Statement of Competency J
Describe the fundamental concepts of information-seeking behaviors.
Information-seeking behavior and search process is an important concept for library professionals to understand as these theories are studied to build useful information retrieval (IR) systems and for librarians to understand the research needs of patrons. Throughout my coursework I have kept these models and behaviors in mind to bring the best data retrieval to users whether from a digital collection or reference interview. Meeting the information seeking needs of students, researchers and other user models helps build confidence in skills and promote lifelong learning. These needs can be ambiguous, however, as socio-economic, education level, income level and other factors play a part in behavior of users. It is part of a librarian’s duty to understand different user points of view and effectively integrate them into their services.
Several user centered models are at the forefront of this topic. Kuhlthau (1989) defines the information search process as “a complex learning process involving thoughts, actions, and feelings that takes place over an extended period of time, that involves developing a topic from information in a variety of sources, and that culminates in a presentation of the individual's new perspective of the topic” (para. 5). Kuhlthau’s information search process (ISP) six-stage model is one of the best-known examples of information seeking behavior. The stages of the ISP include initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection and presentation (Kuhlthau, 1991). Familiarity with this process allows a reference librarian to assess where the student is in their process and a surmise the appropriate time to intervene. At stage one a librarian can help the patron brainstorm possible topics. During stages two and three the patron is provided with reference material that can be used to flesh out the desired topic; relevant topic materials are sought. Stage four finds the patron analyzing the topic to formulate there own theme on the subject. A librarian may direct the patron to map out ideas uncovered in the research materials at this point. At stage five, the librarian can help the patron find more focused references. Finally, the patron concludes their research presentation. The reference librarian should be available help with last-minute questions.
Belkin’s Anomalous States of Knowledge (ASK) model is another well-known human-centered process. The information search process begins with a vague notation of what is needed and moves to a concrete idea of what needs to be answered. This theory categorizes the search strategies into the dimensions of “scanning to searching, goal of interaction, mode of retrieval and resource considered” (Chowdhury, 2004, p. 221). An IR system seeking to meet these behavioral needs would process in a natural language, as the user does not have a concrete idea formulated for a search query.
A third model is Dervin’s situation-gap-use approach that postulates the user goes through phases in understanding situations. An attempt is made to make sense of a situation by filling in gaps of knowledge. Each answer gives way to a bridge between situations. This model is used to understand human behavior and thus, can be used in understanding a variety of information seeking methods (Chowdhury, p. 218). This sense-making approach allows reference librarians to ask neutral questions to the patron and guide them to what they really want to research.
The evidence, User Behavior Essays, is my final exam from a LIBR 202 (Information Retrieval). The first question explores how cataloging non-text documents can affect the search process of users. New initiatives in cataloging and indexing bring a new set of search rules for users to incorporate into their skill set. The second essay question analyzes how information seekers are affected by the proliferation of large pools of information resources. Users are exposed to an unreasonable recall rate with little precision. The last question examines IR systems that use graphical representations for search results. The theory of cognitive inertia may overtake the user in these high recall situations.
While reference librarians can utilize Kuhlthau’s ISP model to know when to interact in a patron’s information search process, they also find themselves scouting for information. Reference Questions and Answers is an exercise from LIBR 210 (Reference and Information Services) which outlines my behavior in information seeking. The evidence shows a reference question followed by: a) the answer to the query; b) my search process used to find the information; c) an additional question and answer that can be discovered in the resource and d) time taken to research the question. The process is iterative and utilizes the general to specific approach. Most techniques used facet analysis for which Boolean operators and truncation was used to quickly acquire my answer when using electronic resources.
The information seeking process is a topic rich with theory. Models that are used in understanding searching behavior are user centered, also known as human-centered. Through an understanding of these methods and the behavior common to patrons, I feel I can better serve researchers by understanding where in the process they are. I also believe my own search process is fortified by an understanding my own perceptions of seeking. Perceiving the needs of users can also help dissuade fears many feel as they approach the information desk or an IR system. My coursework has unveiled a multitude of ways that information-seeking behavior can be used from system design to reference librarians to just about everything in between.
References
Chowdhury, G. G. (2004). Introduction to modern information retrieval (2nd ed.). London: Facet.
Kuhlthau, C. (1991). Insidethesearchprocess: information seeking from the user's perspective. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 42, 361-71. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.
Kuhlthau, C. (1989). Informationsearchprocess: a summary of research and implications for school library media programs. School Library Media Quarterly, 18, 19-25. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/editorschoiceb/infopower/selectkuhlthau2.cfm