Allen Foster
A nonlinear model of information?seeking behavior
Aberystwyth University
abstract paper offers new nonlinear model informationseeking behavior contrasts earlier stage models information behavior represents potential cornerstone shift toward new perspective understanding user information behavior model based findings study interdisciplinary informationseeking behavior study followed naturalistic inquiry approach using interviews 45 academics interview results inductively analyzed alternative framework understanding informationseeking behavior developed model illustrates three core processes three levels contextual interaction composed several individual activities attributes interact dynamically time nonlinear manner behavioral patterns analogous artists palette activities remain available throughout course informationseeking viewing processes way neither start finish points fixed process may repeated lead either query context determine informationseeking end interactivity shifts described model show informationseeking nonlinear dynamic holistic flowing paper offers four main implications model applies existing theory models requirements future research development information literacy curricula central implications creation new nonlinear perspective user informationseeking interpreted