ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Spatial Factors as Contextual Qualifiers of Information Seeking
Author: Savolainen, Reijo
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Spatial Ability,Information Seeking,Research Reports,Information Sources,Work Environment,Figurative Language,Books

Introduction: This paper investigates the ways in which spatial factors have been approached in information seeking studies. The main attention was focused on studies discussing information seeking on the level of source selection and use. Method: Conceptual analysis of about 100 articles and books thematizing spatial issues of information seeking. Due to research economy, the main attention was paid to studies on everyday life information seeking. Results: Three major viewpoints were identified with regard to the degree of objectivity of spatial factors. The objectifying approach conceives of spatial factors as external and entity-like qualifiers that primarly constrain information seeking. The realistic-pragmatic approach emphasizes the ways in which the availabilty of information sources in different places such as daily work environments orient information seeking. The perspectivist approach focuses on how people subjectively assess the significance of various sources by means of spatial constructs such as information horizons. Conclusion: Spatial factors are centrally important contextual qualifiers of information seeking. There is a need to further explore the potential of the above viewpoints by relating the spatial and temporal factors of information seeking.
A Re-Examination of Information Seeking Behaviour in the Context of Activity Theory
Author: Wilson, T. D.
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Seeking,Man Machine Systems,Investigations,Information Systems,Data Collection,Models,Information Science,Social Theories

Introduction: Activity theory, developed in the USSR as a Marxist alternative to Western psychology, has been applied widely in educational studies and increasingly in human-computer interaction research. Argument: The key elements of activity theory, Motivation, Goal, Activity, Tools, Object, Outcome, Rules, Community and Division of labour are all directly applicable to the conduct of information behaviour research. An activity-theoretical approach to information behaviour research would provide a sound basis for the elaboration of contextual issues, for the discovering of organizational and other contradictions that affect information behaviour. It may be used to aid the design and analysis of investigations. Elaboration: The basic ideas of activity theory are outlined and an attempt is made to harmonize different perspectives. A contrast is made between an activity system perspective and an activity process perspective and a diagrammatic representation of the process perspective is offered. Conclusion: Activity theory is not a predictive theory but a conceptual framework within which different theoretical perspectives may be employed. Typically, it is suggested that several methods of data collection should be employed and that the time frame for investigation should be long enough for the full range of contextual issues to emerge. Activity theory offers not only a useful conceptual framework, but also a coherent terminology to be shared by researchers, and a rapidly developing body of literature in associated disciplines.
The Role of Information in a Lifetime Process: A Model of Weight Maintenance by Women over Long Time Periods
Author: Bar-Ilan, Judit
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Models,Females,Body Weight,Information Utilization,Biographies,Interviews,Qualitative Research,Information Needs

Introduction: This paper proposes a model of information behaviour of women during their lifelong struggle to maintain normal weight. Method: The model is integrative and contextual, built on existing models in information science and several other disciplines, and the life stories of about fifty Israeli women aged 25-55 and interviews with professionals. Analysis: The life stories of the participating women were analyzed qualitatively, major themes and phases were identified. Results: Weight loss and/or maintenance behaviour is a lifetime process in which distinctive stages were identified. In most cases the weight gain--weight loss--maintenance cycle is a recurring cycle. Information is a major resource during the process: several roles of information were defined: enabling, motivating, reinforcing, providing background information related to weight problems and creating the internal cognitive schema related to food and weight. Information behaviour and the roles of information vary with the different stages. Information needs are also influenced by the specific stage of the process. Information gathered at previous cycles is reused, and information gained through previous experience effects behaviour in the current cycle. Conclusion: Weight loss and/or maintenance behaviour is a lifetime process in which distinctive stages were identified. In most cases the weight gain--weight loss--maintenance cycle is a recurring cycle. Information is a major resource during the process. Several roles of information were defined: enabling, motivating, reinforcing, providing background information related to weight problems, and creating the internal cognitive schema related to food and weight. Information behaviour and the roles of information vary with the different stages. Information needs are also influenced by the specific stage of the process. Information gathered at previous cycles is reused, and information gained through previous experience effects behaviour in the current cycle.
Fast Surfing for Availability or Deep Diving into Quality--Motivation and Information Seeking among Middle and High School Students
Author: Heinström, Jannica
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Middle School Students,High School Students,Learning Motivation,Information Seeking,Study Habits,Measures (Individuals),Student Surveys,Student Research,Data Collection,Cognitive Style,Inquiry,Learning Strategies,Learning Processes,Qualitative Research

Introduction: Information literacy education is central for students as a building block for functioning citizenship in an information rich world. To support students' development of information skills we need an awareness of underlying factors behind information seeking habits. This article will discuss whether differences in middle and high school students' information seeking may relate to their approaches to studying. Method: The sample consisted of 574 students, grades 6 to 12, who independently sought information in order to learn about a curriculum topic. Data were collected at three stages of the students' information seeking process with use of four survey instruments, including an adapted version of the ASSIST test. Analysis: The analysis of the ASSIST test and the structured questions was quantitative. The open questions were coded through an axial coding process and analysed qualitatively. Results: Students with different study approaches tended to focus on different information seeking aspects in addition to shared commonalities. Students with a surface approach prioritized easily available sources, deep students were aware of quality aspects, and strategic students organized and structured their searches. Conclusion: The search patterns resemble information seeking styles found in previous research. Level of engagement in the search task seems to be highly influential on information seeking behaviour.
Community Problem-Solving Framed as a Distributed Information Use Environment: Bridging Research and Practice
Author: Durrance, Joan C.
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Community,Problem Solving,Information Utilization,Information Needs,Best Practices,Qualitative Research,Focus Groups,Interviews,Observation,Content Analysis,Grounded Theory,Library Personnel,Public Libraries,Library Services

Introduction: This article results from a qualitative study of 1) information behavior in community problem-solving framed as a distributed information use environment and 2) approaches used by a best-practice library to anticipate information needs associated with community problem solving. Method: Several approaches to data collection were used--focus groups, interviews, observation of community and library meetings, and analysis of supporting documents. We focused first on the information behavior of community groups. Finding that the library supported these activities we sought to understand its approach. Analysis: Data were coded thematically around both information behavior concepts and themes germane to problem-solving activity. A grounded theory approach was taken to capture aspects of the library staff's practice. Themes evolved from the data; supporting documentation--reports, articles and library communication was also coded. Results: The study showed 1) how information use environment components (people, setting, problems, problem resolutions) combine in this distributed information use environment to determine specific information needs and uses; and 2) how the library contributed to the viability of this distributed information use environment. Conclusion: Community problem solving, here explicated as a distributed information use environment, is likely to be seen in multiple communities. The library model presented demonstrates that by reshaping its information practice within the framework of an information use environment, a library can anticipate community information needs as they are generated and where they are most relevant.
Variables Associated with Environmental Scanning among Clinicians at Substance Abuse Treatment Clinics
Author: Koch, Alison L.
Date: 2005-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Clinics,Substance Abuse,Health Personnel,Surveys,Information Seeking,Information Utilization,Access to Information,Satisfaction,Information Sources,Labor Turnover,Burnout,Innovation,Statistical Analysis

Introduction: Environmental scanning, as a component of absorptive capacity, has been shown to be associated with increased use of innovative treatment techniques at substance abuse treatment programmes. As the transfer of innovative, evidence-based treatment techniques from research to practice is gaining attention, we aimed to identify variables associated with higher levels of environmental scanning among substance abuse treatment clinicians. Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 162 clinicians at fifteen substance abuse treatment clinics in Michigan, which were selected based upon treatment modality, population served, geographic location, and affiliation with the Clinical Trials Network. Measures: Environmental scanning was measured by frequency of use of the Internet, journals, seminars or conferences, and people at other treatment clinics for new substance abuse treatment information. Clinicians were asked for their perceptions of their clinic's openness to new treatment techniques and support for acquiring new information, access to and satisfaction with information sources at work, as well as if they feel it is their job to keep up to date with current treatment research. Additional measures included whether they intended to quit their jobs and whether they were emotionally drained from work. Findings: We found positive associations between environmental scanning and perceived clinic support for acquiring new information, perceived clinic openness to new treatment techniques, access to e-mail and Internet at work, and satisfaction with resources. Turnover intention and being emotionally drained were negatively associated with environmental scanning. Conclusions: Individual and organizational level variables were found to be associated with higher levels of environmental scanning activity. Although the causal directions of these associations are not known, the findings suggest ways to increase environmental scanning among clinicians.
Beyond Information Seeking: Towards a General Model of Information Behaviour
Author: Godbold, Natalya
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Seeking,Models,Behavior Patterns,Barriers,Information Science,Information Needs,Comprehension,Theory Practice Relationship,Learning Theories,Congruence (Psychology)

Introduction: The aim of the paper is to propose new models of information behaviour that extend the concept beyond simply information seeking to consider other modes of behaviour. The models chiefly explored are those of Wilson and Dervin. Argument: A shortcoming of some models of information behaviour is that they present a sequence of stages where it is evident that actual behaviour is not always sequential. In addition, information behaviour models tend to confine themselves to depictions of information seeking. Development: A model of &quot;multi-directionality&quot; is explored, to overcome the notion of sequential stages. Inspired by authors such as Chatman, Krikelas, and Savolainen, modes of information behaviour such as creating, destroying and avoiding information are included. Conclusion: New models of information behaviour are presented that replace the notion of &quot;barriers&quot; with the concept of &quot;gap&quot;, as a means of integrating the views of Wilson and Dervin. The proposed models incorporate the notion of multi-directionality and identify ways in which an individual may navigate &quot;gap&quot; using modes of information behaviour beyond information seeking.
From Information to Knowledge: Charting and Measuring Changes in Students' Knowledge of a Curriculum Topic
Author: Todd, Ross J.
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Knowledge Level,Grade 6,Grade 7,Grade 8,Grade 9,Grade 10,Grade 11,Grade 12,Qualitative Research,Surveys,Program Effectiveness,Teaching Methods,Librarians,Public Schools,School Libraries,Student Projects,Inquiry

Introduction: This research sought to investigate how school students build on their existing knowledge of a curriculum topic and transform found information into personal knowledge, and how their knowledge of this topic changes. Method: The qualitative study involved 574 students from Grades 6 to 12 in ten New Jersey schools. The context for data collection was an instructional programme framed by Kuhlthau's information search process. Analysis: Data were collected through surveys at the initiation, midpoint and conclusion of the instructional programme. The instruments sought to measure changes in knowledge, specifically in relation to substance of knowledge, structure of knowledge, amount of knowledge, estimate of extent of knowledge, and label of knowledge. Results: It was possible to operationalise knowledge change in terms of substance, amount and structure of knowledge, and user-centred perceptions of knowledge growth. Additive and integrative approaches to knowledge development were identified. Conclusion: Students came to know more about their topics, and perceived that they knew more as they progressed through the task. However, students seemed more oriented to gathering facts and knowing a set of facts, and accumulating these in an additive manner, rather than building complex, integrated and abstract knowledge representations.
An Examination of the Health Information Seeking Experiences of Women in Rural Ontario, Canada
Author: Wathen, C. Nadine
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Information Seeking,Health,Females,Rural Areas,Semi Structured Interviews,Statistical Analysis,Coding,Information Literacy,Information Sources,Information Technology,Access to Information,Preferences,Adults,Internet,Context Effect

Introduction: Women are active information seekers, particularly in the context of managing health for themselves and their families. Rural living may present particular challenges and opportunities for women in their health information seeking. Method: Forty women living in a rural part of Ontario, Canada were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. They were asked about their health information seeking for both chronic and acute concerns. Analysis: Interview transcripts were organized using NVivo software (version 6) and analysed using a coding scheme iteratively developed by both authors. Results: Emerging themes included--the context of rural living, information and health literacy, the role of unanticipated information intermediaries in the search process, and the mis-match between assumptions made by the system about sources of information, and women's lived realities. Conclusions: There are unique challenges and enablers to health information seeking for women living in rural areas, including the role of formal, informal and ICT-based information intermediaries, the availability to women of required literacies for health information seeking and uptake. Research findings such as those presented in this paper can assist in better understanding both the contexts of information seeking, as well as the preferences and behaviour of those with information needs.
Information Needs Research in Russia and Lithuania, 1965-2003
Author: Maceviciute, Elena
Date: 2006-04-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Information Needs,Research,Statistical Analysis,Comparative Analysis,Reading Research,Information Literacy,Publications,Classification,Definitions

Introduction: The invisibility of research on information needs from the East and Central Europe in the West suggested an exploration of the published research output from Lithuania and Russia from 1965 to 2003. Method: The data were collected from the abstracting journal Informatika-59. The publications were retrieved from Lithuanian and Russian libraries or the Internet. Analysis: The texts and, in cases when full-texts were not available, the abstracts were used for qualitative analysis assessing the relevance, content, concepts used and their change over time. Comparison with the Western (English language or Anglo-American) literature was carried out. Results: The development of the concept of information user needs in Russia and Lithuania is followed through several decades as well as the understanding of its origins, structure and typologies. The parallel concepts and similar ideas are traced in the Western information behaviour literature. A context of related research (reading studies and information literacy) is revealed. Conclusions: Despite the isolation of two bodies of research (Western and East European) in the area of information needs the common development and similarities in the understanding of the basic concept of information need, its origin and structure as well as typologies are revealed. Basic differences lie in understanding the contexts of the formation of information needs, their influence and, consequently, attention to the roles of contexts in research. It also seems that the everyday, non-work related information needs are totally excluded from the horizons of Russian researchers.
An Investigation of Science Educators' View of Roles and Responsibilities for Climate Change Education
Author: McGinnis, J. Randy
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Science Teachers,Teacher Role,Teacher Responsibility,Climate,Environmental Education,Teacher Attitudes,Social Responsibility,Instructional Program Divisions,Faculty Development,Social Influences,Science Education,Expertise,Questionnaires,Qualitative Research,Case Studies,College Faculty,Middle School Teachers,Secondary School Teachers,High Schools

This exploratory study investigates what science educators from differing groups (outside of higher education--informal and formal (K-12) and inside of higher education--content and pedagogy experts) believe are the roles and responsibilities (and what actions these might involve) in climate change education for: 1) their group of educators, and 2) other groups of educators, for climate change. A hybrid theoretical perspective (interactionism and social constructivism) was used. Written data were analyzed using a delimited discourse methodology to make sense of the participants' thinking of roles and responsibilities for climate change education. The psychosociological construct &quot;diffusion of responsibility&quot; provided a useful interpretative lens. Findings suggest that science educators from different groups hold differing views of roles and responsibilities for climate change education, which may lead to a damaging diffusion of responsibility for effective climate change education. Recommendations for effective professional development in climate change education are suggested to ameliorate the potential for a diffusion of responsibility.
The Influence That Javascript™ Has on the Visibility of a Website to Search Engines--A Pilot Study
Author: Weideman, M.
Date: 2006-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Web Sites,Search Engines,Programming Languages

Introduction: In this research project, an empirical pilot study on the relationship between JavaScript™ usage and Website visibility was carried out. The main purpose was to establish whether JavaScript™- based hyperlinks attract or repel crawlers, resulting in an increase or decrease in Website visibility. Method: A literature survey has established that there appears to be contradiction amongst claims by various authors as to whether or not crawlers can parse or interpret JavaScript™. The chosen methodology involved the creation of a Website that contains different kinds of links to other pages, where actual data files were stored. Search engine crawler visits to the page pointed to by the different kinds of links were monitored and recorded. Analysis: This experiment took into account the fact that JavaScript™ can be embedded within the HTML of a Web page or referenced as an external &quot;.js&quot; file. It also considered different ways of specifying links within JavaScript™. Results: The results obtained indicated that text links provide the highest level of opportunity for crawlers to discover and index non-homepages. In general, crawlers did not follow Javascript™-based links to Web pages blindly. Conclusions: Most crawlers evade Javascript™ links, implying that Web pages using forms of this technology, for example in pop-up/pull-down menus, could be jeopardising their chances of achieving high search engine rankings. Certain Javascript™ links were not followed at all, which has serious implications for designers of e-Commerce Websites.