1. The Search for Information Information Seeking Behaviors

2. Information Seeking How do we look for information? Recognizing need Developing strategies Choosing resources Evaluation Synthesis Deciding we’re “done”

3. Models of Information Seeking Ellis’ Model (David Ellis, 1989, 1993) Behavior characterized by small number of activities: Starting: activities of initial search Chaining: following chains of citations or other forms of referential connection Browsing: semi-directed searching in an area of potential interest Differentiating: using differences between sources as a filter on the nature and quality of material Monitoring: maintaining awareness of developments in a field through monitoring of particular resources Extracting: systematically working through a particular source

4. Models of Information Seeking Kulthau’s Model (Carol Kulthau, 2004) Initiation- becoming aware of a lack of knowledge or understanding, characterized by uncertainty or apprehension Selection- identifying a general area, topic, or problem; uncertainty gives way to brief sense of optimism, readiness to begin search Exploration- inconsistent/incompatible information is found; uncertainty, confusion, and doubt increase Formulation- focus perspective is formed; uncertainty diminishes and confidence increases Collection- pertinent information is gathered; uncertainty subsides and interest and involvement deepen Presentation- search is completed, new understanding gained, learning put to use

5. Nonlinear Information Seeking Foster’s model (Allen Foster, 2004) Three core processes and three levels of contextual interaction Activities remain available throughout the course of seeking Start and finish points are not fixed, processes may be repeated, relationships are concurrent, continuous, cumulative, and looped.

6. Nonlinear Information Seeking

7. Processes: Opening- seeking, exploring, revealing information. Includes breadth exploration- conscious expansion- and eclecticism- accepting, gathering and storing information. Networking, keyword searching, browsing, monitoring, chaining and serendipity Orientation- Identification of direction. Problem definition (iterative and cumulative), picture building, reviewing, identifying and selecting sources and strategies. Consolidation- judging and integrating information, deciding if further seeking is necessary. Setting and applying relevance criteria, setting search boundaries, incorporating information.

8. Nonlinear Information Seeking Contextual Interactions: External aspects: social and organizational time, the project, navigation issues, access to sources Internal context: feelings and thoughts, coherence, knowledge and understanding Cognitive approach: mode of thinking, willingness to identify and use information. Four approaches: Flexible and adaptable Openness Nomadic thought Holistic

9. Behaviors and Seeking What are our own approaches to information seeking? How do we understand our patrons approaches? How does this inform reference work?