Discourse and practice in information literacy and information seeking: gaps and opportunities

Introduction. This paper argues for increased research consideration of the conceptual overlap between information seeking and information literacy, and for scholarly attention to theory-based empirical research that has potential value to practitioners. Method. The paper reviews information seeking and information literacy research, and highlights the exceptional research of Louise Limberg and her colleagues, as well as that of Carol Kuhlthau, both of whom have integrated the concepts of information seeking and information literacy into theoretically strong research that has significant practical value. The paper also identifies a disconnect between practitioners' and scholars' conceptions of information literacy. Conclusions. Scholars have a collective responsibility to support practice with theory and research findings that speak to the range of practical challenges experienced in the workplace.