How Comparable are the Actions of a School-Based Intermediary Responding to Inquiries and the Information-Seeking Behavior of Young People?

Abstract

This article examines an issue that is rarely considered—the similarities between the action taken by an intermediary responding to inquiries within the setting of a school library media center and the information behavior of end-users. The work concentrates on five important areas: the exploitation of the individual's own knowledge; the employment of readily accessible information resources; the way in which materials may be used; approaches to other people; and the circumstances surrounding the termination of a search. The article identifies implications for the information professional and suggests ways forward for future research.