Information seeking behaviour
Professor T.D. Wilson
Professor Emeritus, University of
Sheffield
Introduction
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models of information seeking
behaviour
testing the models
use of Web-based resources
a case study of Information Research
conclusions
Models of information seeking
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the early years of ‘user studies’ research
the switch from studies of library and
document use to user behaviour
an early model of ‘information
behaviour’
Information behaviour - 1981
Information seeking behaviour
1981
Ellis’s ‘characteristics’ - 1989
Starting
 Chaining
 Browsing
 Differentiating
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Monitoring
 Extraction
 Verifying
 Ending
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Kuhlthau’s stages - 1993
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Task initiation
Topic selection
Pre-focus
exploration
Focus formulation
Information
collection
Search closure
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apprehension
confusion
confusion, doubt
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optimism
confidence
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relief
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Testing the models
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the ‘Uncertainty’ project was designed
to explore the concept of uncertainty in
information seeking behaviour, but also
to examine the relationships among the
various models.
Revised 1981 model
Problem solving framework
ISB
Recognition
ISB
Definition
ISB
Resolution
ISB
Statement
Example of findings - 1
Figure 1 - Changes in Problem Stage
Pre-search
Follow-up
50.0
45.0
40.0
% of clients
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Ident
Def
Res
Pres
Example of findings - 2
Figure 3 - Changes in uncertainty measures
Problem identification
Problem resolution
Solution statement
7.60
7.40
Median values
7.20
7.00
6.80
6.60
6.40
6.20
Initial
Post search
Follow -up
Conclusions from the study
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the problem-solving model usefully
discriminated among researchers
the three models – Wilson, Ellis,
Kuhlthau appear not to overlap in their
application – they are not modelling the
same thing
the ‘affective’ dimension appears to
reduce to positive vs. negative feelings
Using Web-based systems
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studies generally relate to the use of
search engines, showing that the great
majority of enquiries consist of only one
or two terms.
studies of specific resources that might
be called ‘digital libraries’ are much
rarer.
Use of an electronic journal
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Information Research – now in Volume
8, first published in 1995
The counter service allows one to track
users back to the site from which they
clicked on the link to the top page of
the journal
Hits on Information Research
Hits on Information Research
Implications for digital libraries
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fitting systems to the complex
behaviour of information users is
necessary if DLs are to be successful
the problem solving model suggests
that different kinds of searching are
taking place at the different stages
Kuhlthau’s stage model may be applied
to each problem-solving stage
Implications for digital libraries
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Ellis’s ‘characteristics’ describe a
common set of activities taking place
within the overall search process –
systems should model that set of
activities.
locating the DL within the context of
the Web is essential for stimulating use.