Information Needs and Users

Contents: Preface. 1. Information: the basic resource. 2. Information and its users. 3. Information need: concept. 4. Information seeking behaviour models. 5. Information use and user needs. 6. User study: concept and scope. 7. Methodology of user studies. 8. Accounts of some major user studies. 9. User education. Index.

Information needs may vary considerably from individual to individual. It is possible however to define groups of users that share common information needs. Information use studies over the years have attempted to explain information use phenomena to understand information use behaviour and improve information use by manipulating essential conditions. Use is the key purpose and user is the key and dynamic component of any library and information system. The effectiveness of a library and information system depends on the extent to which system characteristics correspond with the users. System designers, Planners and managers of library and information systems have to properly consider the role of human factors and their effect on the acceptance and utilisation of information. Relating the system or products/services being designed to the perceived needs of those for whom it is intended as well as to guide the operation of the system by the knowledge about the user and to justify the existence of the system are essential.

The book is intended for students of Library and Information Science as well as for library and information professionals. (jacket)