INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR: SHIFT FROM INFORMATION SYSTEM TO USERS- LECTURE SUMMARY BY EDNA KALIZA (MLIS0725)


Traditionary, librarianship emphasized information systems-the tools, database and catalogue used to organise, store, and retrieve library materials like books, journals, and magazine. Success was measured by how efficiently these systems managed to hold large information collections. The focus was primarily on information resources, not on the users themselves.

Earlier research in information behaviour also centered on the content and carriers of information such as books and journals, examining how materials were stored and used, rather than why or how individuals sought information.

However, starting in the 1970s, there was a shift towards user-centered librarianship. Researchers began to study users’ information needs and behaviours, exploring:

·         What motivates users to seek information

·         What kind of resources they prefer

·         What devices or tools they use to access information, and

·         The challenges they face in doing so

This shift marked a move beyond formal systems and channels, recognizing users as active participants –finders, creators, and users of information.

Modern librarianship focuses on information behaviour-understanding how people seek, use, and share information. Libraries have shifted from being system-centered to user-centered, designing services based on users’ preferences, experiences, and accessibility needs.

Examples include:

·         Online reference service

·         Digital platforms and repositories

·         Mobile apps that enhance user access

This new approach measures library success not by the size or efficiency of systems, but how well users are empowered to access, interpret, and use information to achieve their goals.

Contrasting Examples of Information Behaviour

Person Oriented

Focusing the individual User- their needs, feelings, motivation, and behaviour when seeking or using information

System-Oriented Studies

Focusing the information system- how well it supports access, retrieval, and use of information

Task-Oriented Studies

Focusing specific task or activity that drives information behaviour- what users do and how information supports that task.

 

Myths or Troubles about Information Behaviour and Information Seeking.

1.      Only objective information is valuable -People often believe only factual, scientific, or unbiased information matters. But in reality, subjective, personal, and emotional information also plays an important role.

2.      More Information is always better-Too much data can overwhelm users, and reduce the quality of decision-making.

3.      Objective information can be transmitted out of context- Information only has true meaning when interpreted within its original context-its source, purpose, and situation.

4.      Information can only be acquired through formal sources- People actually use both formal and informal channels when seeking information

5.      There is relevant information for every need- Not all information needs can be met, some remain unfulfilled, since some are classified, private, incomplete, access or contextual limitation.

6.      It is always possible to make information available or accessible-Some people assume that with technology like, internet, or digital libraries any piece of information can be accessible. But the reality is that many kind of information remain restricted, legal, technical, or social limitations.

7.      Time and space-individuals situations can be ignored in addressing information seeking and use- Information seeking is context-dependent not universal.











 




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