Abstract
Information behaviour theory, models, and concepts (IB TMCs) are foundational for effective reference and information services (RIS) and yet they are not widely addressed in basic RIS courses. This study explores how librarianship students are being educated in IB TMCs. Course syllabi and assigned textbooks of RIS courses were analyzed for integration of IB TMCs. This analysis is followed by a survey of instructors of these courses to determine key factors in integration of IB TMCs. Preliminary results indicate that treatment of IB TMCs remain limited and suggest that IB scholars may have an impact on the integration of their work.
Highlights
Information behaviour (IB) is a critical research area for informing research and information services (RIS)
RIS practice must be predicated on what is understood about how users think about their information needs, how they search for information to meet those needs, and what they do with that information once found
The research questions addressed by the study include: 1. To what extent are IB TMCs integrated into syllabi for basic RIS courses in North America?
Summary
Information behaviour (IB) is a critical research area for informing research and information services (RIS). Information behaviour theories, models, and concepts (IB TMCSs) are not, well-integrated into RIS practice. In their study of professional associations’ RIS-related competency standards, Hicks and VanScoy (2019) found that information behaviour was generally not treated as an area of expertise. O’Connor (2011) found that “information seeking behavior” was in the content of 43% of the RIS syllabi that she studied. This figure was a dramatic reduction from earlier studies that found the concept in 79% (Powell & Raber, 1994) and 77% (Broadway & Smith, 1986). This study builds on O’Connor’s findings by probing the extent to which IB TMCs are integrated, or merely represented in RIS professional education. The findings will encourage better integration of IB TMCs into RIS courses and will contribute to better RIS practice
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