The Evolution of Information Behaviour Research: A shift from systems to users.



 The study of Information Behaviour has undergone a significant transformation over the years, shifting its focus from information systems to a user centered approach. In the past, research concentrated on the artifacts and avenues of information seeking such as libraries and other formal channels of information.

In the 1970s, studies began to branch out focusing on the person as a finder and user of information. Terms like “information seeking “ and “sense making” emerged to describe the phenomena of interest of a growing number of scholars in Information Science.

There are two primary approaches to studying how people interact with information, person oriented and system oriented. A person oriented approach focuses on the individual, their needs and behaviours as seen in question, “ How do small business owners in Malawi seek information when starting a new venture?” In contrast, a system oriented approach focuses on the information systems and technologies, exemplified by the question, “What are the most  commonly used databases among academics at Mzuzu University?” 

Myths of Information Behaviour and Information Seeking

These dubious assumptions were identified by Brenda Dervin, 1976. These myths highlight the complexities of information behaviour and seeking. Below are some examples of the myths.

  1. Only objective information is valuable: Objective information is valuable, but it is not only the type of information that is valuable. Subjective experiences, personal perspectives and contextual insights can be just as useful, depending on the situation.
  2. More information is always better: We often assume having more information is the key to making better decisions whilst having more information does not necessarily mean one is informed. Quality trumps quantity.
  3. Objective information can be transmitted out of context: Facts and data can be misleading when taken out of context. Without context we are left with isolated facts that might not tell the whole truth.
  4. Information can only be acquired through formal sources: This assumption is often made by those in educational institutions, but it does not reflect actual behaviour in our everyday life individuals frequently use both formal and informal sources to acquire information.
  5. There is relevant information for every need: Not every question has an answer and not every problem has a solution. According to Maslows hierarchy of need’s information can not replace basic needs like food. Water and shelter.
  6. Every need solution has a solution: Institutions such as libraries and medical clinics are focused on finding solutions to problems it is a myth to say every situation has a solution.
  7. It is always possible to make information available or accessible: Formal information systems have limitations, particularly when dealing with vague, ambiguous and constantly changing needs of the public.
  8. Time and Space: Need for information is time based and driven by individual situations. Therefore, the information you create must with stand the taste of time.
The author, Naomi Munthali emphasizes understanding user needs and behaviours in Information Science.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Storing Data

Image
Every day, institutions generate vast amounts of data, yet the challenge of storing it effectively remains one of the most underestimated issues in the digital age . Far from being a neutral or purely technical activity, data storage has become a strategic function central to records and archives management . Contemporary scholarship increasingly demonstrates that storage systems must support not only preservation but also accessibility, sustainability, and long-term usability (Katuu & Ngoepe, 2021). What this means in practice is that storing data is no longer about keeping information safe it is about ensuring its continued value. One of the most notable shifts in this space is the growing adoption of free and open source software (FOSS) such as DSpace and Archivematica . These platforms are widely recognised for their flexibility and cost effectiveness in managing digital repositories (Katuu, 2020). However, focusing solely on affordability risks oversimplifying their strategic...
Read more

Data collection and Repositories

Image
Data is the lifeblood of modern knowledge systems, yet its value is only realised when it is systematically collected, organised, and stored in environments that support long term access and reuse. Data collection and repositories sit at the very heart of data curation, forming the infrastructure upon which research, policy, and institutional memory depend. Data collection refers to the deliberate process of gathering raw information from various sources  surveys, sensors, experiments, administrative records, or observations in a structured manner (Corti et al., 2019). However, collecting data without a curation strategy is insufficient. Borgman (2015) argues that data does not speak for itself; it requires context, documentation, and governance to become meaningful and reusable across different communities. This insight shifts the responsibility of data professionals beyond mere collection toward stewardship an active, ongoing engagement with the data lifecycle . https://youtube.c...
Read more

Data curation preservation issues (threats to digital materials)

Image
What would happen if the digital records documenting climate change, public health trends, government decisions, or scientific discoveries suddenly became inaccessible? While many of us assume that digital information lasts forever , the reality is quite different. Digital materials are surprisingly fragile. Without deliberate efforts to curate and preserve them, valuable information can become unreadable, corrupted, or lost altogether. In an age where knowledge is increasingly created and stored digitally, the preservation of digital materials has become one of the most pressing challenges facing information professionals. Data curation refers to the active management and preservation of digital assets to ensure that they remain accessible, understandable, and reusable over time (Jeffery, 2020). However, preserving digital materials involves much more than simply storing files on servers or cloud platforms. It requires protecting the context, metadata, software, and technological en...
Read more