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A conceptual framework for understanding information seeking in open-ended information systems

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Abstract

Technologies such as the Internet and World Wide Web are changing our conceptions of information systems, from who uses them and how they are used, to how the systems are created and who is doing the creating. Everyday users are afforded the same information retrieval opportunities as information scientists or librarians by using emerging information systems such as the Web. Yet, defining best practices for assisting users in finding the information they seek remains an unrealized goal. Discovering how users engage in information retrieval and strategy building while searching for information in open-ended systems such as the Web is an area in need of exploration if these systems are to fulfill their potential as tools for information seeking and learning. This paper describes a theoretically and empirically based framework for how users formulate and employ information-seeking strategies in open-ended information systems (OEISs). Background information and challenges related to OEISs are provided. OEIS theoretical and user perspectives are described. An example based on a recent research study is provided to illustrate use of the OEIS information-seeking framework. Implications for practice and research are offered.

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  1. Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA

    Janette R. Hill (Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology)

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This manuscript was based, in part, on dissertation research conducted at The Florida State University (FSU). The author wishes to acknowledge Dr. Marcy P. Driscoll and Dr. Robert A. Reiser of the Instructional Systems Program, FSU; Dr. Elisabeth Logan of the School of Library and Information Studies, FSU; Dr. Kent Gustafson of the Instructional Technology Program, University of Georgia (UGA), for their cooperation and support during the project. Special thanks to Michael J. Hannafin, Director, Learning and Performance Support Laboratory, UGA, for his continued contributions to this effort. The preliminary manuscript was prepared while I was working as an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Northern Colorado.

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Hill, J.R. A conceptual framework for understanding information seeking in open-ended information systems. ETR&D 47, 5–27 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299474

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