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Introduction: This paper reports a study on information-seeking behaviour of prospective geography teachers at the National University of Lesotho based on their experiences during teaching practice. It is part of a larger doctoral study on information needs and information-seeking patterns of secondary level geography teachers in Lesotho. Method: The study used a questionnaire survey of the prospective geography teachers, which yielded a 74.2% (46/62) response rate. Analysis: Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to provide descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that the scope of the information needed by prospective geography teachers covers content that has to be delivered in class, teaching methods, educational policies and learners' assessment. Various styles of information-seeking such as collaborative and serendipitous were used. The teachers experienced a lack of information sources at schools. They preferred traditional information sources such as books, personal knowledge and other teachers in host schools. Modern electronic sources such as the internet were hardly used, probably due to unavailability and teachers' limited information literacy skills. Conclusion: Realising the value of information in learning and teaching, more needs to be done to improve availability of information resources and teachers' information literacy skills in least developed countries such as Lesotho.

Introduction: This study investigates the information needs and information-seeking patterns of secondary level geography teachers in Lesotho to guide the design and implementation of an information service for these teachers. Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain's model of professionals' information-seeking served as a theoretical framework but was overlaid with other models such as that of Savolainen and Wilson. Method: Data were collected from in-service teachers through focus group discussions, prospective teachers with a questionnaire, and key actors in Lesotho's secondary geography education context through individual interviews. Analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the questionnaire responses. Content analysis was used to analyse the verbal responses as well as an open-ended question on the questionnaire. Triangulation was applied through using three sets of participants and different data collection techniques for each. It allowed comparative analysis of responses and data collection techniques used in the study. Results: The work environment of in-service geography teachers is revealed including their work roles, associated tasks, information needs and information-seeking patterns. An information service model for Lesotho secondary level geography teachers (including possible interventions) is proposed. Conclusions: Lesotho geography teachers need information to fulfil their work related roles and tasks that might be addressed through an information service. An implementation agency, information specialist(s) and collaborative approach to service delivery are crucial for the implementation and sustenance of the proposed information service. (Contains 7 figures.)

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) and distance education in teaching search strategies to end users and describes a tutorial developed at the University of South Africa on the formulation of search strategies. Highlights include distance teaching and lifelong learning; and an example of an evaluation of a CAI tutorial. (Contains 54 references.) (LRW)

Introduction. Information behaviour in grief, bereavement, death, dying and its influence on the development of information interventions is understudied. Although pragmatic and evidence-based practices work well, theoretical and conceptual models, research findings and theories should inform grief and bereavement information interventions developed by specialist counsellors. Extensive literature on death, dying, grief and bereavement counselling/therapy and information behaviour per se, does not address this need. This paper reports on work in progress exploring existing theories and models that might guide research. Method. Scoping review of literature from applicable disciplines (health, social work, religion, psychology, library/information science) for theories/models reported in grief and bereavement counselling and bereavement information intervention design. The focus is on information behaviour and all related information activities. Analysis. Two tables based on a content analysis that show theories/models that hold value for information interventions and studies of information behaviour. Results. The analysis reveals a spectrum of theories including grief theory, grief stage theory, theory of motivated information management. Models for consideration include bereavement model, transtheoretical model (narratives), social interaction model. Conclusion. Information behaviour research should continue to strive in conceptually and theoretically informing grief and bereavement information interventions, practices and work in grief and bereavement counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Extensive conceptualisations of context in information behaviour research do not extend to all contexts revealed in the use of electronic (e)-dictionary and similar e-sources. Information behaviour emphasises users' contexts and their situations. As intermediaries, examples of using e-dictionaries reveal additional contexts. E-dictionary research and lexicographical insight add additional conceptualisations of information behaviour contexts. Method. Conceptual paper drawing on literature reviews of research on e-dictionaries and conceptualisations of information behaviour contexts, and an exemplar approach to e-dictionary use. Analysis. The literature and dictionary use examples are analysed through an information behaviour lens with added lexicographic insight. Results. Conceptualisations of context in information behaviour research strongly focus on the user (e.g. the need, problem) and specific situations in such contexts, sometimes extending to temporality and spatiality. Information retrieval literature also notes the context of the person who created information and of an intermediary (person or system). Three contexts are evident from e-dictionary use and lexicography: user, information intermediary (dictionary), and word, phrase or text (information source). These contexts might influence information behaviour. Conclusion. The use of e-dictionaries and similar intermediaries, observed with lexicographic insight, can enhance conceptualisations of context in information behaviour, which is of value in the use of information sources and information evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Music repertoire selection is a process driven by music conductors. They focus on scoring, ensemble composition, acquisition methods (i.e., acquiring the music). Information needs and seeking are core to repertoire selection and conductors' tasks/roles. It cannot be considered in isolation; other conductor responsibilities, past experiences, and external factors (e.g., finances) influence the process and information seeking. We report findings from an exploratory study conducted in 2023 with 37 conductors. Method. Brief literature review, triangulated with findings from a mixed-method study. A semi-structured questionnaire collected quantitative data from 37 conductors and individual online interviews collected qualitative data from two conductors. Analysis. Quantitative data revealed typical tasks requiring information, issues to consider in repertoire selection (e.g., text, ensemble capabilities), internet usage and other information seeking activities and sources. Qualitative data elaborated on factors influencing repertoire selection and information seeking e.g., repertoire inspiration and financial factors. Results & discussion. Three core themes influencing information seeking are discussed: process of repertoire selection, user (individual conductor) characteristics, external factors. The repertoire selection (process) is mapped against information seeking behaviour (activities, sources), user characteristics and external factors. Conclusion. Music repertoire selection's interdependence with other tasks of music conductors, the importance of individuality and inevitable external factors, influence information seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Studies of information behaviour can inform the design of information systems, services and creative workspaces. Creative workspaces are associated with access to tools, expertise, guidance, innovation and constructivist learning. The work of Kuhlthau on information seeking, the information search process (ISP) model, zones of intervention, and later with third space(s) might hold value for the exploitation of creative workspaces in academic libraries. Method. A thematic analysis of a selection of key publications of Kuhlthau is presented focusing on the value for creative workspaces. Analysis. Publications were analysed according to key characteristics of creative workspaces using makerspaces as an example: applicability to diverse contexts; provision of access to tools, expertise, and skills; the provision of safe spaces; providing an open environment for expressions; space to support a hands-on learning environment for guided and constructivist learning; and providing a space to cultivate character traits important to collective creativity. These were compared with information behaviour themes noted in the work of Kuhlthau. Results. Various issues in the work of Kuhlthau hold potential for creative workspaces; acknowledgement of uncertainty, complexity of tasks, the need for sense-making, and affective and cognitive experiences throughout information searching, seeking and other information activities encompassed by information behaviour. Conclusion. Kuhlthau's work can inform information behaviour studies that guide the development of creative workspaces in academic libraries. Specifically, with reference to the phases of creation, information seeking, information searches, thoughts, feelings, the development of zones of intervention, and third spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Palliative care embraces the plight of patients and caregivers. Cognitive and emotional empathy, empathetic care and the information environment at a time of dying influence caregivers' experiences of information interactions and emotional well-being. Understanding empathetic care, and the need for empathy in caregiver information interaction experiences in both palliative care and information behaviour, is still too limited. Visceral autoethnographic sharing combined with other qualitative research methods may help. Method. This paper intends to push the boundaries of research on the complexities of information interactions experienced by caregivers in empathetic care for the dying. Themes for further research are deducted from the subject literature, recorded experiences of caregivers, and our own experiences and insight gained from dual sharing experiences as information behaviour researchers and caregivers (i.e. collaborative autoethnography). We allow for etic (outsider) and emic (insider) perspectives. Information behaviour, collaborative autoethnography, and the philosophy of palliative care served as research lenses. Analysis. A cursory thematic content analysis was applied to the literature on caregiver experiences, caregiver 'voices' on information interaction, the value of collaborative autoethnography and our own shared experiences. Results. Key research themes include: caregiver sense-making in individual situated contexts; conceptualisation of empathy and empathetic care; cross disciplinary collaborative autoethnographic research. Conclusion. Since conventional research designs alone cannot address the complexities of information interactions, and there has been a failure to meet with the expectations of caregivers at the time of dying, alternative designs such as inter-disciplinary collaborative autoethnography supplemented by qualitative mixed methods research must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Although much has been reported on cancer information needs, the literature is scant on cancer pain information-related needs. This might be prohibiting understanding of complex experiences of pain and fulfilment of information needs. An exploratory review of research on cancer pain and information-related needs is used to make suggestions for future research. The review reports on research themes, research designs and research gaps. Method. Key Library and Information Science, Healthcare and inter-disciplinary databases were searched for articles reporting on cancer pain and information-related needs. It is an exploratory review. Analysis: Thematic analysis identified the following themes: people affected/studied, and the type, stage and care/treatment of cancer as well as care location. It also addressed the research designs including research approaches, research methods, means of data collection and sample sizes. Results: Research on cancer pain and information-related needs are limited, scattered in terms of cancer type, stage, care/treatment and care location, and the research designs are often too compartmentalised and simplistic to fully appreciate the complexities of cancer pain and the difficulties in contextualising, recognising, expressing, acting-on/fulfilling, and re-assessing pain information-related needs. Conclusion: Suggestions are offered for further research embracing the commitment for palliative care of cancer pain and ensuring quality of life, enhanced research designs, the need to address the issue of differing terminologies on a broader extent between disciplines and in a narrower context, between patients and healthcare practitioners, and to explore means to address the complexity of cancer pain and cancer pain information-related needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Many projects on information retrieval systems have been reported. This paper, however, reports on the use of value-added features and services available from proprietary databases for example, Researcher ID, sharing references with others, case studies and curricular recommendations that can contribute to effective task completion. The question, however, arises: to what extent are academics (faculty, lecturing staff) aware of these, and how are they using these for academic tasks? Method. The paper reports on an exploratory case study at a South African university in 2015 with 37 staff members from all ranks, within the three academic departments teaching on facets of information: Information Science, Informatics and Computer Science. A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative data (semi-structured electronic questionnaire) and qualitative data (individual interviews and one focus group interview). Analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed the use of proprietary databases and selected features. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed perceptions, opinions, experiences, barriers and motivators. Wilson's information behaviour model guided the study. Results. What stood out was the use of proprietary databases to complete academic tasks associated with perceptions of what is expected at various academic ranks, the impact of curriculum content, personal preferences and habits, and the value of the study to raise awareness. Conclusion. Considering changes in for example, tasks, disciplinary content and continuing career growth, it is recommended that reciprocal mapping of value-added features and services against academic tasks is used at regular intervals to raise awareness of the value of such features and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Although extensive research has been reported on illness and family care giving in relation to information seeking and information behaviour, many concerns about unmet information needs and frustrations in finding information are raised. Both the Information Science and Medical and Healthcare communities are calling for deepened understanding of ways information can support patients and their families. Method. The paper asserts the value of the emerging practice of collaborative autoethnography (neglected in information research on care giving) for crafting rich understandings of information engagements and practices in the lives of family caregivers. The method deliberately draws on dual lenses: first, as carers for a family member with a chronic, life-limiting illness or life-threatening disease; second, as information practice researchers. The paper examines ways the method contributs insights in other fields as part of a justification for its value to information research. Analysis. Dual analysis (as care-givers and as information practice researchers) sensitizes us to the individual nature of health related experiences and needs. Building research around the crafting of stories about personal experiences of care giving provides an insider's view that enriches our outsider perspectives when probing the experiences of others and interpreting results from studies using other methods. It can be an intense and challenging task -- but one information researchers should embrace. Results. The approach enables dialogic engagement with someone encountering similar yet different experiences and opens opportunity for new insights about dormant information needs and the emotions and feelings accompanying the desire to know more about how to care for a loved one. The powerful relationship between the evocative and the analytic sheds light on experiences that may not be revealed through other research approaches used to investigate issues associated with illness and palliative care. Conclusions. Collaborative autoethnography can enrich our understanding of the embedded, contextual character of information practices as they unfold in the midst of illness or care giving. Furthermore, it has value for the study of other sensitive sites of engagement with information, where experience from an insider perspective can contribute richer understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Current trends necessitate the need to consider affect and emotion in information behaviour. A research agenda is required to ensure a systematic and holistic approach to information behaviour scholarship that will align research foci, methods and theories with the practical needs of society at large: where are information behaviour studies focusing on affect and emotion needed and what are the foci of studies to date? Method. The cornerstones for a research agenda are outlined before discussing findings from an exploratory literature survey. Analysis. The literature review is organised around six broad themes: where, how, whom, why, when and what, with specific reference to information activities and interactions involving affect and emotion. For each theme, relevant information behaviour research is noted, and opportunities to extend research on affect and emotion are identified. Results. A research agenda is suggested that calls for tighter conceptualisation of affect and emotion, methods for setting research agendas, and researcher and research participant self-awareness of emotion and affect. These recommendations address the broad agenda themes, and have potential to align research findings with practical outcomes. Conclusions. This paper provides a foundation to explore a research agenda which addresses significant information-related needs, and expands the scope of information behaviour scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This paper reports a study on information-seeking behaviour of prospective geography teachers at the National University of Lesotho based on their experiences during teaching practice. It is part of a larger doctoral study on information needs and information-seeking patterns of secondary level geography teachers in Lesotho. Method. The study used a questionnaire survey of the prospective geography teachers, which yielded a 74.2% (46/62) response rate. Analysis. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to provide descriptive statistics. Results. It was found that the scope of the information needed by prospective geography teachers covers content that has to be delivered in class, teaching methods, educational policies and learners' assessment. Various styles of information-seeking such as collaborative and serendipitous were used. The teachers experienced a lack of information sources at schools. They preferred traditional information sources such as books, personal knowledge and other teachers in host schools. Modern electronic sources such as the internet were hardly used, probably due to unavailability and teachers' limited information literacy skills. Conclusion. Realising the value of information in learning and teaching, more needs to be done to improve availability of information resources and teachers' information literacy skills in least developed countries such as Lesotho. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This study investigates the information needs and information-seeking patterns of secondary level geography teachers in Lesotho to guide the design and implementation of an information service for these teachers. Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain's model of professionals' information-seeking served as a theoretical framework but was overlaid with other models such as that of Savolainen and Wilson. Method. Data were collected from in-service teachers through focus group discussions, prospective teachers with a questionnaire, and key actors in Lesotho's secondary geography education context through individual interviews. Analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the questionnaire responses. Content analysis was used to analyse the verbal responses as well as an open-ended question on the questionnaire. Triangulation was applied through using three sets of participants and different data collection techniques for each. It allowed comparative analysis of responses and data collection techniques used in the study. Results. The work environment of in-service geography teachers is revealed including their work roles, associated tasks, information needs and information-seeking patterns. An information service model for Lesotho secondary level geography teachers (including possible interventions) is proposed. Conclusions. Lesotho geography teachers need information to fulfil their work related roles and tasks that might be addressed through an information service. An implementation agency, information specialist(s) and collaborative approach to service delivery are crucial for the implementation and sustenance of the proposed information service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Palliative care is associated with life-threatening diseases and especially the last phase between life and death - end-of-life. Although noted, the emotion, trauma, despair and physical deterioration of this phase are not fully acknowledged in information behaviour and health care literature. Patients' and families' unmet information needs and frustrations remain of concern. Method. To deepen understanding of the complexity of information behaviour in palliative care and identification of information needs not recognised and/or not expressed, the paper advocates exploring (identifying and labelling) diverse and multiple contexts in palliative care that have been noted from the literature reporting on information behaviour in palliative care, as well as palliative care per se. Analysis. An exploratory information behaviour model depicting diverse contexts in palliative care is used to direct brief discussions of the contexts of informing, awareness, location of disease and disease trajectory, pain, support and social networks, and location of care, as examples of such contexts. The paper focuses on patients. Conclusions. Considering diverse, multiple, overlapping contexts in relation to palliative care and information behaviour might contribute to identifying dormant and unexpressed information needs, and deepening understanding of the complexity and diversity of information behaviour. A wider spectrum of contexts might be noted through further in-depth content analysis of the literature on palliative care and related issues to direct further research. The paper reports on work in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in web information seeking/searching studies, and their importance for web site design, search engines, intranets, portals, etc. warrants a research agenda for web information seeking/searching studies in South Africa. A research framework directs research projects and should include: the rationale for and purpose of a study, descriptive information, links to related studies and traditional information retrieval, links to research paradigms and theoretical models, research methodology and methods, rationale for analysing the data, actual statistical analysis, interpretation and findings, and explicit reference to the practical impact o f and need for further research. It should build on the importance of research in a particular context, and acknowledge the existing body o f research literature. Suggestions are offered for practical and theoretical research projects relevant to the South African context. Although we can benefit from isolated projects, a research agenda, as suggested, may add greater impetus to our research efforts and understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considers the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as an effective method of teaching in Library and Information Science practices. Overview of CAI and how it can be used in distance learning; Design of a CAI tutorial for distance learning; Analysis of learning content with regard to the formulation of search strategies.

The article presents the discussion on investigating pregnant women's interests in services offering health literacy and health information through appropriate sources and channels. Topics include information monitoring assisting with the promotion of patient-centred information and provision of reliable and new information; and knowledge of pregnant women's most preferred information sources and channels by care providers improving maternal and infant health.

Introduction. Reports on an exploratory study on the information needs of a small group of South African oncology nurses. Method. Individual questionnaires, focus group interviews, and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection from a convenience sample of nursing staff, an oncologist and an oncology social worker. Analysis. A qualitative analysis was done; recorded interviews were analysed to identify main themes. Results. Tasks are perceived as not information intensive with limited opportunities for decision-making regarding patient care. Although emotion, stress and underlying anxiety feature strongly in daily tasks, these are not linked to information needs. Limited interest in current awareness services is influenced by working conditions, lack of access to information resources, lack of computer skills and experience in using the Internet, lack of motivation to use current awareness services, expectations and support from management, and the impact of specific tasks and responsibilities. Conclusions. Task-based information seeking models, context (organizational and health care cultures), motivation for personal development, and the impact of social organization in health care work and emotion and anxiety require further exploration. Suggestions for the development of a model of information behaviour and further theoretical grounding are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]