Search (51 results, page 2 of 3)

0.0029264777 = product of:
  0.008779433 = sum of:
    0.008779433 = weight(_text_:a in 282) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008779433 = score(doc=282,freq=14.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.1685276 = fieldWeight in 282, product of:
          3.7416575 = tf(freq=14.0), with freq of:
            14.0 = termFreq=14.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=282)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This paper reports findings from Phase I of the Wynnewood Study - a major project investigating the information-seeking and information needs of lowincome African-American households in the Wynnewood Project in Dallas, Texas. The Parks at Wynnewood is a residential housing development at which the University of North Texas (UNT) is currently conducting the Healthy Neighbourhoods urban revitalization project. This study is also part of the second phase of a major UNT project that is investigating the community service needs of the Wynnewood residents. During this needs assessment all Wynnewood households were interviewed using an extensive twelve-page questionnaire, including a number of questions on their information needs and information-seeking behaviour. The results of the survey provide data bearing on the development of an information resource center and an information literacy programme for Wynnewood community residents. A model of resident's information environment is presented. The study of information-seeking and information needs, also known as nonwork information-seeking or citizen information-seeking, is an important and emerging area of interdisciplinary information science research. More specifically, this study is providing important data on the everyday life information needs and seeking behaviours of low-income African Americans households.

Type

a

0.0029264777 = product of:
  0.008779433 = sum of:
    0.008779433 = weight(_text_:a in 575) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008779433 = score(doc=575,freq=14.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.1685276 = fieldWeight in 575, product of:
          3.7416575 = tf(freq=14.0), with freq of:
            14.0 = termFreq=14.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=575)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This study details the activities and strategies that 11th grade students with high academic abilities used during their information seeking and use to complete class projects in a Persuasive Speech class. The study took place in a suburban high school in Maryland, and participants included 21 junior honors students, their teacher, and their library media specialist. Each student produced a 5-7-minute speech on a self-chosen topic. Conducted in the framework of qualitative research in a constructivist paradigm (E.G. Guba, & Y.S. Lincoln, 1998), the study used data collected from observations, individual interviews, and documents students produced for their projects - concept maps, paragraphs, outlines, and research journals. Interview and observation data were analyzed using the constant comparative method (B. Glaser & A. Strauss, 1967) with the help of QSR NVivo 2 (QSR International Pty Ltd, 2002); students' documents were analyzed manually. The findings show that students' understanding, strategies, and activities during information seeking and use were interactive and serendipitous and that students learned about their topics as they searched. The research suggests that high school honors students in an information-rich environment are especially confident with learning tasks requiring an exploratory mode of learning.

Type

a

0.0027093915 = product of:
  0.008128175 = sum of:
    0.008128175 = weight(_text_:a in 279) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008128175 = score(doc=279,freq=12.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15602624 = fieldWeight in 279, product of:
          3.4641016 = tf(freq=12.0), with freq of:
            12.0 = termFreq=12.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=279)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Recently, the importance of application of multiple, qualitative methods has been emphasised in the field of information seeking and retrieval research. (See Fidel 1993; Vakkari 1997). One of the earliest and most ambitious attempts to apply multiple methods was the research project on information needs and information services in local authority social services departments. (Wilson & Streatfield 1977; Wilson, et al., 1979; Wilson 1981). In studies on information needs and seeking qualitative methods have gained a leading position in the 1990's (Vakkari 1997: 451). Indisputably, this is the case when looking at recent information needs, seeking and use research carried out by Algon (1997), Ellen (1998), Barry (1995), Byström (1997), Iivonen (1996), Kirk (1997), Kuhlthau (1993), Solomon (1997) and Sonnenwald and Lievrouw (1996). Furthermore, though the approach of the study is qualitative the application of quantitative techniques is not necessarily excluded. In methodological literature attention is paid to integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques. These methods are not opposite but they complement to each other. In a qualitative study various methods can be combined. Triangulation can be seen in two ways: firstly, to ascertain the validity of research; secondly, to employ the methods that are appropriate to the subject investigated. Application of triangulation in the former way aims at the full, 'objective' picture of the subject studied, while the picture obtained in the latter way is like a kaleidoscope. Thus the ultimate reason for triangulating is to gain deeper understanding of the phenomenon studied.

Type

a

0.0027093915 = product of:
  0.008128175 = sum of:
    0.008128175 = weight(_text_:a in 738) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008128175 = score(doc=738,freq=12.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15602624 = fieldWeight in 738, product of:
          3.4641016 = tf(freq=12.0), with freq of:
            12.0 = termFreq=12.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=738)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which two existing models of information behaviour could explain the information behaviour of visually impaired people seeking health and social care information. Design/methodology/approach - The research was conducted within a constructivist paradigm. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews (face-to-face or telephone) with 31 visually impaired people were conducted. Framework analysis was used to analyse the results. Findings - This study identified several factors that may affect a visually impaired person's information behaviour. These related to the presence of other health conditions or disabilities, participants' understanding of the word "information", their interactions with information providers, their degree of independence, the support they received from friends and family, their acceptance of their own visual impairment, as well as their awareness of other visual impairments, their registration status and their willingness and ability to pay for aids, adaptations and equipment. Originality/ value - This study provides a new and valuable insight into the information behaviour of visually impaired people, as well as testing the applicability of a specific and generic information model to the information behaviour of visually impaired people seeking health and social care information.

Type

a

0.0027093915 = product of:
  0.008128175 = sum of:
    0.008128175 = weight(_text_:a in 449) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008128175 = score(doc=449,freq=12.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15602624 = fieldWeight in 449, product of:
          3.4641016 = tf(freq=12.0), with freq of:
            12.0 = termFreq=12.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=449)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This two-part article establishes a model of the mediating factors that influence student information behavior concerning electronic or digital information sources that support their learning. The first part reviews the literature that underpinned the development of the research methodology for the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) User Behavior Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, as well as the literature that has subsequently helped to develop the model over the 5 years the Framework operated in the United Kingdom, in five cycles of research that were adjusted to meet the emerging needs of the JISC at the time. The literature review attempts to synthesize the two main perspectives in the research studies: (a) smallscale studies of student information behavior; and (b) the studies that focus on the quantitative usage of particular electronic information services in universities, often including implications for training and support. As the review indicates, there are gaps in the evidence concerning the browsing and selection strategies of undergraduate students and the interaction of some of the mediating influences on information behavior. The Framework developed a multimethod, qualitative and quantitative methodology for the continued monitoring of user behavior. This article discusses the methods used and the projectmanagement challenges involved, and concludes that at the outset, intended impacts need to be specified carefully, and that funding needs to be committed at that point for a longitudinal study. A research project on information behavior, intended to inform current policymaking on infrastructure provision, is inherently difficult as behavior changes lag behind provision.

Type

a

0.002682161 = product of:
  0.008046483 = sum of:
    0.008046483 = weight(_text_:a in 2070) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.008046483 = score(doc=2070,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.1544581 = fieldWeight in 2070, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0546875 = fieldNorm(doc=2070)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Examines some of the theories that have evolved to explain the mental processes required for the use of information systems. Categorizes research in this area into system oriented and user oriented studies and reviews this research. Describes a sample of methodologies used for examining users and their information seeking behaviour. Concludes with a discussion of the implications of these theories and methods for librarians and information specialists

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 5876) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=5876,freq=2.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 5876, product of:
          1.4142135 = tf(freq=2.0), with freq of:
            2.0 = termFreq=2.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.09375 = fieldNorm(doc=5876)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 2273) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=2273,freq=2.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 2273, product of:
          1.4142135 = tf(freq=2.0), with freq of:
            2.0 = termFreq=2.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.09375 = fieldNorm(doc=2273)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 2208) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=2208,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 2208, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2208)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This study reports an analysis of referral URL data by the Cornell University IP address from the American Chemical Society servers. The goal of this work is to better understand the tools used and pathways taken when scientists connect to electronic journals. While various methods of referral were identified in this study, most individuals were referred infrequently and followed few and consistent pathways each time they connected. The relationship between the number and types of referrals followed an inverse-square law. Whereas the majority of referrals came from established finding tools (library catalog, library e-journal list, and bibliographic databases), a substantial number of referrals originated from generic Web searches. Scientists are also relying an local alternatives or substitutes such as departmental or personal Web pages with lists of linked publications. The use of electronic mail as a method to refer scientists directly to online articles may be greatly underestimated. Implications for the development of redundant library services such as e-journal lists and the practice of publishers to allow linking from other resources are discussed.

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 450) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=450,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 450, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=450)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This second part of a two-part article establishes a model of the mediating factors that influence student information behavior concerning the electronic or digital information sources used to support learning. This part discusses the findings of the Joint Information Systems Committee User Behavior Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (1999-2004) and development of a model that includes both the individual (micro) and organizational (macro) factors affecting student information behavior. The macro factors are information resource design, information and learning technology infrastructure, availability and constraints to access, policies and funding, and organizational leadership and culture. The micro factors are information literacy, academics' information behavior, search strategies, discipline and curriculum, support and training, and pedagogy. We conclude that the mediating factors interact in unexpected ways and that further research is needed to clarify how those interactions, particularly between the macro and micro factors, operate.

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 2566) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=2566,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 2566, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2566)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Purpose - The study aims to examines two aspects of information seeking behaviour of physicists and astronomers including methods applied for keeping up-to-date and methods used for finding articles. The relationship between academic status and research field of users with their information seeking behaviour was investigated. Design/methodology/approach - Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey of PhD students and staff of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University College London; 114 people (47.1 per cent response rate) participated in the survey. Findings - The study reveals differences among subfields of physics and astronomy in terms of information-seeking behaviour, highlights the need for and the value of looking at narrower subject communities within disciplines for a deeper understanding of the information behaviour of scientists. Originality/value - The study is the first to deeply investigate intradisciplinary dissimilarities of information-seeking behaviour of scientists in a discipline. It is also an up-to-date account of information seeking behaviour of physicists and astronomers.

Type

a

0.002654651 = product of:
  0.007963953 = sum of:
    0.007963953 = weight(_text_:a in 2034) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.007963953 = score(doc=2034,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.15287387 = fieldWeight in 2034, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2034)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the search behavior of 10 students as they completed assigned exercises for an online professional course in expert searching. The research objective was to identify, describe, and hypothesize about features of the behavior that are indicative of procedural knowledge gained during guided instruction. Log-data of search interaction were coded using a conceptual framework focused on components of search practice hypothesized to organize an expert searcher's attention during search. The coded data were analyzed using a measure of pointwise mutual information and state-transition analysis. Results of the study provide important insight for future investigation of domain-independent search expertise and for the design of systems that assist searchers in gaining expertise.

Type

a

0.0025028288 = product of:
  0.0075084865 = sum of:
    0.0075084865 = weight(_text_:a in 2619) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.0075084865 = score(doc=2619,freq=4.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.14413087 = fieldWeight in 2619, product of:
          2.0 = tf(freq=4.0), with freq of:
            4.0 = termFreq=4.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0625 = fieldNorm(doc=2619)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

The history of user evaluation of reference service is traced and related to other methods of reference evaluation, including librarian self report of success, behavioral guidelines, and ubobtrusive observation. The evidence to be derived from presently available user evaluations is considered in the light of criteria for a reference evaluation instrument. Concludes that reference success cannot be explained by any one group of factors, and that the best evaluation will utilize many methods

Type

a

0.002473325 = product of:
  0.0074199745 = sum of:
    0.0074199745 = weight(_text_:a in 319) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.0074199745 = score(doc=319,freq=10.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.14243183 = fieldWeight in 319, product of:
          3.1622777 = tf(freq=10.0), with freq of:
            10.0 = termFreq=10.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=319)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Reports results of the Information Access Project, funded by King's College London and the British Library, Research and Development Department, set up to examine the effects of information technology, the electronic library and the Internet on the information seeking behaviour and research behaviour of academics in higher education. The project studied a team of theoretical physicists over 2 years using a qualitative, context situation, user centred methodology. Electronic resources, primarily electronic bulletin boards and electronic mail, were used to access information in 80% of the 48 research projects, ususally in conjunction with traditional methods. Discusses the changes in information activity, changed boundaries and speeding up of the work of the research community; increased visibility for researchers; formalization of the preprint process; replacement of formal with informal peer review; improved access to more current information; and the demise in the use of libraries. Drawbacks reported include: limitations of electronic mail communication; information overload; limitations of reliance on single information sources in terms of their focus; and the reduction in creative active information seeking. The main electronic information source for the high energy physicists, used in the study, was the High Energy Physics Theory (HEPTH) pre-print bulletin board: a service designed to provide rapid access to written research information available before it is published in periodical form

Type

a

0.0022989952 = product of:
  0.006896985 = sum of:
    0.006896985 = weight(_text_:a in 6606) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.006896985 = score(doc=6606,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.13239266 = fieldWeight in 6606, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=6606)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Reports results of a survey, conducted by the State University of New York and Albany Library, to investigate the effects of gender, college status and prior Internet experience on the use of Internet resources. The subjects were 96 randomly selected users using the library's Internet terminals during the first 2 months of 1995. The majority of users were found to share the following characteristics: male undergraduates affiliated with the social sciences; and novice users who have less than 6 months experience. Respondents felt strongly that the Internet is useful, and has been an important resource for their research and assignment. Users have high expectations of searching capabilities, while they feel neutral or disappointed with browsing. Results indicate that libraries should provide access to the Internet and suggest that libraries should take the lead in developing searchable indexes and making databases better organized for the ease and effectiveness of browsing

Type

a

0.0022989952 = product of:
  0.006896985 = sum of:
    0.006896985 = weight(_text_:a in 7396) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.006896985 = score(doc=7396,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.13239266 = fieldWeight in 7396, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=7396)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Reports a study of 40 audiotaped reference interactions between librarians and public library users. Analyzes the data to identify patterns of interaction, with a focus on users' problem formulation, librarians' elicitation of information from the user, unsolicited information provided by the users and the effect of these factors for the outcome of the interaction. Compares the results with studies of public library user behaviour in unassisted online catalogue searches. Users' initial query formulations are similar in the 2 situations. In the mediated searches, ambiguities are resolved and users' information needs are determined while interacting with the material on the shelf. Replication of this functionality in the online catalogue's interaction with the user would solve many problems in unassisted end user searches

Type

a

0.0022989952 = product of:
  0.006896985 = sum of:
    0.006896985 = weight(_text_:a in 669) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.006896985 = score(doc=669,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.13239266 = fieldWeight in 669, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=669)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

Much of the research conducted into young people's information seeking has taken place in schools. These organisations afford access to hundreds of diverse youngsters. They are accessible, and pupils are effectively pre-classified for the researcher. Factors within a school that may affect information-seeking behaviour can be explored. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to secure all appropriate permissions for the work. The timing of data collection can be problematic and the pupil population may not include all groups of interest. The investigator must also decide on the method(s) used for collecting data from the youngsters. Several lend themselves to developing an understanding of how far the individuals under scrutiny use particular sources, systems or organisations. Others are more effective for exploring the strategies inquirers employ when exploiting materials. The investigator must select the method that appears best equipped to deliver a satisfactory answer to the research question.

Type

a

0.0022989952 = product of:
  0.006896985 = sum of:
    0.006896985 = weight(_text_:a in 4986) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.006896985 = score(doc=4986,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.13239266 = fieldWeight in 4986, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=4986)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

In an effort to understand how academic scientists seek information relevant to their research in today's environment of ubiquitous electronic access, a correlation framework is built and regression analysis is applied to the survey results from 2,063 academic researchers in natural science, engineering, and medical science at five research universities in the United States. Previous work has reported descriptive statistics about these scientists' information-seeking behavior. This study extends that work to examine relationships between scientists' information-seeking behaviors and their personal and environmental factors. Several regression models, including the Poisson model, the logit model, and the ordered logit model, are built to interpret the correlation among scientists' behaviors. In addition, exploratory factor analysis is used for data reduction. Overall, many factors were found to affect the specific information-seeking behaviors of scientists, including demographic, psychological, role-related, and environmental factors. Of the factors having an effect, academic position was the most important determinant of information behavior.

Type

a

0.0022989952 = product of:
  0.006896985 = sum of:
    0.006896985 = weight(_text_:a in 2691) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.006896985 = score(doc=2691,freq=6.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.13239266 = fieldWeight in 2691, product of:
          2.4494898 = tf(freq=6.0), with freq of:
            6.0 = termFreq=6.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2691)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

We report a naturalistic interactive information retrieval (IIR) study of 18 ordinary users in the age of 20-25 who carry out everyday-life information seeking (ELIS) on the Internet with respect to the three types of information needs identified by Ingwersen (1986): the verificative information need (VIN), the conscious topical information need (CIN), and the muddled topical information need (MIN). The searches took place in the private homes of the users in order to ensure as realistic searching as possible. Ingwersen (1996) associates a given search behaviour to each of the three types of information needs, which are analytically deduced, but not yet empirically tested. Thus the objective of the study is to investigate whether empirical data does, or does not, conform to the predictions derived from the three types of information needs. The main conclusion is that the analytically deduced information search behaviour characteristics by Ingwersen are positively corroborated for this group of test participants who search the Internet as part of ELIS.

Type

a

0.002212209 = product of:
  0.0066366266 = sum of:
    0.0066366266 = weight(_text_:a in 722) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.0066366266 = score(doc=722,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.05209492 = queryWeight, product of:
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.045180224 = queryNorm
        0.12739488 = fieldWeight in 722, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          1.153047 = idf(docFreq=37942, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=722)
  0.33333334 = coord(1/3)

Abstract

There is very little qualitative data on what impact the Internet is having on information seeking in the workplace. Using open-ended interviews, questionnaires and observation, the impact of the Internet on the British Media was assessed. The focus was largely on newspapers, with The Guardian being covered in some depth. Over 300 journalists and media librarians were surveyed. It was found that amongst traditional journalists use was light. Poor access to the Internet - and good access to other information resources - were largely the reasons for this. Of the journalists it was mainly the older and more senior journalists and the New Media journalists who used the Internet. Librarians were also significant users. Searching the World Wide Web was the principal Internet activity and use was generally conservative in character. Newspapers and official sites were favoured, and searches were mainly of a fact-checking nature. Email was used on a very limited scale and was not regarded as a serious journalistic tool. Non-users were partly put off by the Internet's potential for overloading them with information and its reputation for producing information of suspect quality. Users generally dismissed these concerns, dealing with potential overload and quality problems largely by using authoritative sites and exploiting the lower quality data where it was needed. Where the Internet has been used it has not been at the expense of other information sources or communication channels, but online hosts seem to be at most risk in the future.

Type

a