Responses and Influences: A Model of Online Information Use for Learning

Introduction. This paper explores the complexity of online information use for learning in the culturally diverse ICT-intensive higher education context. It presents a Model of responses and influences in online information use for learning that aims to increase awareness of the complexity of online information use and support information literacy development. Background. Despite increasing integration of information literacy into university curricula there are evident limitations in students’ use of information associated with an information literacy imbalance between well developed IT skills & uncritical approaches, compounded by differences in cultural and linguistic experience. Influences. This model draw insight from models of: information behaviour/seeking (Wilson, Foster, Kuhlthau), information literacy (Bruce), cross-cultural adaptation (Anderson), reflective online use (Hughes, Bruce & Edwards). The model. Incorporates behavioural, cognitive & affective responses with cultural & linguistic influences in an action research framework that represents online information use - envisaged as the experience of engaging with online information for learning - as holistic, dynamic and continuous. Conclusion. The model represents the synergy between information use and learning. It supports the development of inclusive reflective approaches to information literacy that address identified learning challenges related to information literacy imbalance and cultural & linguistic diversity

Writing and reading the results: the reporting of research rigour tactics in information behaviour research as evident in the published proceedings of the biennial ISIC conferences, 1996 – 2014

Introduction. This study examined if and how information behaviour researchers include research rigour tactics in reports of their research projects. Method. A content analysis was conducted of the 193 research reports published in the 1996 – 2014 ISIC proceedings. Analysis. Articles were coded for author affiliation, rigour tactics reported, and whether or not enough information was presented to allow readers to assess the quality of the research and replicate the study. Both quantitative (frequencies) and qualitative (excerpts from the articles) data are reported. Results. In total 698 research rigour tactics were reported for an average of 3.6 per paper, a median of 3 per paper and a range of 0 – 20 tactics across all papers. Twenty-six papers (13.5%) included no rigour tactics at all while 8 (4.1%) included ten or more. Only 76 (39.4%) provided enough information for readers to assess the quality of the study, with fewer (n=44; 22.8%) providing enough information to allow for replication of the study. Conclusions. Both quantitative and qualitative empirical work is not being reported in ISIC papers in ways that clearly demonstrate research rigour, nor assure replicability

Beyond information seeking: towards a general model of information behaviour.

Introduction. The aim of the paper is to review models of information behaviour and to propose new models that extend the concept beyond simply information seeking to consider other modes of behaviour. The models chiefly explored are those of Wilson and Dervin. Argument A shortcoming of some models of information behaviour is that they present a sequence of stages in that behaviour and it is evident that actual behaviour is not always explained effectively by stages in a sequence. Development. A model of 'multi-directionality' is explored, to overcome the notion of sequential stages and, using Dervin's concept of 'the gap', modes of information behaviour are developed that include, for example, creating, destroying and avoiding information as well as seeking it. Conclusion. New models of information behaviour are presented that: replace the notion of 'barriers' with the concept of 'gap', as a means of integrating the views of Wilson and Dervin; incorporate the notion of multi-directionality; and identify ways in which an individual may navigate 'the gap' using different modes of information behaviour

A non-linear model of information sharing practices in academic communities

A new model of information sharing practices in academic communities is based on Latour's circulatory system of scientific facts, and some elements of Foster's non-linear model of information-seeking behavior. The main proposition of this model is that information-sharing practices and context simultaneously shape each other. The proposed model supports Foster's conceptualization of information practices as non-linear processes, but its emphasis on the interdependence between context and information practices provides a more effective means to capture complex negotiations involved in information-sharing practices. The proposition is that the major reason for nonlinearity in information practices is a continuous shifting of actors' interests, pressures, and concerns. Capturing these dynamic relations becomes possible through this model. The model also offers a way to generate a number of research questions and hypotheses, and as such it could be a useful tool for empirical studies on information sharing in academic communities

Encountering on the road to Serendip? Browsing in new information environments

Considers the continuing relevance of the ideas of browsing, serendipity, information encountering, and literature discovery in a digital information environment

Capturing career information use in everyday life: introducing the CIEL conceptual framework

Everyday career information use is not fully addressed by extant theories, models and frameworks. In this paper, a conceptual framework of career information behaviour and career information literacy in everyday life is presented. Over the course of 2021, a literature review of everyday life career information use was completed. As part of this review, a search for boundary objects was performed, and thematically similar conceptual contributions were mapped. An analysis of the integral components of ten theories, models and frameworks relating to information behaviour, information literacy, information practice and career development was performed with a view towards the development of a conceptual framework.Results. A conceptual framework consisting of two key components – topography and way of life – was devised following analysis. The framework provides insight into the means by which individuals experience career information in everyday life, and the means by which they navigate career information environments. The conceptual framework presented in this paper is applicable to the development of novel career information literacy theories, models or frameworks, or the modification of extant conceptualisations.Peer Reviewe

The Salient Motives for Malaysia Aviation Industry Sustainability: An Explorative Study on Business, Management and Technology Components in Aviation Management Program in Malaysia

The purpose of this research is to develop a comprehensive evaluation framework of three important elements, namely business, management, and technology embedded in the newly developed Master of Science program in aviation management. A Focus group interview has been adopted in this study with the involvement of aviation management faculty members and also panel members from the Board of Studies (BOS). Two prominent aviation practitioners and two leading academicians with aviation background were called for a focus group discussion and the meeting held for six (6) hours. Alignments of the course offered need to be formed to link with the aviation industry 4.0 and aviation industry 5.0. This study reveals the critical needs and issues at the industry perspective and drives new areas for an academician to focus on the syllabus and research. This study bridges the gap between industry and academicians by keeping scholars and practitioners abreast of the timeliest industry-academician framework. It elevated the current thinking necessary for better performance of the industry, as well as the quality of the new proposed master program. This study clearly shows both academic and industry players related needs to establish a new program by consolidating both theoretical development and industry career. Recommendation to all academicians, practitioners, and policymaker are also highlighted in this study

INFORMATION LITERACY, SELF-EFFICACY AS DETERMINANTS OF INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION PERSONNEL IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA.

The study examined how information literacy, self-efficacy determine the information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine how gender affect relationship between information literacy, self-efficacy and information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria and determine the difference between information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel due to gender. The study answered four (4) research questions and two (2) hypotheses on information literacy, self-efficacy as determinant of information seeking behavior of mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study, while questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. A total of three hundred and twenty three (323) respondents (being the study population) were administered the questionnaire, while two hundred and eighty two (282) properly completed questionnaire representing eighty seven (87%) of the total expected responses were returned. Six mobile telecommunication companies which are; Airtel, Etisalat (9mobile), Global Communication Ltd (Glo), Mobile Telecommunication Company Nigeria (MTN) Starcomm and Visafone were Major findings from the study were that: personnel of the mobile telecommunication companies feel confident and competent in their information literacy, self-efficacy. Furthermore, the personnel need information on how to attract more customers/subscribers, embrace new technologies, meet business targets, handle /speak to difficult customers who feel frustrated, address service related issues and keep track of telecommunication regulations/ government policies. Findings shows that demographic factor such as gender did not significantly affect the mobile telecommunication personnel in their information seeking behavior amongst others. This study is a major contribution to the impact of information literacy, self-efficacy of the personnel in the mobile telecommunication industry. It will be useful in conducting similar studies involving the personnel of other corporate/service based organization

The potential of online library catalogues for supporting opportunistic acquisition of information pertaining scholarly literature

The article includes a description and analysis of empirical research, which by comparative means looked to determine the potential of various solutions for academic libraries in configuring the interfaces of online catalogues in support of opportunistic acquisition of information pertaining to scholarly literature. The research consisted of experiments using 22 different search instructions and an analysis of the results of other encountered sources. The research was carried out from May to July 2007 in 33 Polish libraries based on 8 different computer systems. The research allowed for the establishing of links between applied solutions in OPAC, the form of search instruction and the chances of discovering publications which are not able to satisfy the needs of an intentional and deliberate search, but can satisfy or even inspire other information needs of library users