A Comparison of the Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior of Entrepreneurs in Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Developing and Developed Countries

“Entrepreneurial spirit has been described as the most important economic development stimulus in recent decades” (Chalhoub, 2011, p. 67). In the early 1990s it was estimated that small to medium sized enterprises SMEs employed 22% of the adult population in developing countries and the role of SMEs is viewed as increasingly important in developing countries because of their capacity to create jobs (Okello-Obura, Minishi-Majanja, Cleote, & Ikoja-Odongo, 2007, p. 369). According to Lingelback, de la Viña and Asel (2005), even though entrepreneurship has been linked to wealth and poverty in developing countries and has played an important role in growth and poverty alleviation, it is the least studied significant economic and social phenomenon in the world today. Examining how the information needs and information seeking behavior of entrepreneurs from developing countries may differ from entrepreneurs in developed countries is important as it has been suggested that “entrepreneurship in developing countries is distinctive from that practice in developed countries and that understanding these distinctions is critical to private sector development in developing countries” (Lingelback, de la Vina, & Asel, 2005, p. 2). A review of the studies produced thus serves as a beginning for designing information packages and information services that can benefit a global population. Consequently, this chapter targets the information needs and information seeking behavior of entrepreneurs revealed in studies associated with SMEs in both developed and developing countries and offers conclusions and recommendations for meeting the information needs of this population.

Undergraduate Students Information Behavior in the Changing Technological Era

There has been a great deal of research conducted to investigate the information-seeking behavior of difference group of users. A search of current literature, however, reveals few studies dealing with information-seeking strategies of undergraduates in the electronic era. This chapter presents the results of a preliminary study of information-seeking among 675 undergraduates at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The study was designed to 1) explore undergraduates’ information-seeking behavior with e-resources; 2) identify the role of faculty members and librarians in assisting undergraduates to attain search skills; and 3) discover the differences between undergraduates in terms of their age, gender, academic year, and college. The study results indicated that only 3% of undergraduates use the electronic services and databases subscribed to by the SQU main library. In addition, the results showed that 57.7% of the undergraduate students at SQU used the Google search engine for their initial search. There is a statistical difference between undergraduate students in terms of their age and use of e-resources. Finally, this study found the role of faculty members and librarians in assisting undergraduates to learn search strategies is almost absent.

Contextual Factors Influencing Information Seeking Behavior of Social Scientists

Many researchers in the area of information seeking behavior have highlighted the importance of context in influencing information-seeking behavior. However, few have elaborated on how contextual factors influence information-seeking in practice. This chapter explores the impact of disciplinary traditions of non-western, developing country external environments on patterns of information seeking and retrieval. Conditions that influence information seeking behaviors of social science scholars in non-western, developing countries impact research traditions, publication patterns, and subsequent formats are examined. This chapter draws on existing literature to examine the impact of contextual factors on information seeking by social science scholars as well as, on relevant findings based on research with other categories of researchers. The chapter concludes that there is substantial evidence from previous research to indicate the importance of contextual factors in influencing the information-seeking behavior of social scientists. Some of these factors are related to the nature of social science as a domain of study, while others are related to researcher’s external environment, including constraints on the availability of particular types of information.

Barriers to Information Access for Specialized Scholars

Developing countries must overcome the obstacles to information access so that they can join the global networks of the developed world and become part of the “information age.” Studies on the information-seeking behavior and information needs of library users in developing countries are limited. This chapter examines the information-seeking behavior of social science faculty in developing nations in an attempt to explain the barriers to information access for these specialized scholars. Information users in developing countries face different challenges than users in developed nations so it is essential to understand the various obstacles that must be overcome by library and information users in developing nations. Comparisons are made to the information-seeking behaviors and information use of social science faculty in developed nations. Patterns of information-seeking behavior in social science faculty are examined and also compared to existing and proposed models of such behavior.

Digitize or Perish

In today’s knowledge and technology driven society, most scholarly information is increasingly being produced and distributed in digital formats. Yet, in Sub-Saharan Africa, academic libraries have been very slow at joining this digital movement, and hence stand the risk of losing their relevance, particularly with regard to locally generated intellectual material. To better serve the knowledge and information seeking needs of their patrons, librarians need to reinvent services. The challenges are discussed as well as prescriptions of workable strategies that librarians, information scientists, and other stakeholders can adopt to overcome these barriers. Such strategies mostly involve appropriately leveraging the existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and resources to make library resources more accessible. Consequently, digitizing indigenous intellectual resources may keep libraries from perishing and respond to user needs and information seeking habits in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Proposal to Study of Cross Language Information Retrieval (CLIR) System Users’ Information Seeking Behavior

There has been an enormous increase for information written in different languages by users from various backgrounds and disciplines. This chapter proposes a research design to examine multilingual information users’ information behaviors when using a Cross Language Information Retrieval (CLIR) system. Development of a true CLIR is absolutely necessary so that the system would allow users to access information written in the user’s languages of choice. Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model was borrowed as a theoretical framework. Of particular concern are those users who want information represented by a language different than the users’ original query or for those users who would like to retrieve additional information written in a second and/or third language or in a language which cannot be understood by them. This research is expected to yield a revised or new ISP model applicable to CLIR environments. It is expected that this study will also increase our understanding of CLIR users. The expected CLIR users include many of non-English speakers, especially users in developing countries who need this kind of CLIR system due to lack of materials in their own language. It is possible that the results of this research could inform CLIR system designers. The chapter is composed of purpose of study, literature review, theory, research questions, methodology, and discussion section. In the literature review section, pertinent research studies from information seeking behavior, cross language information retrieval, and general relevance studies are presented. Kuhlthau’s ISP model is introduced in detail in the theory section. A possible application of Kuhlthau’s ISP Model to the CLIR environment is presented in a table format. Research questions are developed from the literature reviews and Kuhlthau’s model. Each research question, premises/assumptions, and its correspondent methodology are proposed in the methodology section. Limitations are discussed in the discussion section.

The Influence of Social Networking and Library 2.0 as a Gateway for Information Access and Knowledge Sharing in Africa

The chapter tries to highlight the influence of social networking and library 2.0 in providing access to information and knowledge sharing in Africa. It further discusses the panorama at which the information environment is changing from traditional to electronic, where access to information and knowledge stands to benefit all. The chapter, however, exhibits that in most developing worlds today the electronic information environment is gradually spreading and obviously will take time to be fully integrated into the systems, especially in Africa. The chapter provides a highlight on the value, usefulness, access to information, and knowledge sharing, which has become a necessary component for human existence and development. The premise is that librarians’ role is to facilitate this effective management and promote access to information and knowledge sharing through the influence of social networking and library 2.0; this in turn will strengthen and empower the African people to be among global players in the knowledge-based economy. The emergence of Web 2.0 principles and technologies that has given rise to social networking and library 2.0 offer libraries and information centers many opportunities for sharing information and knowledge among people regardless of distance or geographical areas. This reaches out beyond the walls of the library and Websites of any library or institutions. These developments make it possible for people to share knowledge and information online, borrow locally, and buy or sell on a global scale as appropriate to their needs and circumstances.

Developing Electronic Information Resources to Promote Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Communities in Uruguay

This chapter focuses on multidisciplinary research about needs and the behavior of real and potential information users. The research is carried out in a university context to address social issues as well as to find solutions appropriate to the Uruguayan context, which is rather different from the one in developed countries. The chapter focuses on the discussion of the research results, on the developed electronic information resources, and on the impact on the target population and social mediators. The chapter also focuses on the multidisciplinary work experience, which carries out the research group through meetings and workshops with social actors and decision makers on social policies. This research constitutes a step forward in the development of information and communication sciences as well as to improve the information domain in Uruguay.

Culture, Tradition and Technology

In both developed and developing countries culture, tradition and technology are key issues that affect the dialogue relating to how the three elements can be integrated in socio-economic development programs. This chapter examines the extent to culture and technology has an influence in the integration of technology in socio-economic development in Africa. It also inquires about the extent to which technology influences culture and traditions in developed countries. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the degree to which culture and traditions are receptive to the integration of technology within the socio-economic fabric of the society. The chapter concludes that school libraries should develop a curriculum that is relevant to the information needs of the community, especially those in rural areas. It is imperative to engage communities in developing programs that help to elevate communities without compromising on fundamental and internationally recognized standards. If local conditions are taken into cognizance programs to integrate culture, tradition and technology will be successful.

“Lose Your Time in a Useful Way”

This chapter looks at the experiences older adults have using computers and the Internet in the context of one e-inclusion effort in Romania. Biblionet – Global Libraries Romania is a project that provides computers to public libraries throughout that country. One of Biblionet’s first public access computer centers located outside of a public library opened at a pensioners’ club in the city of Zalau. Local librarians who have taken Biblionet-sponsored “train the trainer” courses have adapted instructional methods for older users. Ethnographic research at the pensioners’ club has uncovered a variety of experiences around new technology, especially in how computer use is both informed by and extended kin or family work. The project is discussed in the context of NGO-led development initiatives to illustrate the importance of including the wider ICT development landscape (and methods) when studying users, ICTs, and information use.