1. Information seeking behaviour
Professor T.D. Wilson
Professor Emeritus, University of Sheffield

2. Introduction models of information seeking behaviour
testing the models
use of Web-based resources
a case study of Information Research
conclusions

3. Models of information seeking
the early years of ‘user studies’ research
the switch from studies of library and document use to user behaviour
an early model of ‘information behaviour’

4. Information behaviour - 1981

5. Information seeking behaviour 1981

6. Ellis’s ‘characteristics’ - 1989
Starting
Chaining
Browsing
Differentiating
Monitoring
Extraction
Verifying
Ending

7. Kuhlthau’s stages - 1993 Task initiation Topic selection
Pre-focus exploration
Focus formulation
Information collection
Search closure
apprehension
confusion
confusion, doubt
optimism
confidence
relief

8. Testing the models
the ‘Uncertainty’ project was designed to explore the concept of uncertainty in information seeking behaviour, but also to examine the relationships among the various models.

9. Revised 1981 model

10. Problem solving framework

11. Example of findings - 1

12. Example of findings - 2

13. Conclusions from the study
the problem-solving model usefully discriminated among researchers
the three models – Wilson, Ellis, Kuhlthau appear not to overlap in their application – they are not modelling the same thing
the ‘affective’ dimension appears to reduce to positive vs. negative feelings

14. Using Web-based systems
studies generally relate to the use of search engines, showing that the great majority of enquiries consist of only one or two terms.
studies of specific resources that might be called ‘digital libraries’ are much rarer.

15. Use of an electronic journal
Information Research – now in Volume 8, first published in 1995
The counter service allows one to track users back to the site from which they clicked on the link to the top page of the journal

16. Hits on Information Research

17. Hits on Information Research

18. Implications for digital libraries
fitting systems to the complex behaviour of information users is necessary if DLs are to be successful
the problem solving model suggests that different kinds of searching are taking place at the different stages
Kuhlthau’s stage model may be applied to each problem-solving stage

19. Implications for digital libraries
Ellis’s ‘characteristics’ describe a common set of activities taking place within the overall search process – systems should model that set of activities.
locating the DL within the context of the Web is essential for stimulating use.