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ABSTRACT Application of the results of an information behavior study and domain analysis of Classics scholars of Latin, graduate students, and high school teachers are presented. The study was conducted to inform the design of the Digital Latin Library. Interviews and task demonstrations were conducted with 16 participants. An in depth domain analysis was also conducted to help researchers and system developers further understand the discipline of Classics and the unique system needs of this community. This paper outlines the detailed work analysis of one aspect of the Classical scholars' scholarly work, development of a critical edit ion, and shows how we modeled this process within the system design. We also illustrate how the rich findings produced from information behavior studies and domain analysis can be used in information representation design of complex, discipline specific systems. Further, it shows how the two methodological approaches within LIS can be used together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings from an online survey investigating how new students seek geospatial information in an unfamiliar environment. By surveying 149 new graduate students at University of Maryland, College Park, this study identifies the geospatial information needs and information sources used during their adjustment in new environments, and examines the factors that may affect different geospatial information behaviors (GIBs) of new students, such as populousness of students' countries of origin on campus, gender, age, and program level (Master's, PhD). Findings include (1) international students' greater emphases on survival-related geospatial information; (2) gender differences in the importance of navigational and transportation information and frequency of using navigational information sources during adjustment; (3) significant differences among socio-national and demographic groups for geospatial information needs and for the use of information sources. The findings are discussed in ways to further our understanding of new students' GIB in unfamiliar environments and inform further research in human information behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The study of information science and technology has expanded over the years to include more kinds of people, more kinds of behavior, more methods, and a broader inclusion of fields. There is at least one area, however, where very few information studies scholars have tread: entertainment, particularly fiction. Yet many fields indicate that information studies should consider fiction. In this paper, we discuss how fiction is an informative genre and reasons why information studies scholars have mostly ignored fiction. We also identify potential research directions for studying fiction. We provide a summary of works about fiction and information, discuss motivations for expanding (and not expanding) information studies beyond what it is and has been, and we use an exploratory study of one example of a fiction-interaction - reading Young Adult novels - to illustrate how fiction is important to information behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe a quantitative study of personality aspects and their relationship with web search information behavior. We start with introducing personality and give an overview of information behavior research concerning personality aspects. In our study of 30 participants, their personality traits were operationalized by using a version of the Big 5, the B5T, a psychometric questionnaire that maps personality on different dimensions. The participants performed search tasks in a web context and data concerning their information behavior was collected via search logs as well as questionnaires. We show that there are selective correlations of slight and intermediate strength between the variables of information behavior and the personality dimensions. Finally, we discuss possible explanations and implications as well as new impulses for information behavior and retrieval research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐native English speakers (NNESs) often search in English due to the limited availability of information in their native language on the Web. Information seeking in a non‐native language can present special challenges for users. Current research literature on non‐native language search behavior is insufficient and even less is known about how online systems and tools may accommodate NNESs’ needs and assist their behaviors. To gain a better understanding of user behavior and the search process of NNESs, this paper presents a study of online searching in English as a foreign language (EFL) or second‐language (L2). Particular attention is paid to language selection, search challenges, query formulation and reformulation, as well as user interaction with online systems and tools. Results from eight focus groups (36 participants) and 36 questionnaires indicate NNESs face a unique set of challenges that may not be present for native speakers when searching for information in English. A user interaction model is abstracted to address the iterative and spiral search process of NNESs. Implications for design of systems and tools to assist this particular user group are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-native English speakers (NNESs) often search in English due to the limited availability of information in their native language on the Web. Information seeking in a non-native language can present special challenges for users. Current research literature on non-native language search behavior is insufficient and even less is known about how online systems and tools may accommodate NNESs' needs and assist their behaviors. To gain a better understanding of user behavior and the search process of NNESs, this paper presents a study of online searching in English as a foreign language (EFL) or second-language (L2). Particular attention is paid to language selection, search challenges, query formulation and reformulation, as well as user interaction with online systems and tools. Results from eight focus groups (36 participants) and 36 questionnaires indicate NNESs face a unique set of challenges that may not be present for native speakers when searching for information in English. A user interaction model is abstracted to address the iterative and spiral search process of NNESs. Implications for design of systems and tools to assist this particular user group are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the decline in youth participation in traditional politics over time, engagement in alternative forms of civic engagement is increasing. Existing research focuses on disenfranchised youth; in this paper, we describe an initial exploration of the role of information in initial and ongoing civic engagement. In this pilot study, we conducted a focus group with six teenagers (15-17 years old) recognized by their teachers and peers for being highly engaged in their schools and/or communities, in order to understand the selfdescribed motivations, influences, and information behaviors of an important demographic which has not been widely studied in existing literature: youth who are highly engaged, but not yet eligible to vote in democratic elections. The participants were from six different provinces in Canada, and included a mix of rural, suburban, and urban youth. Participant responses suggested that their information environment, including the availability of information about civic affairs and opportunities to become directly involved, played a role in their socialization as engaged citizens. Moreover, they indicated that the effect of their information environment on their own civic engagement was cumulative over time: the more an issue appeared, the more likely they were to engage with it. Based on this focus group discussion, we suggest a set of interpretations that describe the role of information environments, the cumulative impact of civic information, and the levels of information consumption used by youth. While these theories will require additional data to confirm or reject, we expect that our observations will help inform efforts to engage youth in civic society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data landscape study at Virginia Tech addresses the changing modes of faculty scholarship increasingly driven by data and supports the development of a user-centric data infrastructure, management, and curation system. The study investigates faculty researchers' current practices in organizing, describing, sharing, reusing, and preserving data and the emerging needs for data services and education. The results determine the different dimensions of data-related activities, challenges, and opportunities and the changing nature of faculty demands regarding data documentation, storage, and archiving. Asking faculty researchers to self-reflect data sharing and reuse from both data producers' and data users' perspectives, the study reveals a significant gap between the rather localized and sporadic data management and sharing activities and the highly perceived reuse values of data that often get lost right after the original work is done. With expertise in data, information, and archive fields, libraries have great values to offer in bridging the gap and building a data-driven, shared-access research enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Information behavior research has typically explored individual-level practices, even within studies of groups and group activities. Although collaborative information seeking has emerged in recent years to explore how people search for and share information, much of this research also focuses on individual-level experiences. Collectivist approaches to information behavior have been conducted in only a few studies in the discipline; however, collectivism offers a unique, holistic way to study information practices at within-group levels. Collectivism also accounts for the social, professional, and other contextual elements that shape group members' information practices when pursuing common shared goals. This exploratory qualitative study used focus groups situated in a constructivist grounded theory methodology to investigate wine industry members' experiences while engaging in peer mentoring circles. Designed as a professional development activity, the mentoring circles provided a platform for the development of long-term relationships among group members to foster information sharing and knowledge creation relevant to their work environments. The emergent results make a significant contribution to the field as they outline key conditions under which collectivist groups support members' information needs. Findings point to the importance of group cohesion developed through shared (industry-based) language and knowledge and development of kin-like relationships to generate unique knowledge communities. Interdependency and reciprocity are shown to play key roles in motivating individual group members to share information with their peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This research examined the information behavior of parents (including legal guardians) during an emergent health situation with a child. Although many studies examine health-related information behaviors, very few explore health consumers' information practices during moments of health crisis. This study explored parents' information needs, source use, and source preferences during a visit to the emergency department. An online questionnaire was administered using iPads given to 897 parents with children at one of 32 participating general emergency departments (ED) across Canada. Before taking their child to the ED, only 38.8% (n=348) of parents looked for information; those who did search looked most frequently for information about specific symptoms or severity of illness. Prior to visiting the ED the sources most frequently accessed were the internet and direct contact with healthcare professionals. At the emergency department, parents' information needs centred on immediate concerns, including explanations of their child's illness, treatments, and care instructions. Household income, education level, and parents' age were factors that affected information seeking in emergent health situations. Overwhelmingly, speaking to a healthcare professional in person is the typical and preferred way to obtain health information when facing a health crisis involving a child. The results have implications for how and when healthcare information is shared; the findings add to the limited research on parents' information behavior, particularly their roles as information proxies for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nations have made great strides in providing physical access to digital technologies and educational opportunities, yet barriers still exist that prevent those who have strong physical and intellectual access to information and communication technology from taking full advantage of the information and opportunities the technology offers. Women in particular are affected by social barriers which may be quite subtle and are easily excluded from taking an active role in the information society. This study explores how Indian women incorporate information and communication technology (ICT) into their daily lives and what aids or barriers they face in the process. This study contributes to an understanding of factors that lead to Indian women's current use of ICT, reasons why Indian women choose to use ICT, and barriers to this usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although people engage in a range of information behaviors, the majority of previous models and empirical research in information behavior tend to focus just on information seeking and use. This panel will discuss the need of extending the territories of information behavior research beyond seeking and use. Panelists will explain their own research studies that explore different forms of information behavior, and introduce emerging models including serendipitous finding of information, informationorganizing behavior, and information-creating behavior. Theoretical and methodological issues concerning modeling the new modes of information behavior will be discussed. This panel will involve the audience in identifying underinvestigated areas of information behavior and discussing potential impacts of studying various forms of information behavior on individuals, society, organizations, systems & technology, and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed 906 parents of individuals with Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) about their information seeking experiences and preferred information sources. Our findings suggest that the most popular information sources are local doctors, therapists, national organization websites and local parent networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academics are increasingly being asked to demonstrate the impact of their research beyond the walls of the academy. Societal impact measures were introduced as part of the Research Excellence Framework exercise in the UK in 2014 with a number of other countries, including Australia, considering similar assessments. As societal impact measures continue to proliferate there will be significant implications for academics, institutions, and academic libraries to document and support these activities. Information science is well-placed not only to guide practical supports within our institutions, but also to develop metrics and qualitative approaches to assess this type of research impact. This exploratory qualitative study -- situated in a constructivist grounded theory methodology -- investigated academics' experiences and perceptions of the concept of societal research impact and the supports needed to facilitate this work. The definition of impact varied greatly among participants, but regardless of the participant's conception, interviewees felt that they were not prepared, trained, or had access to the needed supports to adequately document non-academic types of impact. The data point to a number of emergent themes including a lack of relevant methodologies for tracking societal impact, the shortcomings of metrics approaches to document impact outside of academe, and the need for academic libraries to extend current reference and training supports to provide researchers with the tools and skills needed in this new impact landscape. Implications for research and development in information science related to scholarly communication, researchers' information behaviors, and impact measures are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial results of an information behavior study of Classics scholars of Latin, graduate students, and high school teachers are presented. The study was conducted to inform the design of the Digital Latin Library. Interviews and task demonstrations were conducted with 16 participants. Findings indicate user groups use a variety of specialized print and digital resources, with a preference for print manuscripts, and that they employ basic and advanced searching techniques but also require domain-specific tools to conduct their scholarly work activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]