The article explains why the concept of the user in Library and Information Science (LIS) user studies and information seeking behavior is theoretically inadequate and it proposes a reconceptualization of subjects, objects, and their relations according to a model of ‘double mediation.’ Formal causation (affordances) is suggested as a substitute for mechanistic causation. The notion of ‘affecti...

U NLIKE DIDACTIC APPROACHES that dominated both lecture and mediated instruction in the past, systems are emerging that are designed to extend the unique inquiry priorities and needs of learners. Student-centered learning environments (SCLEs) provide complimentary activities that enable individuals to address unique learning interests and needs. They invite learner engagement through relevant p...

In this paper we present NewsFlash, an adaptive search system that assists a searcher to efficiently search a library of stored TV news reports. The system automatically summarises the closed-caption subtitles embedded in the TV broadcasts and selects appropriate sentences to best describe report content in respect to the searcher’s query. During interaction the system selects useful terms from...

This article reports the results of a study aimed at identifying the information needs and uses of the informal sector in Uganda. The demographic and business characteristics of these entrepreneurs are highlighted and empirically tested with regard to their information needs. This study has largely employed qualitative research methodologies, such as the critical incidence technique for intervi...

Multidisciplinary teams are an essential aspect of modern organizational work. These teams often work in information-rich environments but little is known about their collaborative information seeking (CIS) behavior. We have been studying the CIS behavior of teams in the context of medical care. We conducted an ethnographic field study of a multidisciplinary patient care team in an emergency de...

Debra Engel is Associate Dean of Libraries for Public Services, Sarah Robbins is Web Services Coordinator, and Christina Kulp is Sciences Librarian at University of Oklahoma Libraries; e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected], respectively. © Debra Engel, Sarah Robbins, and Christina Kulp Many studies of information-seeking habits of engineers focus on understanding the similar...

We present an analysis of information retrieval as an information-seeking activity, supporting people's inteactions with text. This analysis suggests that some assumptions underlying the standard model of information retrieval are inappropriate, and we suggest alternative assumptions and discuss their implications for information retrieval system design. It is proposed that information retireva...

The developers of collaborative information seeking (CIS) systems face many unique challenges, above and beyond the issues raised by traditional single-user information systems. We present lessons derived from the general area of collaboration, as well as from information seeking domain, which can help one understand various design considerations for developing a CIS system. A number of challen...