objectives were largely met, with the research concluding that Sense-Making offers a valid and useful model with which to investigate the information behaviour of new entrepreneurs.</p>

Competitive intelligence failures

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tumelo Maungwa ◽  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Competitive Intelligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Intelligence Failures

Purpose Competitive intelligence failures have devastating effects in marketplaces. They are attributed to various factors but seldom explicitly to information behaviour. This paper addresses causes of competitive intelligence failures from an information behaviour lens focussing on problems with key intelligence and information needs. The exploratory study was conducted in 2016/2017. Managers (end-users) identify key intelligence needs on which information is needed, and often other staff members seek the information (proxy information seeking). The purpose of this paper is to analyse problems related to key intelligence and information needs, and make recommendations to address the problems. Design/methodology/approach The study is placed in a post-positivism research paradigm, using qualitative and limited quantitative research approaches. In total, 15 participants (competitive intelligence professionals and educators/trainers originating from South Africa and the USA) contributed rich data through in-depth individual interviews. Findings Problems associated with articulation of information needs (key intelligence needs is the competitive intelligence term – with a broader scope) include inadequate communication between the person in need of information and the proxy information searcher; awareness and recognition of information needs; difficulty in articulation, incomplete and partial sharing of details of needs. Research limitations/implications Participant recruitment was difficult, representing mostly from South Africa. The findings from this exploratory study can, however, direct further studies with a very understudied group. Practical implications However, revealed valuable findings that can guide research. Originality/value Little has been published on competitive intelligence from an information behaviour perspective. Frameworks guiding the study (a combination of Leckie et al.’s 1996 and Wilson’s, 1981 models and a competitive intelligence life cycle), however, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.

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