INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR

A SHIFT FROM INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO INFORMATION USER



The shift from information systems to information user research reflects a growing emphasis on understanding how people seek, use, and interact with information, rather than just designing systems to store and retrieve it.

Historically, research in information science centered on information systems, databases, search engines, and retrieval algorithms. 

This approach was rooted in a bibliographic paradigm, where the system was the primary object of study, and users were secondary or abstracted.

The shift began when researchers recognized that users’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral experiences were central to successful information seeking. 

Instead of asking “How can we improve the system?”, researchers began asking “How do people experience the search process?”.


MYTHS ABOUT INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR AND INFORMATION SEEKING


1. Only objective information is valuable

This myth assumes people are purely rational decision-makers who analyze data logically. ironically, in reality, individuals often rely on social sources (e.g., friends and family) for information.

People tend to settle for the first satisfactory solution that they bump into rather than the optimal one.

How ever, this myth overlooks the role of intuition, trust, and convenience in decision-making.

2. More information is always better

Having access to information is not equal to being informed. Nowadays, there is what is called the information boomrang. There is too much information, but not all of it is worth for application or use. Having excessive information can lead to overload, confusion, or poor decision-making. The key lies in interpretation and analysis of that information rather than quantity of the same. Therefore, information literacy, knowing how to evaluate and apply information is crucial.

3. Objective information can be transmitted out of context

Facts lose meaning when stripped of context.  People may ignore or misinterpret information if it does not fit into a coherent narrative. Critical thinking is essential to assess relevance and credibility.

4. Information can only be acquired through formal sources

Formal sources (e.g., libraries, databases) are often underused. Informal sources (e.g., conversations, social media) play a dominant role in everyday information behaviour. It is important to take note that informal channels are valuable for emotional, cultural, and experiential knowledge.

5. There is relevant information for every need

Not all human needs can be met through information alone. Needs like love, shelter, money, and emotional support require tangible or interpersonal solutions. Information may support but cannot replace basic human necessities.

6. Every need situation has a solution

Institutions like libraries aim to provide solutions, but not all needs are solvable through information. Some needs are complex, evolving, or emotional, lacking clear informational remedies.  Recognizing the limits of information systems is important for realistic expectations.

7. It is always possible to make information available or accessible

Formal systems have technical, cultural, and economic limitations. Barriers include language, literacy, infrastructure, and digital divides.  Accessibility is not just about availability, but it is about usability and relevance. 

8. Time and space can be ignored in information seeking

Individual perceptions of a situation shape their information needs. If people feel uncertain or lack control, emotional needs (e.g., reassurance) may arise. Information behaviour is deeply influenced by personal context, including time, place, and emotional state.  

 



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