Describe the fundamental concepts of information-seeking behaviors.
Users have many different motivations for seeking information. These motivations include work-related, personal, and financial needs. Depending on one’s motivation, search behaviors are adjusted to meet the day-to-day demands to obtain information for short-term or long-term needs. These motivations affect information seeking behaviors, so it is important to observe its impact on users. One’s skill level also impacts information seeking behavior because users will react to resources and systems differently if they are not familiar with them. Since search skill levels vary among users, search behaviors will also be different. As information professionals, we want to understand information seeking behaviors so that we can adjust our systems to fit various needs and skill levels. Another way of understanding information seeking behaviors is looking at how users undergo the process of searching for information. The search process is a critical component in understanding information seeking behaviors because users experience the search process in different ways when looking for information. They often will face challenges and barriers that hinder their search progress. It is important to recognize these problems so that we can minimize them and help users find the information they need. There are many models from different disciplines that provide a rich look at the search process, so it is necessary to study them to understand the search experiences of users.
The Search Process:
There are a number of models that discuss the “search process” that users undergo when formulating and executing a search. For example, Wilson’s Model suggests that information seeking behavior is a problem-solving process with one’s goal to find a resolution through the information resources they encounter. Stages include problem identification, problem definition, problem resolution, and solution presentation (Chowdhury, 2010 p. 252-253). Another model, Dervin’s model, suggests that users seek information to bridge gaps of uncertainty (Chowdhury, 2010 p. 253-254). While other models discuss that the information search process is always evolving as users interact with information. For example, the Bates Model suggests that users gather information from various sources and strategies in bits and pieces. As information is gathered the search query evolves through the process of “berry-picking (Bates, 1989).”
One of the most well-known search models in the Library and Information Sciences field is Carol Kulthau’s (2013) Information Search Process Model (ISP). Kulthau’s model states that the user is searching for information to accomplish a goal, such as a task or an assignment. This model suggests that information seeking is a process of thoughts, feelings, and actions as users move along through the stages of their search. Anxiety and uncertainty are part of the process users experience in the beginning, but as users construct meaning through the informational sources they come in contact with, this shifts to focus and confidence ( Kulthau, 2013).
Kulthau’s Six Stages of the Information Search Process:
Initiation: A person becomes aware of a lack of knowledge or understanding. As a result, feelings of uncertainty and apprehension are common. The person recognizes a need for information but thoughts center on the problem or task. The action consists of a discussion on an approach or topic.
Selection: When a general area, topic, or problem is identified and comes into focus. Initial uncertainty often gives way to a brief sense of optimism and a readiness to begin the search. Actions include conferring with others and conducting a preliminary search.
Exploration: Person investigates a topic, gathers information and compares information with what is known.When inconsistent, incompatible information is encountered uncertainty, confusion, and doubt frequently increase. The most difficult stage where people find themselves “in the dip” of confidence.
Formulation: A focused perspective is formed as the person collects information and contextualizes it. Uncertainty diminishes as confidence begins to increase.
Collection: Only information relevant to the topic is gathered and uncertainty subsides as interest and involvement deepened.
Presentation: Search is completed with feelings of satisfaction or disappointment depending on how the search went. Cumulative understanding enables the person to explain their learning to others or in some way put the learning to use.
Kulthau’s model is used to understand at which point instructors or librarians should intervene in a user’s search process. Kulthau’s calls this the “zones of intervention.”
(Kulthau, 2013)
Convenience
The search process at times is complicated and as a result, frustration leads users to look for resources and information that is convenient in order to satisfy their informational need. For example, friends and family are resources that people consult because they are often the most convenient even if they are not 100% accurate. This is known as the “principles of least effort” because users will choose convenience over reliable sources (Rubin, 2010 p. 279). The “principle of least effort” is important to look at in relation to search behaviors because behaviors are adjusted to suit their needs when they face resistance. There are also other factors that influence convenience in relation to search behaviors. Connaway, Dickey, and Radford (2011), discuss that technology plays a role in the decisions users make about the resources that they consult. Technology plays a big role in these decisions because information is readily available 24/7 via the web. Therefore some users are accustomed to accessing information at any moment, and thus will use choose resources that mimic this experience. Connaway, Dickey, and Radford (2011) discuss that convenience is also situational and is affected by factors such as time and location. For example, some situations require that users address their informational needs immediately while other situations allow users the opportunity to find resources. Convenience is also often associated with accessibility because if a resource presents barriers, such as distance or time constraints, then accessibility is hindered. For example, the library is only open a certain amount of hours throughout the day, and for people who work unconventional hours, the library is not very accessible. The trade-off for convenience means that this might lead to lower quality information. As an information professional, we want to provide users with high-quality resources, so it is important to understand search behavior related to preferences and life situations to find ways to conform to the needs of users.
Competency Development:
Understanding the fundamentals of searching behavior requires both a theoretical background and practical hands-on experience. My courses at SJSU provided me with the coursework to lay down the foundations for a theoretical background while giving me the opportunity to experience the searching process. In Libr 200, Information and Society, we explored the social, economic and technological developments that influence information. These developments impact the information seeking needs of users, so it is important to stay current with what is changing. We also examined theories and methodologies in determining user information needs and looked at the ways information professionals are helping to expand information literacy skills. This information is vital in understanding the various needs of users while exploring ways to improve the search process for users. This information is also important because it helps predict the behaviors of users so that we can create better-searching systems and searching strategies. This course introduced me to how society impacts the information seeking needs of users through course discussions and assignments. In Libr 244, Online Searching, we learned about different searching techniques and strategies to help us improve our searching skills. In this course, I was able to able this knowledge with hands-on exercises and assignments that allowed me to search for topics and information. I was able to participate in the searching process learning to adjust my searching behaviors as I interacted with different systems. Experiencing the searching process is key to understanding how users will behave with different systems. As a result, I have gained a lot of insight about how to help users find information and some of the challenges and issues they face while searching for and gathering information. In Libr 256, Archives and Manuscripts, one of the issues we discussed was the importance of access for archival materials. Archives have access policies that differ from other types of institutions because some items are restricted or not always available due to legal and preservation concerns. As a result, it is important to find ways to allow information to be accessible in other formats. Archives are using technological tools to digitize items and utilize web resources to make collection information available when it is restricted. Therefore, it is important to recognize how users will search for information. In this course, we discussed these concerns and evaluated archive websites looking at usability and access. Users search behaviors are affected if websites are difficult to navigate or if users do not understand the way archives are structured. These courses were beneficial to my understanding of accessibility and its impact on user’s information seeking behavior.
Libr 200, Final Essay
In Libr 200, Information and Society, my final assignment asked me to write an essay about an important topic of interest within the library and information sciences field. For this assignment, I wanted to write about a topic that impacts both users and information professionals. In this essay, I look at how technology is shaping the way users interact with resources and information. The main focus of my essay discusses the effects of search engines on library catalogs. I discuss that users have developed certain expectations when using online tools because they are accustomed to the online experience from home and on other devices. For example, users are accustomed to website interfaces such as Amazon and Google and expect the same type of interfaces and structures throughout all online resources that they use. One’s desktop, laptop, cell phone, tablet, car and other devices allow information to be accessible on a whim. Users are also expecting instantaneous information as a result of internet access from multiple devices. The need for instantaneous information has also affected search behaviors. For example, when using catalogs search behaviors mimic those that users use on search engines. Some argue that catalogs are becoming underused because users are not accustomed to its search features. As a result, catalogs are incorporating the same interfaces and web 2.0 tools to make catalogs more familiar to use while attracting more users. This topic is important because technology has changed the way users perceive and find information while impacting the way users interact with information systems such as catalogs. This essay demonstrates how I contextualized the current literature to look at how technological tools such as search engines impact information seeking behavior. This essay also looks at some of the ways that catalogs are updating their interfaces and structures to create an environment that simulates other web environments, such as, search engines. This essay has deepened my understanding of information seeking behavior in relation to user expectations at the Library. The knowledge I gained will also allow me to recognize the difficulties that users experience with catalogs. This will allow me to better assist patrons because I will understand how their search behaviors mimic that of search engines and are able to have a point of reference to work with. This information is important because I need to understand how information seeking behavior shifts with technological developments.
Libr 244, Client Project
In Libr 244, Online Searching, I learned valuable search skills and strategies through many of the hands-on assignments. One of my assignments was a client search project that allowed me to investigate a topic on behalf of an individual. This project involved searching for resources for an individual using databases and search engines to meet their information need. For this client project, I interviewed an individual to find out about their information need. After I established their information need, I created a search plan based on strategies I learned about to help me throughout my search. Using different tools, such as databases and search engines, requires different search strategies. Therefore, a bit of pre-planning is an important factor when conducting multi-resource searches. Throughout my search, there were times I needed to adjust my strategies as I came across different resources and information. This readjustment helped solidify how different resources require different information seeking behaviors. This assignment allowed me to explore some of the stages of the search process while improving my searching skills. Undergoing the search process for oneself is an important way of understanding information seeking behavior because I am able to understand the decisions that are made throughout the search process. This assignment developed my searching skills while allowing me to think critically about the search process at every step of this assignment. From the initial interview to the analysis of my search and results, each step played a vital role in understanding information seeking behavior.
Libr 256, Duke Archives Essay
In Libr 256, Archives and Manuscripts, I wrote an essay reviewing the Duke University David M. Rubenstein Library Homepage. The David M. Rubenstein Library is a rare book and manuscript library that holds 300,000 printed volumes and more than 20 million items in manuscript and archival collections. As a result, it is important to examine how their web page presents information and resources. It is also important to examine because the way information is presented impacts the search behaviors of users. In this essay, I examine The David M. Rubenstein Library’s page looking at its interfaces, tools and finding aids and how users would perceive it. While examining these pages, I wanted to understand the needs of users as they interact with this institution’s web pages. For example, collection information, tools, and resources are placed in visible areas throughout the website. Allowing for features and links to be placed in viewable areas, increases accessibility and allows users to make decisions about where to begin in their search process. Looking at its search features and finding aids, a user would also need to be familiar with searching archival collections. For example, libraries show records at the item level, while archives tend to show records at the collection level. A user’s search strategies would need to be adjusted because archival collections are structured differently than library collections. Evaluating this library’s pages is important because it provides an example of an institution’s website and how its attempts to meet the needs of users information seeking behavior. Understanding the needs of users will help create dynamic and interactive web pages for users looking at archival materials and resources. This assignment demonstrates the need to evaluate resources from the users perspective so that we improve the searching experience for users. As a professional, understanding the information seeking behaviors of users from different institutions will help me learn to create resources that cater to different searching needs. In the long term, it will help me adjust to the needs of users in different web environments.
Conclusion:
It is important for information professionals to recognize the social, cultural and economic dimensions of information use. The current proliferation of information changes the way users seek information. Technology is also always changing and plays a vital role in the vast amounts of information available. The information seeking behaviors of users needs to be examined if we want to keep up with changes that occur. These factors affect user’s motivation and skill levels so we need to understand their impact on information seeking behavior. Information professionals also want to improve the searching experience for users by looking at the problems and issues they encounter. Some issues that users face is that they don’t understand searching procedures among different systems. For example, some users will search the library catalog in the same way they use search engines. For some users the searching process is intimidating, therefore we want to break down those fears. As a result, we need to study the information seeking behavior of users so that we can make information easier to access. It is also important because it helps to improve our interactions with patrons when we understand their behaviors from their perspective. This will help us guide our users at all levels of the searching process.
Resources:
Bates, M. J. (1989). Design of browsing and berrypicking techniques for the online search interface. Online Review, 13(5), 407-424. Retrieved from http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~tefko/Courses/e530/Readings/Bates_Berrypicking.pdf
Chowdhury, G. G. (2010). Introduction to modern information retrieval. (3rd ed.). London: Facet Publishing.
Connaway, L. S., Dickey, T. J., & Radford, M. L. (2011). “If it is too inconvenient I’m not going after it:” Convenience as a critical factor in information-seeking behaviors. Library & Information Science Research, 33(3), 179-190.
Kuhlthau, C. (2013). Information Search Process. Retrieved fromhttp://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~kuhlthau/information_search_process.htm
Rubin, R. E. (2010). Foundations of library and information science. New York: Neal- Schuman.
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