Information and non-information multitasking interplay

This paper explores and speculates on a new direction in human information behavior (HIB) research. We explore the nature of HIB as a multitasking activity, the interplay between information behavior and non-information behavior tasks, and the relation between multitasking information behavior to cognitive style and individual differences. A model of multitasking between information and non-information behavior tasks is also proposed. Multitasking information behavior is emerging as an important HIB research area in need of further theoretical and empirical development. INTRODUCTION Due to the increasing complexity of the global information environment individuals and groups are increasing engaged in critical multitasking and task switching behaviors (Waller, 1997). Multitasking is the ability of humans to handle simultaneously the demands of multiple tasks via task switching (Just, Carpenter, Keller, Emery, Zajac & Thulborn, 2001; Rubenstein, Meyer & Evans, 2001; Wickens, 1992). More specifically, human engage in information-related multitasking behaviors. For example, a library or information retrieval (IR) system user may multitask (either begin their search with multiple information tasks or develop further information tasks during the search process, and information task switch (switch back and forth between different information tasks during a search session). For example, a person switches between seeking health information and new car information as they are thinking and working on multiple information problems concurrently. However, limited studies have examined multitasking information behaviors and information task switching. Multitasking information behavior research is a significant area of study. Despite the focus on tasks (Vakkari, 2003), current models of information behavior and retrieval do not consider multitasking behaviors. Human information behavior is more complex that the