Epistemological beliefs and the information-seeking behavior of undergraduates

This study explores the relationship between undergraduates' epistemological beliefs and their information-seeking behavior. Kuhlthau's (1993) information search process (ISP) model and four models of epistemological development from educational psychology formed the theoretical foundation of this investigation. Twenty undergraduates attending an Ivy League university were interviewed about their search process as they completed a major research paper during their senior year. Epistemological beliefs affected topic, the use of mediators, search techniques, the evaluation of information, and the ability to recognize authority. Epistemological beliefs also affected several stages of the ISP model: topic selection, prefocus formulation, focus formulation, and collection. These findings provide a rich theoretical foundation for future information-seeking behavior research and will assist academic reference librarians by providing insights into the impact of undergraduates' epistemological beliefs on their information-seeking behavior.     

Factors that Influence Information-Seeking Behavior: The Case of Greek Graduate Students

The purpose of this survey is to determine the information-seeking behavior of graduate students of the Faculties of Philosophy (8 Schools) and Engineering (8 Schools) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Discipline did not seem to affect information-seeking behavior critically. The majority of the sample demonstrated a low to medium level of information-seeking behavior. This survey revealed the need for improving the level of graduate students' information literacy skills.     

Is Information-Seeking Behavior of Doctoral Students Changing?: A Review of the Literature (2010–2015)

The advent of the Internet and networked communications in the last 15 years has arguably considerably changed the information behaviors of doctoral students, including the discovery process. Information seeking includes initiating a search, constructing search strategies, and locating and evaluating the identified sources. Current research on information-seeking behaviors is focusing on understanding how the Internet, social media, and other technological and communication-based changes, including mobile technologies, have changed the way students seek information in order to understand the information behaviors of the students of tomorrow. This article offers a review of the literature on information-seeking behaviors, with a particular focus on recent years (2010–2015). It aims to determine whether notable changes in the information-seeking behavior of doctoral students have emerged in recent years. The study shows that the information-seeking behaviors of doctoral students follow a steady trend, with some subtle changes, particularly in the (patchy) use of social media and networking sites. There appears to be more similarities than differences across disciplines in the information-seeking behaviors of doctoral students. Considerations to their information literacy skills are given to understand better the role supervisors and library staff can play to support the doctoral students population in the early stages of the research process.     

Creating information resources and trainings for farmworker-serving community health workers

Background:Farmworker-serving community health workers have limited access to farmworker health research findings, training, and education resources. With funding from the National Library of Medicine, we are working to improve the health information literacy of both community health workers and farmworkers. We conducted focus group discussions with community health workers to explore their experiences providing health education and information to farmworkers, their information-seeking behaviors, and their technology and information needs. Data from the focus groups provided insights into the main areas in which community health workers would like to receive professional development.Case Presentation:Our team, which includes health sciences librarians, developed a resource list of educational materials for farmworker health, videos to increase community health workers'' skills finding health information online, and webinars to introduce these resources to community health workers. Videos, available in Spanish and English, included instruction on finding and evaluating online health information, accessing reputable online consumer health information sources, and advanced searching tips for Google and PubMed. Through three webinars, we introduced the resource list, videos, and design software for creating handouts and infographics to community health workers.Conclusions:Community health workers have a critical role in providing health education and information to farmworkers, and our efforts represent a first step in addressing community health workers'' limited access to professional development. Health sciences librarians are well positioned to partner with interdisciplinary teams working to reduce health disparities and provide resources and training to community health workers, farmworkers, and other underserved communities.     

The Effect of Web Search Result Display on Users’ Perceptual Experience and Information Seeking Performance

ABSTRACT

Adding multiple sources of information in the display of Web search results may negatively affect users’ perceptual experience and information-seeking behavior. This claim was established by investigating the impact of different Web search compositions on users’ ability to extract specific information. In this article, we assumed that the quantity and order of different compositions (areas) in the Web search results page may contribute to individual’s ability to find information relevant to their search queries. An eye-tracking device was used to observe and compare the perceptual behavior of 14 users in an information-seeking task. The results showed that the use of different compositions in the display of Web results page significantly influenced users’ perceptual experience by reducing their attention to the organic results area. The quantity of these compositions was found to greatly increase the cognitive load of users when attempting to retrieve information from the organic area, which negatively affects their information-seeking performance. Our finding provides a rationale for further studies to consider the impact of quantity and order of Web page compositions on individuals’ perceptual attention and cognitive load in information-seeking task settings.     

The relationships between university students' information-seeking strategies,social-media specific epistemological beliefs,information literacy,and personality traits

Due to doubts about the reliability of information in social media environments, and the epistemological beliefs of individuals who use these media, questioning the source of information and the perception of knowledge structure, is an important research topic. A structural model was constructed to explore structures associated with epistemological beliefs (justification for knowing) and online information-seeking strategies. The model included personality traits and information literacy. Data were collected from 190 university students. PLS-SEM was implemented in the analysis of the data. Analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between epistemological beliefs specific to social media and information-seeking strategies, and information literacy structure has a direct effect on information-seeking strategies. Agreeableness and neuroticism were related with several dimensions of social media-specific beliefs. It was found that the personality trait which has the greatest effect on online information-seeking strategies is conscientiousness.     

新媒体环境下数字移民的媒介素养探索:基于智能手机应用的扎根分析

[目的/意义] 通过探索新媒体环境下影响数字移民媒介素养水平的因素,为适应其不断改变的个性特征与数字化学习的需求提出有效的建议,以期缩小代际鸿沟。[方法/过程] 基于国内外文献分析,采用以定性研究（扎根理论）为主、定量分析（问卷调查法）为辅的混合方法,对观察、访谈资料进行组织编码,从动机、情感、能力特征等层面归纳数字移民的媒介素养能力,并提出相应的优化策略。[结果/结论] 分析结果发现,新媒体环境下的数字移民活跃好学却又相对保守,其媒介素养水平与使用动机、情感感知、社会环境息息相关。因而,未来针对数字移民的媒介素养教育要持一种更为开放、互动的态度,在不断参与、接触的过程中提升其数字悟性和能力。     

Ethnographic study of business students' information-seeking behavior: Implications for improved library practices

This study aim to gain insight into the information-seeking habits of upper-division business students. While studying information-seeking habits is a large subcategory of information literacy, not much has been published on the information-seeking habits of business students. The majority of studies conducted in this area use the survey as the data-collection instrument. This study uses ethnographic research methods such as journaling to collect data on this unique user group. Ethnographic methods allow the researcher to capture rich qualitative information that will yield a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the user group's needs. Findings are examined by using thematic qualitative analysis techniques. Information gathered for this study will be used to develop new services and information literacy components for business students.     

Examining the Potential Gender Gap in Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors Among Digital Natives

This investigation focused on gender differences in young adults related to health consciousness and online health information seeking. Contrary to prior research, gender was not a significant predictor of either health consciousness or health information-seeking behavior. Furthermore, health consciousness was found to be a more influential predictor of online health information-seeking behaviors than gender.     

Correlates of Undergraduates’ Information-Seeking Behavior

This study explores the correlates of information-seeking behavior of University of Botswana undergraduate students. Six hundred undergraduate students selected from twelve departments of the university formed the study sample. Two research questions were developed to guide the study. A modified instrument tagged information-seeking behavior scale was used to gather data. Multiple-correlation and multiple-regression statistical tools were employed to analyze the data. The results obtained show that out of the correlate variables, self-efficacy had the highest correlation and greatest significant effect on undergraduates' information-seeking behavior. Furthermore, gender, discipline, enjoyment in seeking information, and self-efficacy significantly predict undergraduates’ information-seeking behavior. However, gender had the least correlation and predictive value with information seeking. Recommendations based on these findings for undergraduate students’ information seeking behavior are highlighted.     

大学毕业生就业信息搜寻成本及其影响因素研究

[目的/意义] 探究大学毕业生搜寻就业信息所花费的成本及其影响因素,以促进信息搜寻与信息成本研究的融合,启示高校可通过提高毕业生的信息素养、改善就业信息服务方式等,帮助大学生降低其就业信息搜寻成本。[方法/过程] 采用半结构化深度访谈和问卷调查方法获取数据,样本来自某"985"高校的毕业生。利用SPSS进行独立样本T检验和单因素方差分析。[结果/结论] 研究发现,搜寻渠道、工作初衷(主动/被动/其他)、工作预期、社会资本、家庭影响、男/女朋友影响等6个因素显著影响就业信息搜寻成本,基于此,构建大学毕业生就业信息搜寻成本影响因素模型。     

Assessing information literacy instruction in interdisciplinary first year project-based courses with STEM students

Broad and discipline-specific information literacy competencies must be mastered by science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students. This study assessed changes in student perceptions of their competency in information literacy after continuous efforts in course curriculum. Data were gathered in 2015–2016 from first year interdisciplinary project-based courses with STEM students to assess changes in information literacy competencies. Analyses suggested there was a significant increase in students' perception of their familiarity with library resources, search strategies, citation use, and ability to evaluate source quality. There was no change in their perception of their ability to evaluate the variety of source and source relevance and a decrease in their perception of the ethical use of information. With faculty-librarian partnership and integrated instruction in a first year course, students showed the largest perceived increases in foundational information literacy skills but struggled with information literacy abilities. This study provides a baseline of information literacy competencies of first year students and provides recommendations for continuing education.     

Information and poverty: information-seeking channels used by African American low-income households

This study investigated the information environment, including the information seeking and information needs, of low-income largely African American households at the Parks at Wynnewood in Dallas, Texas. These households were surveyed regarding their household situation and their need for community and information services. Residents' information-seeking behavior focused on their family and neighbors, with a lower use of external channels, except for health and employment information issues. A model of the residents' information environment is presented.     

Perceived Internet health literacy of HIV-positive people through the provision of a computer and Internet health education intervention

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess perceived Internet health literacy of HIV‐positive people before and after an Internet health information educational intervention. Methods: We developed a 50‐min educational intervention on basic computer skills and online health information evaluation. We administered a demographic survey and a validated health literacy survey (eHEALS) at baseline, immediately after, and 3 months the class. Changes in scores between the surveys were analysed. Results: Eighteen HIV‐positive participants were included in the final analysis. Before the intervention, most respondents’ assessment of their ability to access Internet health information was unfavourable. Post‐intervention, the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they were able to access and identify Internet health information resources. The increase in self‐assessed skill level was statistically significant for all eight items eHEALS (P < 0.05). Scores for the 3‐month follow‐up survey remained higher than pre‐intervention scores for most items. Conclusions: Providing an interdisciplinary brief introductory Internet health information educational intervention HIV‐positive people with baseline low perceived Internet health literacy significantly improves confidence in finding and using Internet health information resources. Studies with larger numbers of participants should be undertaken to determine if brief interventions improve self‐care, patient outcomes and use of emergency services.     

The utilitarian and hedonic outcomes of music information-seeking in everyday life

This qualitative study focuses on what contributes to making a music information-seeking experience satisfying in the context of everyday life. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with 15 younger adults (18 to 29 years old). The analysis revealed that satisfaction could depend on both hedonic (i.e., experiencing pleasure) and utilitarian outcomes. It was found that two types of utilitarian outcomes contributed to satisfaction: (1) the acquisition of music, and (2) the acquisition of information about music. Information about music was gathered to (1) enrich the listening experience, (2) increase one's music knowledge, and/or (3) optimize future acquisition. This study contributes to a better understanding of music information-seeking behavior in recreational contexts. It also has implications for music information retrieval systems design: results suggest that these systems should be engaging, include a wealth of extra-musical information, allow users to navigate among music items, and encourage serendipitous encountering of music.     

eHealth literacy and the motivators for HPV prevention among young adults in Kenya

ABSTRACT

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common but preventable sexually transmitted infections that affect males and females but knowledge about it and vaccine uptake remain low. As organizations adopt eHealth communication strategies to communicate about HPV, this study examines the association between eHealth literacy (and related elements) and the motivators for HPV prevention that are based on the protection motivation theory. A survey was conducted among 472 young adults in Kenya and results show moderate eHealth literacy (M = 3.21, SD = 1.03) and online information seeking (M = 3.57, SD = 1.08) but low HPV knowledge and risk perception. eHealth literacy was correlated with HPV knowledge, perceived risk, self-efficacy, and response efficacy whereas online health information seeking were correlated with perceived seriousness of HPV infection. This study suggests examining the discrepancy between online information seeking and knowledge and the disparities in eHealth literacy among young adults in HPV communication.     

Understanding Information-Seeking Behavior for Conducting Tasks: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the information-seeking behaviors of police officers who work in police stations in the context of conducting tasks. In this study, Leckie et al.'s model of the information-seeking behavior of professionals is tested. The findings indicated that police officers initially consulted their personal knowledge and experience. However, contrary to the expectation, they rarely consulted informants. In addition to this, police officers rarely consulted printed journals, libraries, books, and conferences as information sources. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in the information sources used by police officers based on their educational level. While bivariate relationships show significant difference for age, service years in police stations, and service years in policing, the same variables do not hold as significant when introduced into multiple regressions. Possible implications of the study were discussed in the conclusion section.     

Deconstructing proxy health information-seeking behavior: A systematic review

Seeking health-related information on behalf of or because of others is a common activity in everyday life and a topic of constant interest across multiple disciplines. The research aims to characterize recent research progress and provide a comprehensive framework of proxy health information-seeking behavior (PHISB). A total of 47 studies published after 2003 were selected, followed by structural encoding. The main contributions include 1) a summary of the key characteristics of individuals who often access health information through proxy seekers; 2) types of health information surrogates sought and sources employed; 3) a classification scheme of factors influencing PHISB; 4) a synthesis of how health information used and its subsequent outcomes; 5) a theoretical framework for proxy health information-seeking. Results point to an intellectual benchmark for future exploring related issues. The findings can shed light on public health intervention and management, especially through guiding search strategies to help people obtain relevant, helpful, and credible health information.     

公众健康素养与图书馆

个体健康素养直接影响健康结局和医疗费用,也是人群健康差距的主要原因。无论是发达国家还是发展中国家,居民健康素养普遍偏低。教育和自主学习被认为是提高健康素养水平的重要举措。国外图书馆通过提供丰富的健康信息资源、与医学院校合作,提高医生健康信息素养、向公众推广健康信息资源的使用等方式积极参与提高公众健康素养。我国图书馆界应主动参与公众健康素养促进项目,不同类型图书馆定位好自己的服务人群和特色。