Jela Steinerová and Jaroslav Šušol
Aims to study human information behaviour as part of the research project on the interaction of man and the information environment (project VEGA 1/9236/02) and to analyse library…
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to study human information behaviour as part of the research project on the interaction of man and the information environment (project VEGA 1/9236/02) and to analyse library users' information behaviour on both sides of the information coin – information usage and information production/publishing.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology was composed of the following steps: pilot studies of students' information‐seeking behaviour; a large‐scale questionnaire survey of users of academic and research libraries; data analyses and interpretations; verification of hypotheses; multiple data sorting; and modelling of user groups.
Findings
Library users appreciate easy access and well‐organised forms of information, with an emphasis on electronic sources. In their capacity as authors of professional papers, only few subjects considered print and electronic publishing to be equal. Two user types have been derived from the data analysis. Type S manifests pragmatic ways of information seeking and appreciates the low cost and speed of electronic publishing. Type A is characterised by analytic, in‐depth information processing, stressing the prestige and review process of print publishing.
Research limitations/implications
Quantitative methods can form a starting‐point for typologies of human information behaviour. Additional qualitative methods, especially interviews with students, focus groups and observations, are planned for future research into modelling of users' information behaviour.
Originality/value
Based on the analysis, two information‐seeking styles have been identified: strategic and analytic. Differences between the search styles suggest that systems designers, knowledge managers and libraries should be open to the creative use and representation of electronic information, taking into account different information behaviours.
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Sefan Kimlicka and Jaroslav Susol
Contends that information systems planning, development,maintenance and utilization in the area of libraries involve suchcomplicated procedures and techniques that good results…
Abstract
Contends that information systems planning, development, maintenance and utilization in the area of libraries involve such complicated procedures and techniques that good results cannot be expected without their knowledgeable management. The situation in the libraries and information centres in Slovakia is similar to that in other countries, especially after the socio‐political changes in 1989 when a shift towards a more market‐oriented approach appeared. The education of information systems managers is carried out in the framework of a five‐year Master′s programme in library and information science at the department of library and information science in Bratislava. The principal methodological course for the area of information systems management is the “Theory of library and information systems”. Outlines the content of the course and reflects the principal problem areas. Mentions other courses and programme orientations connected with library management.
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conference held in Dubrovnik, May 2004, which had the dual theme of human information behaviour and competences for digital libraries.
Abstract
conference held in Dubrovnik, May 2004, which had the dual theme of human information behaviour and competences for digital libraries.