Search, sense making and learning: closing gaps

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 74-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Marchionini
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
Diverse Data ◽  
Search Systems

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss how search, sense making and learning have become more closely integrated, as search services have leveraged new technologies and large and media-diverse data streams.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews progress in search over the past 60 years, summarizes different theories of sense making and learning and proposes a framework for integrating these activities.FindingsThe arguments are supported with examples from search in 2018 and suggest that even as search becomes an automated process during learning, search strategies must continue to evolve to insure that complex information needs can be met.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited to search that uses electronic search systems. Implications include the need to understand that multiple levels of system inferences/estimates are used to present search results and that different kinds of learning processes are affected by search systems.Social implicationsThe importance of information literacy is implied.Originality/valueThis paper will provide readers with an understanding of how search services and systems have evolved and their implications for human learning.

Reference service in Second Life: an overview

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Luo
Keyword(s):  
Second Life ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Social Nature ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Reference Service

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how reference service is provided in the 3D virtual world, Second Life (SL), and to further the professional understanding of the newest reference “frontier” and its impact on the library reference world.Design/methodology/approachA survey study was conducted to examine the nature and practice of reference service provided by volunteer reference practitioners in SL. Different aspects of SL reference were studied, including types of reference questions, types of reference sources, communication methods, reference competencies and differences between SL reference and real life reference.FindingsThe paper reveals that, as an independent service point, the SL reference desk serves mostly SL‐related information needs and reference librarians rely heavily on their personal knowledge to answer users' questions. One distinct feature of the SL reference desk is its social nature. It functions both as a place for social gathering and a place for information and reference service.Practical implicationsThis study investigates various aspects of SL reference service and introduces the new reference development to a larger audience. Findings from this study will help practitioners who are interested in adopting new technologies in reference work obtain a thorough understanding of SL reference and its value to their respective communities, and hence, design better virtual services for users.Originality/valueThis study is the first study to systematically examine reference activities in SL and present in‐depth views on the nature and practice of SL reference.

Fulfilling information needs by classifying complex patron needs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Senteio ◽  
Kaitlin E. Montague ◽  
Stacy Brody ◽  
Kristen B. Matteucci
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
Public Librarians ◽  
Search And Selection

Purpose This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps. Design/methodology/approach After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection. Findings This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex. Originality/value This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.

A model for lead conversions through cold calling in startup B2B services firms in India: a sense-making derivation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abishek Santhosh Raj ◽  
Shameem Shagirbasha ◽  
Kumar Madhan
Keyword(s):  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Sales Force ◽  
Digital Marketing ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Firm ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sales Process ◽  
Sales Strategies

PurposeCold calling being one of the most preferred modes of sales strategies in the past, with all digital platforms setting in, is it still the best option a B2B service firm has? To seek answer to this interesting question is the purpose of this paper. The study seeks to understand the contributions of both the sales force and the digital marketing team towards lead conversion. The paper also aims to derive a sense-making model for lead conversion based on a few propositions of the study.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have adopted mixed method approach. The authors have chosen a small enterprise offering B2B services to understand the sales process. The past one-year cold calling data were analyzed. In addition, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted among the managers and the executives of the firm. The study adopts the AIDA model of customer response and the stages of selling process to better map the sales process of the firm. Based on the analysis, a new model is proposed to aid lead conversions.FindingsThe findings suggest that cold calling is not an effective mode of sales strategies in this case as the firm experienced a very low conversion rate. However, with the integration of digital marketing efforts with sales process, the sales team could achieve higher conversion rate.Originality/valueVery few studies in the literature examines the effectiveness of cold calling strategy integrated with digital marketing efforts. This is one of the few studies examining cold calling strategy in B2B service firm in India.

Drive and car tourism: a perspective article

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-112
Author(s):  
Bruce Prideaux
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
And Control ◽  
Near Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the development of drive tourism in the past 75 years, highlight contemporary issues that will shape the structure of drive tourism in the near future and speculate on how drive tourism may develop in future decades. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a range of academic and grey literature to identify the major trends that are now emerging in the drive tourism sector. These trends form the basis for observations on how new and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles may offer new drive tourism opportunities in coming decades. Findings Recent and near-future advances in automobile technologies, including propulsion and control, are likely to radically alter the structure and operation of drive tourism, offering new opportunities for participation in this form of tourism. The paper observes that the tourism industry must act in a proactive rather than reactive manner if it is to maximise the opportunities that will emerge “from” the coming period of climate change and technology-generated disruption. Social implications Drive tourism has opened many previously remote areas for tourism bringing benefits such as employment and business opportunities. However, the growth of drive tourism may also have social costs including disruption to local social norms as people migrate into and out of these areas in search of new economic opportunities. Future developments in drive tourism may create similar disruptions. Originality/value Despite the size and value of the global drive tourism market, academic investigation has been limited. The value of this paper lies in its identification of a range of issues that need further research, including the need to rethink the structure of drive tourism and how new technologies and future responses to climate change may affect this sector.

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.

Academic business librarians' assistance to community entrepreneurs

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Mort Feldmann
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
National Study ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine on a national scale how academic business librarians are working with community organizations and other libraries to assist local entrepreneurs with their information needs. Design/methodology/approach – A multi method approach was used to gather information. In spring 2012, a survey and follow-up interviews were conducted with academic business librarians. Additionally, business consultants who have worked with librarians were interviewed. Findings – The survey had 53 respondents. Of those, 40 percent indicated that they collaborate to assist entrepreneurs. Five interviewees confirmed the findings of the survey and discussed their collaborative arrangements. The consultants discussed best practices in working with entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications – This research studied academic business librarians and reached those who monitor the buslib-l and brass-l listservs. Not all librarians have the time or take the time to respond to a survey. Additionally, this research only explored collaborations to assist local entrepreneurs and did not specifically focus on campus entrepreneurs and outreach to business schools. Practical implications – This study provides information on academic business librarians' efforts to assist community entrepreneurs. It also provides some information on lessons learned. Originality/value – A national study of academic business librarians' outreach to entrepreneurs has not been conducted in the past.

scholarly journals The complex information needs of disadvantaged young first-time mothers: insights into multiplicity of needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 1135-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Buchanan ◽  
Cara Jardine
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Simultaneous Occurrence ◽  
Young Mothers ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
First Time Mothers ◽  
First Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to holistically explore the information needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged young first-time mothers and associated issues of complexity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used survey and semi-structured field interviews with 39 young mothers (aged 15–23) from UK areas of multiple deprivations.FindingsParticipants reported multiple and complex needs spanning interrelated topics of parenting, poverty and personal development. In the majority of instances, participants were either unsure of their ability to meet their needs or needed help with needs, and several described situations of considerable anxiety and stress. Multiplicity is identified and conceptualised as an important factor contributing to complexity, including three component elements: simultaneous occurrence of needs (concurrency), relationships between needs (interconnectivity) and evolving needs (fluidity). In various combinations, these elements influenced a mother's actions and/or ability to selectively attend to needs, with multiple needs often competing for attention, and compounding issues of cognitive load and affect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study draws attention to multiplicity of needs as an understudied topic within human information behaviour and calls for further research into how people recognise and attend to complex needs and influencing factors.Practical implicationsThis study raises important questions regarding how we approach complexity of information needs in our design and delivery of information systems and services.Originality/valueEvidences disadvantaged young mothers to have more extensive and complex information needs than previously understood, and identifies and conceptualised multiplicity as an important factor contributing to the complexity of information needs during major life transitions such as motherhood.

Cities and tourism, a love and hate story; towards a conceptual framework for urban overtourism management

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Bouchon ◽  
Marion Rauscher
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Urban Morphology ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Media ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose Overtourism is a term that has emerged in media over the past few years. Issues of carrying capacity that were limited to tourism sites have recently spread to places with no tourism background. The development of new technologies and network hospitality (NH) has enabled a blurring of roles. Residents and tourists are more than often using the same infrastructure and spaces creating tensions. This reinforces issues related to ownership and citizenship within a new context. However, there is only a limited number of studies linked to urban overtourism, and a categorisation of cities is necessary to apprehend the phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current narratives of overtourism in cities and their impact on selected stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper uses a qualitative approach to investigate the case of several cities bearing signs of overtourism. It uses data from public and private sources (statistics, press, city marketing, etc.) from six cities of various size in Europe in which the media reported overtourism syndrome. The data were analysed through a thematic analysis, enabling a categorisation and a typology of urban overtourism. Findings Findings show that overtourism is a notion constructed from various aspects, including recently added supply sources such as NH and low-cost carriers. The urban morphology and branding strategy play a major role in the sentiment of overtourism. Research limitations/implications The study indicates the need for further research considering the urban destination in a holistic manner, rather than approaching it at the tourist site scale. A further quantitative research could test the model of urban overtourism taxonomy. Originality/value The developed urban overtourism typology and framework of analysis. The argument of using the urban morphology understanding and technology to address urban destination overtourism.

How can gamification contribute to achieve SDGs?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-276
Author(s):  
Viviane Silva Souza ◽  
Susana Regina Bacelar de Vasconcelos Marques ◽  
Medéia Veríssimo
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Ecogamification can make a positive impact on Tourism. With this in mind, the present study aims to examine specific stakeholders – those positioned at the upstream side of gamification process – and their perspectives concerning not only the benefits, but also the challenges of (eco)gamification. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a qualitative-exploratory approach and bases its results on the analysis of 10 in-depth interviews conducted with buyers and providers from the emerging Portuguese tourism and tech markets. Findings Results shed light on key benefits of ecogamification, including its potential to promote “green” behaviour, transmit complex information through entertainment, reward users for good practices, improve engagement and help avoiding overtourism. Simultaneously, there are important challenges to overcome, including the lack of investment, resistance to new technologies, low eco-consciousness of tourists and distraction from issues that matter. Further, findings show that ecogamification takes on different and specific roles for buyers and providers. Research limitations/implications The research limitations are mainly related to the sample size. Practical implications An effective ecogamification process depends on the integration of the supply and demand sides and, at the same time, on the responsibility of different stakeholders (providers, buyers, players) across the value chain, through a broad logic of B2B2C. Originality/value This study contributes towards a better understanding of ecogamification in tourism, through the eyes of buyers and providers and also provides insights regarding the role of these specific stakeholders and the relationship between them.

scholarly journals Online relationship marketing: evolution and theoretical insights into online relationship marketing

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 676-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Park Thaichon ◽  
Gajendra Liyanaarachchi ◽  
Sara Quach ◽  
Scott Weaven ◽  
Yi Bu
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Critical Components

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the past, current and future trends in empirical research and theoretical insights into online relationship marketing. Design/methodology/approach Review over 100 empirical and theoretical studies in the online relationship marketing from top marketing and management journals. Findings This paper examined three areas pertinent to online relationship marketing: first, the evolution of online relationship marketing from pre-1990s to the present, which offers a temporal snapshot of changes in and an overview of the critical components that make up the structure of online relationship marketing; second, key theoretical perspectives are underlying the development of online relationship marketing; and third, empirical insights into online relationship marketing. In general, online relationship marketing has evolved from customers being passive receivers of online information and services to active co-producers and value co-creators. Research limitations/implications The paper identifies future research areas, including multiple layers of interactions, use of new technologies and platforms and the dark side of online communications. Originality/value The authors dedicated summary tables for each area, highlighting key findings, which in turn suggest a series of managerial recommendations for facilitating efficient, effective buyer–seller interactions and maximising firm performance in relation to online relationship marketing.

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