Running head: FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER
Final Paper IRLS 587 Duane Wagner
Duane Wagner
University of Arizona
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FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER 2
Final Paper IRLS 587 Duane Wagner
This document serves as a synopsis of what I have learned by participating in the current
Information Seeking Behaviors IRLS 587 course. To begin this assignment I reviewed my answer to our August introductory discussion post entitled “Why This Course?” The preconceptions I held at that time stated I believed this study would
“ enhance my ability to better assist my public library patrons with their search for data in a variety of disciplines
.”
(Wagner,
2012, para. 1) To evaluate the degree in which I succeeded in my self described goal resides with my scholarly comprehension of informational behaviors as well as my personal application and understanding of the same. At the end of this document I will be in a good position to declare if my knowledge of information seeking behaviors has met my initial criteria. I have definitely learned that with the continued reliance upon Internet based research techniques by both professional and non-professional persons, the importance of understanding and adopting solid research principles has never been more vital. The content of this course has provided me the belief that successful information retrieval should be viewed as a journey, not solely as a quest to arrive at a specific destination. We as information professionals need to be able to readily conceptualize available research theories so as to streamline and personalize the information seeking process for ourselves and our patrons so as to meet information needs. At this point I will analyze some the great examples of information seeking theories I have been introduced to throughout this course.
Through the readings of our assigned text: Looking for Information: A Survey of
Research on Information Seeking, Needs, and Behavior by Donald O’ Case and our classroom instruction by Dr. Martha A. Lindsey I feel confident in saying my eyes have definitely been opened in regards to the many nuances of information seeking behaviors. As a class we started

FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER 3 by receiving a solid introduction to the concepts of Information Behavior. This overview included but was not limited to common vocabulary terms; highlighting a people orientation to the subject, as well as the circumstances in which information behavior is investigated. This beginning allowed me to make a key realization regarding the scope of information behavior; information is only valuable when it can serve a human need, and this need can be focused on the yearning of an individual or it can span the accumulated desires of billions. This perspective allows us to see that successful information retrieval does not have to encompass all possible knowledge regarding a subject; it simply has to be enough to satisfy the parameters of a given desire. In order to achieve this ever changing need, varied information sources can be queried such as “formal information (e.g., printed publications or electronic sources) and informal information (e.g., the opinions of friends). (Case, 2007, p. 35)
The concept of information itself was studied at length. This afforded me the ability to understand that people view the concept of information very differently. Our text’s author, while acknowledging differences in opinion regarding the definition of data formulated 6 key concepts that he believes apply to the term information. Out of these 6 concepts I readily saw the importance behind idea of informal data and how information must “involve the human mind, either in creation, perception, or interpretation of information; to leave our such requirement(s) is to declare that anything is information would leave us with no focus…”(Case, 2007, p. 66) This statement was key for me due to the fact that prior to hearing this point I believe I would have tried to argue that the definition of information would have needed to center on something that had been empirically studied. After this reading I was able to view our world as an environment where anything and everything could potentially be considered valuable knowledge. Our chapter
4 introduced us to Brenda Dervin who struck an intellectual chord with me. We had been

FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER 4 discussing the contexts in which people describe informational needs. Ms. Dervin promoted the
“idea of a gap in life’s experience as a motivating stimulus for seeking information.” (Case,
2007, p. 82) is only one aspect in the quest for seeking knowledge. Other motivating factors including finding “reassurance, expressing feelings, connecting with other human beings, etc.”
(Case, 2007, p. 82) allow prompt us (as humans) to seek out data. This concept was extremely important to me as it strengthened the foundation of my understanding of what knowledge could be (anything), and why knowledge could be deemed of value (any number of factors). People provide knowledge its redeemable value by the environment in which they live. The ideas promoted by Ms. Dervin, as well as Nicholas Belkin, Robert Taylor, and Carold Kuhlthau helped me to better understand the models and theories that I would encounter in the remainder our class.
A model of information seeking “attempts to depict and explain a sequence of behavior” while also “indicating something about information needs and sources.” (Case, 2007, p. 122) Out of the many models of information seeking I studied in class T.D. Wilson’s was the one that intrigued me the most. I saw in it an attempt to provide a person centric view regarding the possible motives behind diverse segments of our population data gathering that was highlighting factors such as their psychological, demographic, and environmental characteristics. Although complex in its design, I appreciated its attempted thoroughness (why some information sources are more valued than others, what factors prompt information seeking, and why people may or may not be successful in their information gathering quests). These motivations can lead professionals to developing theories regarding these very subjects.
Theories, as our text explains, are explanations. Theories are generally formulated from concepts and varied perspectives. These theory building blocks can be simple in nature or

FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER 5 extremely complex. One such concept (paradigm) that our class was Zipf’s Principle of Least
Effort. I came to see that the concept as very insightful. It tenants state that “each individual will adopt a course of action that will involve the expenditure of the probable least average of work…
(or) effort.” (Case, 2007, p. 150) I found Zipf’s viewpoint regarding people taking the path of least resistance very intriguing, possible due to the fact that I can personally relate to its core concept.
Our class afforded us an overview of the stages in which research takes places which were shown to be “imagining a research question, determining what data are needed and designing a specific study to collect it, choosing and implementing research methods, analyzing and interpreting observations, and considering the overall results”) (Case, 2007, p. 178) We were introduced to the various methodologies or research investigation that included the concepts of deductive and inductive reasoning, reliability and validity, and ethics. We learned of major types of research and information gathering practices. Out of these practices I personally found myself drawn to the importance of utilizing multiple data sources when conducting an information investigation. By saying this it may sound like I am conflicted with my appreciation of Zipf’s least effort principle, but I don’t believe so. You see I consider myself to be structured person.
And although I enjoy simplicity for its sake of convenience, I also firmly believe in the concept of ethics and reliability. I strongly believe that when the opportunity employs itself to utilize multiple and varied data sources in order to verify information I should make every attempt to do so. I was impressed with the data gathering done by Paul Solomon. This, in my opinion, speaks volumes in regards to the need to employ multiple data sources to verify information. Mr.
Solomon’s work also showcased the importance of humans in relation to the study of information behavior. As I believe information can be gathered from any number of sources, Mr.

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Solomon’s approach allowed me the opportunity to see how these multiple sources might be employed for reliable and verifiable use. It is my opinion that information gathering should be approached only after considering the possible scope of the data that might be encountered.
The later chapters of our text afforded our class the opportunity to understand the history of information seeking as well as the particular needs of varied occupations, demographic, and social groups. Each of these segments has a distinct information need, and as such each segment must be afforded a unique perspective in regards to their behaviors and desires. Ultimately it was fascinating to reflect upon the varied information motivations of the multiple population groups that formulate our world. Equally as fascinating was the knowledge I took away that allowed me to see the value in understanding the existence of multiple informational sources in our daily lives. At any given time some segments of our world population may strive for strict empirical knowledge, while others may simply seek out theoretical data. What matters most to one person, may mean little to another. That is what I learned as the true value of information seeking. Next I will reflect upon the knowledge I gained from my fellow students and instructor regarding the topic of information behavior.
The in class interaction I received from my fellow students and instructor was critical to the absorption of my knowledge from this course. This knowledge will be of incalculable benefit to me as a public librarian. Throughout my coursework I was introduced to multiple tools that helped me understand the theories and behaviors that are the framework of successful information seeking. This understanding was arrived at through successful student interactions, lectures, and readings. My pathfinder assignment truly brought home many of the concepts that I was introduced to during this course. By examining the subject to water fluoridation I was able to put into practice basic information gathering that branched off into avenues I had not

FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER 7 anticipate at the outset of my work. I was able to see first hand how people can interpret data in different manners. My user study, which focused on the topic of Parkinson’s disease, allowed me to evaluate different information gathering tools in regards to their creditability and usefulness. I now realize the importance of developing electronic research tools to facilitate needed information gathering. It is my belief that Internet search engines will continue to fuel many future information gathering endeavors (as is a fellow student pointed out is an excellent example Zipf’s principle of least effort at work). As this course draws to an end I can better conceptualize how people look for, collect, and utilize information. I have a good understanding of how the process of data collection, which is based upon unique needs, are firmly rooted in multiple academic, informational, and social sciences. I understand the basic concepts of data gathering such as its needs, results, and theories. I am confident that I can conceptualize the scope of information seeking in regards to the needs and uses of those who employ its practice.
Although I leave this class with a lot of unanswered questions, I believe this result is natural. As
I stated previously I do not believe information is a destination…the more you learn, the more you realize how truly little you really know. I believe that my initial desire to “enhance my ability to better assist my public library patrons with their search for data in a variety of disciplines.” (Wagner, 2012, p. 1) was well met through my participation in IRLS 587. As I public librarian I strive to provide my public with accurate and timely information sources. I appreciated my instructor’s online lectures, especially her thesis regarding proactive librarianship. It is from this document that I will definitely take away a good understanding of the learning cycle, and apply it to my current and future responsibilities. I thank you for your time.

FINAL PAPER IRLS 587 DUANE WAGNER
References
Case, D. O. (2007). Looking for Information: a survey of Research on Information Seeking,
Needs, and Behavior (2nd ed.). Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Wagner, D. (2012). My hopes for this course. Retrieved from https://d2l.arizona.edu/d2l/lms/discussions/messageLists/frame.d2l?isShared=False&fid=
65330&tid=218256&ou=257682
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