Theories of Information Behavior (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Theories of Information Behavior Marilyn Domas White Theories of Information Behavior, ed. Karen E. Fisher, Sanda Erdelez, and Lynne (E.F.) McKechnie. (ASIST Monograph Series) Medford, NJ: Information Today, Inc., 2005. 431p. $24 (ISBN 1-57387-230-X) This book is both a tribute to the use of theory in information behavior research and a stimulant to its continued use. The editors define information behavior broadly as "including how people need, seek, manage, give, and use information in different contexts." (p. xix) What is readily apparent from the scope of the book, however, is that the reliance in information behavior research is on theories not on one evolving theory that can be viewed as a dominant paradigm. Almost encyclopedic in structure and coverage, this book is intended as a "researcher's guide, a practical overview of both well-established and newly proposed conceptual frameworks…[covering] different aspects of information behavior." (p. xx) It consists primarily of individual chapters on 72 theories or conceptual frameworks used in information behavior studies. Collectively, they are written by [End Page 236] over 80 authors from 10 different countries. Each three- to four-page chapter has similar content and arrangement. The author first discusses the origins of the theory, then explains its propositions, assesses its implications for methodology and its use, and links it to related theories. Each chapter includes a brief discussion of primary and secondary references, including library and information science publications using the theory. To ensure completeness in identifying the theories included, the editors used a collaborative, snowball approach, soliciting input initially from authors presenting at the 2003 Special Interest Group on Information Needs, Seeking, and Use (SIG USE) Research Symposium. Most of the theories come from library and information science, but others originate in computer science, the humanities, and the social sciences. Preceding these brief contributions are more substantive, thoughtful articles written by three researchers considered "giants" in information behavior research as it has evolved over the last few decades. Marcia Bates gives a brief primer on metatheories, theories, and models. In her chapter, Brenda Dervin describes the interplay between methodology and theory. Using his own theory of information behavior as a focus, Tom Wilson discusses evolution in information behavior modeling. The editors, Sanda Erdelez, from the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri-Columbia, Karen E. Fisher from the Information School, University of Washington, and Lynn (E.F.) McKechnie from the University of Western Ontario's Faculty of Information and Media Studies, all scholars in information behavior, have done a masterful job of coordinating the contributions of about 85 authors from 10 different countries, many of whom have immediate experience in developing the theory they describe. Marcia Bates, for example, recaps berrypicking, Nicholas Belkin writes on anomalous states of knowledge, David Ellis covers his model of information-seeking behavior, Carol Kuhlthau addresses her model of the information search process, and Michael Eisenberg and Carrie A. Lowe discuss the Big6 Model for teaching information literacy skills. Besides these notables, the list of authors contains many other outstanding researchers in information behavior, including Harry Bruce, Katriina Byström, Donald O. Case, Raya Fidel, Peter Ingwersen, Diane Nahl, Reijo Savolainen, Paul Solomon, Diane Sonnewald, Barbara M. Wildemuth, and the three editors. If their chapters are not always based on their own theories, they are based on use and/or careful consideration of their subject theories. Following the initial three overview chapters, the others are arranged alphabetically by brief title, usually consisting only of the name of the theory or framework. The editors did not cluster them in a more meaningful and useful arrangement, but that would probably be difficult to do. Biographical information about the editors is noted at the end of the book. Similar information for the authors of the individual chapters would have been useful; only their affiliations and e-mail addresses are noted in the chapters. The index provides access to concepts, chapter authors, and authors of works cited in the chapters. The editors acknowledge funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Throughout, the book shows evidence of good, careful editing: the consistency of scope for the individual theory chapters; selection of...