Information need as trigger and driver of information seeking: a conceptual analysis

an article by Reijo Savolainen (University of Tampere, Finland) published in Aslib Journal of Information Management Volume 69 Issue 1 (2017)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the picture of the motivators for information behaviour by examining the nature of information need as a trigger and driver of information seeking.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual analysis was made by focussing on the ways in which researchers have conceptualised information need in models for human information behaviour (HIB). The study draws on conceptual analysis of 26 key studies focussing on the above topic.

Findings
Researchers have employed two main approaches to conceptualise information needs in the HIB models. First, information need is approached as a root factor which motivates people to identify and access information sources. Second, information need is approached as a secondary trigger or driver determined by more fundamental factors, for example, the information requirements of task performance. The former approach conceptualises information need as a trigger providing an initial impetus to information seeking, while the latter approach also depicts information need as a driver that keeps the information-seeking process in motion. The latter approach is particularly characteristic of models depicting information seeking as a cyclic process.

Research limitations/implications
As the study focuses on information need, no attention is devoted to related constructs such as anomalous state of knowledge and uncertainty.

Originality/value
The study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the nature of information need as a trigger and driver of information seeking. The findings refine the picture of motivators for information behaviour.

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Understanding the Health Information Needs of British Internet Users Seeking Health Information Online and Their Perceptions of the Quality of the Internet as a Source of Health Information

an article by Christine Marton (affiliation uncertain) published in Journal of Hospital Librarianship Volume 15 Issue 2 (April-June 2015)

Abstract

Statistical results from three Web survey studies on consumer health information from the British Life and Internet Project demonstrate

1. health information needs motivate online health information seeking;
2. these health topics are robust predictors of various measures of online health information seeking in logistic regression models: health conditions and illnesses; new treatments; healthy lifestyle; prescription drugs; sensitive health topics; alternative medicines; and doctor’s visit and doctor or hospital;
3. online health information is not perceived as being completely credible; but
4. online health information can effect positive health outcomes, notably improved eating habits and increased exercise and relaxation; and
5. although official consumer health sites in the UK may be deemed more credible than unofficial consumer health sites, unofficial sites may be viewed as having more relevant content than official sites.

A recent EU study confirms the perception by UK Internet users of the usefulness of the Internet in self-care, care of others, and effective positive health outcomes. These findings may be helpful to consumer health librarians working in hospitals and public libraries alike in understanding their clients’ health information needs and their perceptions of the Internet as a source of health information.

Findings may also influence collection development and management.

Hazel’s comment:
I was more interested in this article from the viewpoint of a user of online information and I picked up some ideas about validation of information sources.

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The information needs and information-seeking behaviour of rural dwellers

A review of research 

 an article by Md. Shariful Islam (University of Rajshahi) and S.M. Zabed Ahmed (University of Dhaka) published in IFLA Journal Volume 38 Number 2 (June 2012)

Abstract

Reviews research studies on the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of rural dwellers in developed and developing countries. The analysis suggests that the information needs of rural communities from all countries are very similar, although rural communities they do vary from region to region and from country to country depending on socio-economic conditions. These needs are mostly related to the daily life of rural dwellers.

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