Haiku

ILS 537

Dr. Brown

November 18, 2005

Observations Paper

This presentation applies the Krikelas’ model of information seeking to everyday situations. Analysis of direct observations and results of a cooperative study illustrate that this model can be used to diagram common patterns of information behavior. While the model does not address emotional aspects of information-seeking, it successfully provides a pattern of behavior for everyday searches.

When looking for information, searchers constantly recheck and reevaluate their progress and adjust their procedures. Case (2002) wrote, "Human information seeking simply is not so simple. It is neither straightforward nor typically complete; it is more like a series of interruptions, punctuated by other interruptions." (p. 290).

Over the course of the semester, several information models have been surveyed. Each considers different aspects of the information-seeking process. Krikelas’ model begins with the need-creating event or environment. Within this environment, a person possesses 2 types of information needs: immediate and deferred. Deferred needs can be stored in the person’s memory or addressed later; immediate needs are handled by the person with a sense of urgency (Case, 121). To meet an immediate need, the person "is assumed to consciously select a source" (Case, 121). Sources can be internal, coming from memory or direct observation, or sources can be external, coming from direct (interpersonal) contact or recorded (literature) sources. Case (2002) points out that the boundaries between the types of external sources have blurred, and "‘direct contact’ could occur over a telephone or a videophone, or by way of e-mail, voice mail, or a videotape as well" (p. 121).

A search of MasterFile Premier, ERIC, and Pubmed found that Krikelas’ model has been used to frame studies for the information-seeking behavior of cardiovascular nurses and CEOs, and the communication difficulties between physicians and nurses (Corcoran-Perry & Perry, 1990; Shea, 2000; McKnight; 2002). Little work was found that applied his model to everyday situations.

Case (2002) wrote that Krikelas envisioned the behavior of someone conducting reviews of literature related to their work, but that "his model at least does not restrict itself to one type of occupation" (p. 121). Case added that, while the Krikelas model could be applied to ordinary life, it "nevertheless retains the flavor of a library search model" (p.121). This paper will demonstrate how the Krikelas model can apply to library searches just as easily as it can to everyday information-seeking scenarios.

Three separate observations were conducted: 1) observation of 2 individuals; 2) observation of self; and 3) a general survey of 312 adult participants from across the country.

For the individual observations, participants were observed silently as they completed searches for information. One observation took place in a public library, the other took place in the participant’s home. One participant was interviewed briefly after the observation to discuss her feelings about the process. Observed participants received no compensation.

For the self-observation, I kept a journal over a 2-week period as I planned a dinner party. In the journal, I noted resources I consulted, catalog searches conducted, results received, and feelings about the information process. For the group observation, a convenience sample was used. Twelve researchers distributed paper or electronic questionnaires to participants in the northeastern, southeastern, southwestern, south central, and midwestern sections of the United States. Each student solicited responses from at least 25 adults; three hundred twelve adults completed the survey. Participants were not paid for their participation. Students then coded survey responses using Microsoft Excel and shared data with the group.

Participants in the cooperative study reported coming across information that makes them anxious or upset. Types of information that were offered as options included world events (e.g. war, famine, disease) and national events (e.g. terrorist attacks, natural disasters). Of the 312 participants in the cooperative study, only twelve (3.8%) reported that none of the types of information made them anxious or uncomfortable. When they faced information that made them uncomfortable, 83 people (26.6%) reported temporarily avoiding the subject, but seeking information later. One hundred seventy-nine participants (57.4%) remarked that they sought out more information.

The preferred source for information among study participants was the internet. Two hundred fourteen participants (68.6%) responded that when they need to find information, they prefer to first search the Internet or electronic databases. This response was followed by asking another person, which was the preferred behavior of 78 participants (25%).

When asked about interpersonal contact, most of the participants preferred to talk with someone as opposed to writing them. Two hundred thirty-seven (76%) participants replied that when seeking assistance from another person, they preferred to talk with them in person or by phone. Only seventy-one (22.8%) preferred to send an email or written request.

Two hundred twenty-two participants (71.2%) in the collaborative study said that when considering a major purchase, they like to check with 2-5 information sources. Twenty-eight of the respondents (9%) said that they liked to check between 6 and 10 information sources. Only 9 participants (3%) responded that they liked to check 1 information source. Forty-five (14.4%) said that they had no specific number of information sources that they liked to check.

Participants in the collaborative study also indicated that they planned and reviewed their searches. When asked how they felt about the statement, "Before I begin searching for information, I plan my search and consider the best sources available to me and then I consult them first," 104 participants (25%) noted that they strongly agreed with the statement. One hundred forty-seven participants (47.1%) noted that they somewhat agreed with the statement. Thirty-eight participants (12.2%) somewhat disagreed with the statement, and 16 participants (5%) strongly disagreed with it.

In the first observation, Alicia gathered information finding a new apartment. She used external sources exclusively, all of which were recorded (2 print resources and 1 internet source). Prior to the observation, though, she had considered internal sources. She recalled memories of experiences in different areas of the city and considered her income. She also looked at other external sources, previous editions of the Sun and City Paper.

During the observation, her goal was to look at the apartments presented in 3 new sources. Her needs were immediate; she wanted to look at the sources that afternoon. She made further notes and concluded that portion of her search. She was not under any pressure to make a decision that afternoon. Previously, she completed part of her search, finished another series of steps during the observation, and had more work to do in the future.

Krikelas’ model works well for multi-step search processes. As long as the need-creating event/environment exists, a person can complete a variety of searches over a period of time. When he or she feels satisfied or feels like the needs are no longer immediate, a person can stop the search and defer it until later.

In the second observation, George used a library catalog to find books on kitchen design. He preferred external recorded resources, consulting only the OPAC during the observation. As he looked through the items in the 643 area, it is likely that he was comparing what he saw with the information he thought would satisfy his need. It seems like the material contained in the 747 are better matched his ideas, since he selected several items for checkout. George’s movements parallel the "nonlinear" search pattern of the typical library user described by Case. George’s search did not move "swiftly from catalog to shelf to circulation desk; rather, there is a back-and-forth movement between the catalog and the shelf, with considerable time taken to examine works." (Case, 24)

In the self observation, I exhibited a non-linear search pattern, going back and forth from the shelves to the catalog several times. The sources I preferred initially were external and recorded: books from several Dewey areas and the internet. While I examined books, I compared the material with personal files, asking myself whether the material presented would fit the image I had of my party. Later, I sought interpersonal information and contacted friends for available party dates. Most of the preferred sources of study participants also tended to be external recorded ones. Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed would turn first to the internet or databases to find information.

Searches for information may be deferred or stopped for a variety of reasons. Time may be a factor; searchers may have to stop gathering information and make a decision. Case (2002) wrote about this in a hypothetical scenario. A horse bettor may encounter too much data to consider in the short time before each race. He may try to "simplify the ‘search space’ by ignoring many categories of information he deems less relevant" (p. 29).

Searchers may feel like their information needs have been met and that they have gathered what they need, filling the information gap. Belkin suggested the idea of a "state of knowledge" that is constantly being reconsidered and compared to earlier states to determine whether an information issue has been solved (Case, 2002, p. 77). It appears that George’s issue was solved successfully. He found the appropriate area of the library, located titles of interest, and selected several to check out.

Searchers may also come to an appropriate stopping point, completing a phase or stage of a larger information-seeking process. Alicia exhibited this sort of behavior. She was only interested in searching a cetain number of resources that afternoon. When she finished those searches, her information needs were not met, but she had completed that part of her search process.

In the cooperative study, most people noted that they liked to check with more than 1 information source when considering a major purchase. It is unlikely that people seek information from 5 sources and then go make a purchase. More likely, people search out 1 or 2 sources at a time, gather information, and then consider all of the information gathered, before making their purchase.

Another interesting aspect of Krikelas’ model is that it does not include emotional responses to needs. It neither discounts their presence nor ignores the impact that they may have on information behavior, emotions are simply not part of the model. Emotions like anxiety and discomfort impacted the information behavior of about one-fourth of the study participants. Discomfort outweighed immediacy for these people, and they decided to seek additional information on the topic later.

Krikelas’ work need not be limited solely to library information gathering. His model is easy to follow and accurately reflects actions in a range of information behavior situations.

Case, D. O. (2002). Looking for information: A survey of research on information seeking, needs, and behavior. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science.

Corcoran-Perry, S., & Graves, J. (1990). Supplemental-information-seeking behavior of cardiovascular nurses. Residential Nursing Health, 2, 119-127. Retrieved November 14, 2005, from www.pubmed.gov.

McKnight, L. K., et al. (2002). Perceived information needs and communication difficulties of inpatient physicians and nurses. Journal of American Medical Informatics Association, 9, S64-S69. Retrieved November 14, 2005, from www.pubmed.gov

Shea, P. (2000). An Analysis & Synthesis of Research Based Evidence About the Information Behaviours of Chief Executive Officers. Retrieved November 14, 2005, from http://www.amsaccess.com.au/artl_ceo_info.htm.

Part 1: Collection of Background Information

Gender: Female

Age: 30

Occupation: Marketing assistant

Statement of Information Need: I need to find more information about available apartments in Northeast Baltimore.

Relationship of Individual to Information Need: self, wants to change living situation.

Part 2: Observation of Information Seeking and Use Behavior

Situation:

"Alicia" has been living with roommates for the past several months and has decided to look around for her own apartment. Before beginning a formal search, she evaluated her budget and decided that she could spend about $575 per month on rent, not including utilities, or $675 per month if all utilities were included. She also has 1 cat and would like to get a small dog in the next year or two. She really likes the area where she is currently living, northeast Baltimore, and would enjoy staying in that part of the city.

Procedure:

At her house one afternoon, Alicia flipped through the July and August issues of Apartment Guide, a free booklet available at grocery stores. She folded down the corners of 2 pages in the August issue and set the books down on her table.

She walked over to her computer and opened an Internet Explorer browser window. She typed in www.apartments.com in the address bar and pressed Enter. At the home page, she clicked on the City/Zip tab. She then entered 21214 in the zip code and a search radius of 5 miles and pressed enter. This search returned 61 listings. Alicia scrolled through the first page of results without clicking on any of the listings. She clicked on Refine Search and then sorted results by price. She clicked on several of the listings and wrote down apartment details and contact information for three of the listings.

She closed the window and got up from the computer. She sat down and opened the Pennysaver to the first page. Then she flipped to the Real Estate section and looked through the listings. She closed the paper and left the room.

Part 3: Post-Search Reflection

Alicia showed me the notes from the work she had already done. We discussed how she felt and where she saw her search going from there.

Alicia has found several sources that she would like to continue consulting for an apartment. The past few classified sections of the Sunday Sun and City Paper advertised several open apartments. She wasn’t impressed with that week’s ads, but the units advertised were in the area she was interested in. When she called for more information, she found out that none accepted pets. She decided against looking in the Pennysaver and Apartment Guide any more.

She found very little in the Pennysaver in the northeast part of the city. Apartment Guide only advertised complexes in the metropolitan area. Alicia felt that she would be more comfortable in a smaller unit, perhaps a house converted into 2 or more apartments.

At this point in her search, Alicia is a little frustrated but hopeful. Now that she has made the decision to get her own apartment, she is excited about moving and disappointed about having to wait. However, she is thankful that she does not have an expiring lease approaching; her roommates are understanding if she moves next week or next month. She also feels like she has a pretty good idea of what she is looking for (in terms of area, cost, "feel") it’s just a question of finding it.

What I would do differently:

It would be interesting to have sat in on the early part of Alicia’s search that involved her breaking down her budget and determining what she could afford to spend. Although she had already decided to stay in the northeast part of the city, I would have also been interested in her initial thoughts regarding other areas. This is definitely a multi-step process, though, and I joined up with her for just one portion of her search.

Part 1: Collection of Background Information

Gender: Male

Age: 56

Occupation: Teacher

Statement of Information Need: I need a few books on kitchen design.

Part 2: Observation of Information Seeking and Use Behavior

Background:

"George" has a friend who recently had her kitchen remodeled. She is very pleased with the way the kitchen turned out and highly recommends the designer. George and his wife have discussed remodeling their kitchen in the past and now seems like a good time to finally undertake the project.

He comes to the library in order to get a few books with different kitchen layouts, designs, and decorations. He and his wife are not exactly sure what they would like to do; they want to look at books of kitchen design to get a better idea of available options.

Procedure:

George went to the library to check out several books on kitchen design. He approached the information desk but there was a line. So he went to a library catalog computer station. He typed in "kitchen design" and completed a keyword search (the default). He received 17 keyword matches and 1 subject match. He clicked on the keyword match link and was taken to the results list. Although the results came from several different areas, he saw that many of the results were from the 643 area. He went to that area and looked at the books on the shelf and flipped through a couple and decided that this was not what he was looking for. He went back to the computer and did a keyword search on "kitchens." This time he saw that some of the 86 results came from the 747.797 call number area. He went to the shelf, was more satisfied with the titles in this area, and selected several to check out.

Part 3: Post-Search Reflection

What would I have done differently?

I should have asked George how much experience he had using computers, and specifically catalogs. He seemed much more comfortable than the average user. George reevaluated his initial results and broadened his search terms immediately, which I do not think most users would do as quickly. Observation of Information Behavior: Self

Procedure:

To keep track of the information-seeking steps in planning a dinner party, I kept a journal. I took written notes of the process including: resources used, catalog searches conducted, results received, and feelings and reactions to information received.

Time: Beginning of Week One

Description of Information Need:

I am thinking of throwing a dinner party for several friends. I need information about invitations and a menu. I also need to pick a date.

Answers to Self-Survey:

1. Adjectives that describe how you feel at this point:

I am doubtful, confused, and uncertain. I have never hosted any sort of event like this so I am not exactly sure how to proceed.

2. What is your task now?

Right now, I need to gather information on information on relatively specific topics.

3. What are you doing now?

I am skimming and scanning sources of information and looking at item citations in the library catalog.

4. What is the title of your project?

Fire in the Hole!: Sarah’s First Dinner Party

5. Confidence Level

On a scale of 1-10, I am probably at a 4. I have never done this before, but feel I have the time to put something nice together for my friends.

Observed Behavior:

I wrote down a list of 8 guests I would like to invite. I noted that two are vegetarian and one is a meat and potatoes type of eater.

I went to the public library, walked up to a library catalog computer, and did a keyword phrase search on "party planning." I received 25 results, which included items from the juvenile fiction, picture books, and mysteries section. I scanned the 3 pages of results and found that several items including Party mix : 21 creative plans for fun fellowship and No-brainers on entertaining at home had come from the 793.2 section. I wrote down the call number and walked over to that area of the library. I looked through that section and picked up a few titles, which I skimmed and reshelved.

I returned to the catalog computer, did a keyword search on "dinner parties," and received 8 results. Of these, two had call numbers of 642.4 and one had a call number of 642. I went to that area, flipped through a few books, and then reshelved them.

I returned to the catalog and did a keyword search on "invitations." This time, I received 26 results. I looked through the results list and then looked at the item record for Invitations, the call number of which was 395.4. I wrote this call number down and walked to the shelves. I flipped through Invitations, reshelved it, and then skimmed the other titles in that area.

I signed up for an internet computer and went to www.evite.com. I clicked on the "Plan an Event" tab. I clicked on the "Get Started" tab within that section, then skimmed through the information required on the "Create Your Invitation" page. I logged off of the computer and left the library.

Reactions:

I thought that a phrase search on "party planning" would provide me with more specific results than mysteries and Wiggles videos. The books I found in the 793 area had to do with planning themed parties and bridal showers. Eventually, I got to the area where I needed to be. I was surprised that typing in the exact words I had in mind (dinner parties) directed me to the area I wanted to browse. That usually doesn’t happen!

By the end of my searches, I was beginning to get tired of looking at books about parties and entertaining. I knew that my frustration was partly due to the fact that I was looking at information I didn’t need. I was narrowing down the kind of event I wanted to have: just a small dinner get-together, with no particular theme. A few friends coming over for a good time and that’s it.

After skimming through at the invitation book, I also decided against paper invitations mailed to guests. I was not wild about the idea of mailing invitations in the first place, and the time factor only cemented my lack of interest. Mailed invitations would take too much time to prepare. I also didn’t want people to lose the reply envelope. This is going to be a casual dinner party, not a wedding. That’s why I looked at evite.com, which is a free email-based invitation site. I have received invitations through evite before; it is a very easy way to let people know about an event and keep track of the guest list. All of my guests have email, and I think this is the way they with which they would be the most comfortable responding.

Time: End of Week One

Answers to Self-Survey:

1. Confidence Level

I am probably at a 6 right now. There are still some details to iron out, but I have a good idea of where my dinner party is headed.

2. Adjectives that describe how you feel at this point:

I am satisfied and optimistic.

Time: Week Two

Observed Behavior:

At home, I looked through 3 cookbooks that I own: Cooking with Grace, Moosewood Cookbook, and Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook. I looked at the table of contents in Moosewood and then flipped through the entrees section and marked the pages for Vegetable Kebabs, Vegetarian Chili, and Polenta. I flipped to the Breads tab in the Better Homes cookbook and looked through the entries. I marked the page for Corn Bread. I flipped to the Soups and Stews tab and marked the page for Chili. I looked in the Grace cookbook and marked the page for Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie. I wrote down "Make: chili, vegetarian chili, cornbread, Toll House pie" on a piece of paper and then added "Buy: vegetable tray with dip, chips, chili fixins, soda, beer, wine, liquor."

I sent out an email to three close friends asking them if they had anything planned for the Saturday, November 5, or Saturday, November 12. Two replied and said that they were free on the 5th but would be out of town on the 12th. The other friend replied that she was scheduled to work on the 5th but could probably switch with someone if I gave her enough notice. I sent out another email asking a friend if she could give me the email addresses of 2 other acquaintances. I added 4 names to my guest list, bringing the total up to 12.

Reactions:

I knew that I would need a vegetarian dish for my 2 friends who are vegetarian. I was trying to start the menu off with that and then select the other items. The other guests, as far as I know, will eat just about anything. When I saw the recipe for chili, I thought that would be a very easy dish to serve. It would also go well with the weather, which would be cooling off by the time I hold the party. I then looked for a chili with meat in the Better Homes book, to satisfy the meat and potatoes eater. The Toll House pie seemed a pretty quick dessert to put together. I will buy the appetizers, toppings for the chili, and beverages.

Saturday, November 5 seems like a good time: before the busy portion of the holidays, but far off enough in advance that people (including me) would be able to plan for it. I sent the email out to my three closest friends because I wanted to pick a date that they could all make. I have added a few additional names to the list because I’m pretty sure some people won’t be able to attend. I am expecting about 8 people to come.

Time: End of Week 2

Answers to Self-Survey:

1. Confidence level:

I am about an 8 at the moment. I will send out invitations through evite this week, and can make a shopping list, then there’s not much else to do until November.

2. Adjectives that describe how you feel at this point:

I am relieved and optimistic.

Findings:

I relied heavily on printed and electronic resources to gather information. In the library, I went back and forth between the catalog computer and the shelves, trying different search terms. Much of my library search was completed through browsing. Catalog results pointed me to a particular area; I then looked through other books in the area, not just the ones that came up during my catalog session. I did not ask a reference librarian for help. I did not involve other people in my search until discussing possible party dates.

Discussion:

I found that I did not want anything elaborate. However, to come to that conclusion, I had to look at presentations of elaborate dinners and parties. I narrowed down what I did not want my party to be like while I was skimming books. I did not record my feelings or my reactions to each item I looked at. I also did not spend much time narrowing down my search results at the catalog computer, I browsed lists for call number areas and then looked at items on the shelves.

Future Studies:

If this observation were repeated, I would carry a tape recorder, so that I could talk through my thinking. I would also say what I thought of each title I looked at and the impressions that I got. This would give me additional information that I didn’t get to include in the written notes. The audio recorder would provide me with a way to keep better track of more of my thinking.

Another alternate observation I would be interested in completing would be to repeat the search without using a computer. Instead of going directly to the catalog, I would explain my situation to a librarian and do most of my search with someone else, relying on interpersonal communication instead of computer skills. I’d have to verbalize my feelings to the librarian: "I think that these sort of party planning books are too themed for me. Do you have any specifically on dinner parties?" This would not be a repeat observation, obviously there would be major differences because I would be using a different set of tools. However, it might allow me to "hear" my thinking progress more clearly.

Summary Report:

In planning for my first dinner party, I used a variety of information tools: public library, library catalog, various books, online sources, and other people. I moved back and forth between the catalog and the stacks. My ideas about what I would like to have at my dinner party were focused by looking at books that contained what I did not want to have at my party. Most of my search was completed independently, I didn’t use other people as resources. I kept journal entries of my actions, progress, and feelings throughout my search. If I had to complete the observation again, I would carry a tape recorder to better capture my thinking and progress. I might also try searching for information in the library without using a computer, instead relying on orally communicating ideas and questions to a librarian.

Questions from Cooperative Study