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Increased pressure for quality research at South African universities, and limited research done on the information needs of veterinary science researchers and the role of veterinary libraries supporting them, motivated a case study at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria (South Africa). The study aimed to determine what the information needs, information seeking behavior and information use behavior of veterinary researchers are, and how these needs are being met by the library. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from researchers as well as information specialists by means of questionnaires, focus group interviews and a citation analysis. Findings and recommendations are based on descriptive statistical analysis of the quantitative data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The study found that the information needs of researchers are influenced by the research environment and expectations for research output. Most needs for information and support services are met. Collection building practices, library space, and awareness of services offered by information specialists need attention. Findings reveal considerable gaps between researchers' expectations from information specialists and their own perceptions of roles to fulfil. The paper contributes to the limited literature on the information behavior of veterinary researchers and library services supporting their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Competitive intelligence failures have devastating effects in marketplaces. They are attributed to various factors but seldom explicitly to information behaviour. This paper addresses causes of competitive intelligence failures from an information behaviour lens focussing on problems with key intelligence and information needs. The exploratory study was conducted in 2016/2017. Managers (end-users) identify key intelligence needs on which information is needed, and often other staff members seek the information (proxy information seeking). The purpose of this paper is to analyse problems related to key intelligence and information needs, and make recommendations to address the problems.Design/methodology/approach The study is placed in a post-positivism research paradigm, using qualitative and limited quantitative research approaches. In total, 15 participants (competitive intelligence professionals and educators/trainers originating from South Africa and the USA) contributed rich data through in-depth individual interviews.Findings Problems associated with articulation of information needs (key intelligence needs is the competitive intelligence term – with a broader scope) include inadequate communication between the person in need of information and the proxy information searcher; awareness and recognition of information needs; difficulty in articulation, incomplete and partial sharing of details of needs.Research limitations/implications Participant recruitment was difficult, representing mostly from South Africa. The findings from this exploratory study can, however, direct further studies with a very understudied group.Practical implications However, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.Originality/value Little has been published on competitive intelligence from an information behaviour perspective. Frameworks guiding the study (a combination of Leckie et al.’s 1996 and Wilson’s, 1981 models and a competitive intelligence life cycle), however, revealed valuable findings that can guide research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an exploratory study of third-year architecture students’ information behaviour. It focusses on information activities, personal experience, resource usage, preferences in working individually or collaboratively, preferences for information resources inspiring creativity and physical spaces to be creative.Design/methodology/approach It was a mixed methods study with a strongly qualitative component and limited descriptive quantitative data. Data were collected in October 2016 at a South African university using individual self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured individual interviews; 19 out of 60 (response rate 32 per cent) third-year architecture students doing a design project participated.Findings Creativity is important in architecture projects, as is information resources in stimulating creativity. Students preferred to work individually during their design projects; at times collaboration was needed for idea generation. Information activities included: information gathering, encountering, use and sharing. A range of theoretical, technical, artistic and practical skills and knowledge must be integrated to produce creative outcomes, in addition, to information searching and information usage. Factual information is also required. Students can benefit from a supportive information rich creative space (physical or virtual).Research limitations/implications The study was conducted at only one institution with a small number of participants. Although generalisation of findings is not possible, issues for further research can be noted.Practical implications Designers of physical and virtual creative spaces must take into account different facets of information behaviour and the information resources and services required during creative information-seeking activities.Originality/value Although there is literature on information behaviour and creativity, the authors could not find any that explores architecture students’ information behaviour in academic spaces of creativity. [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]

Global changes in the cataloguing environment, training needs of cataloguers, the professional profile of cataloguers, and concerns about the future of the cataloguing profession have been widely noted over many years. Document types are published in a variety of formats, and are accordingly recorded in metadata formats other than conventional MARC. Expanded cataloguing theory to include the digital environment has required cataloguers to adjust to new job content. This necessitated training of qualified newcomers and non-qualified individuals in cataloguing practice. Life-long learning and mastering new skills are inescapable. These circumstances also apply in South Africa. This article reports on a mixed methods study about the continuing education needs and learning patterns of contemporary cataloguers in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to meet continuing cataloguing education needs by designing a self-directed framework for this purpose. Data were collected between April and May 2015 by means of an electronic semi-structured selfadministered questionnaire and focus group interviews. Members listed on two professional, electronic distribution lists - LIASA-IGBIS and SabiCat - were invited to participate. Fiftynine useful questionnaires were returned, and three focus group interviews were conducted with 17 participants overall. A self-directed learning framework was designed based on findings from the literature review and empirical study. The framework was influenced by models on professional practice, the spheres where continuing education originate, the work of Knowles (1975) and Brockett and Hiemstra (2012) on self-directed learning theory, and the personality trait of self-directedness as understood and constructed by Oddi (1984), another self-directed learning theorist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a three-part framework of information engagement for situated gynecological cancers. These particular cancers intertwine with medicalization of sexuality and gender power dynamics, situating information behaviors and interactions in women’s socio-health perceptions. Using Kavanagh and Broom’s feminist risk framework, the framework establishes functional and temporal parameters for sense-making and information engagement. Design/methodology/approach – This paper employs a structured, reiterative literature review with emergent thematic analysis. Nine indices from medicine, information studies, and sociology were searched using combinations of five terms on cervical cancer (CC) and 14 terms on information engagement in the title, abstract, and subject fields. Results were examined on a reiterative basis to identify emergent themes pertaining to knowledge development and information interactions. Findings – Environmentally, social stigma and gender roles inhibit information seeking; normalizing CC helps integrate medical, moral, and sexual information. Internally, living with the dichotomy between “having” a body and “being” a body requires high-trust information resources that are presented gradually. Actively, choosing to make or cede medical decision-making requires personally relevant information delivered in the form of concrete facts and explanations. Research limitations/implications – The study covers only one country. Originality/value – This study’s information framework and suggestions for future research encourage consideration of gender power dynamics, medicalization of sexuality, and autonomy in women’s health information interactions. [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]

Information seeking and use are critically important for people living with HIV/AIDS and for those who care for people with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the HIV/AIDS context is characterized by significant affective or emotional aspects including stigma, fear, and coping. Thus, studies of information behavior in this context should be expected to take account of emotional variables. In information behavior scholarship, emotional variables have been marginalized in favor of a focus on cognitive aspects, although in recent years greater attention has been paid to the affective realm. This study used quantitative content analysis to explore the degree to which information behavior studies across a range of disciplines actually include affect or emotion in their analyses. Findings suggest that most studies pay little or no attention to these variables, and that attention has not changed over the past 20 years. Those studies that do account for emotion, however, provide excellent examples of information behavior research that can lead the way for future work. [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]

It is argued that notwithstanding the life expectation of patients in palliative care, they still grapple with a wide spectrum of uncertainties for which they require answers to bring relief from anxiety. Nurses, appreciative of their role to relief anxiety, are often the only persons with whom patients have regular contact that can assist them in finding answers. Although nursing staff are well trained in palliative care, they often experience frustration when they fail to access the right information that will provide their patients' information needs. Despite evidence of numerous successful information provision interventions by nursing staff, the literature continues to report unmet information needs and frustrations of patients and their families. As a solution, this paper offers an exploratory conceptualisation of nurses and palliative care which can serve as a framework for further investigations towards enhancing nursing staff's information intermediary capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the number of people diagnosed with life-threatening diseases and affected by palliative care, as well as an increase in studies on information behaviour including information seeking, can be noted. With this in mind, the paper briefly reviews reports on research on information behaviour in palliative care in terms of: target groups and participants, settings, research methods and methods of data collection, components of information behaviour, and the factors influencing information behaviour. For each, some research gaps are noted. A few key findings on information behaviour in palliative care are highlighted. The intention is not to offer a comprehensive review; it is merely an overview to stimulate research in information behaviour in palliative care and to offer a point of reference. There are numerous research opportunities preferred. [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]

Background: Health librarians should keep up-to-date in a dynamic environment and accept the importance of continuing personal development (CPD) and growth in their critical reflection and creative thinking skills. They also need to acknowledge the potential value of research activity and the challenges of ongoing improvement and development. Conference programmes may prove a useful source of stimulation, especially if supplemented by creativity techniques, action research and the ideal of 'finding flow'. Objectives: The article analyses the themes and papers presented at the 10th International Conference on International Medical Librarianship (ICML) to identify opportunities for further research, literature reviews, assessment of practices and services, etc. Methods: Content analysis approach to conference papers and suggestions for further action including supplementing with techniques of creativity and group input. Results: A fairly extensive list of further actions (although not intended to be exhaustive) is suggested for the sixteen conference themes. Although subjective, the list might help to stimulate growth in research on health librarianship and demonstrate how one source of stimulation - conference programmes (regularly presented to medical library communities) - can be used. Conclusions: Content analysis has proven a constructive means of generating research questions from a conference programme. Content analysis and other methods aimed at stimulating creative and progressive thinking, including brainstorming, force field analysis, De Bono's 6 hats, creative swiping and creative visualisation, may prove equally useful and require further investigation. To ensure an ongoing cycle, these can be linked to action research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of a doctoral study undertaken in the Department of Information Science at the University of Pretoria. It describes a now-completed investigation of the information-seeking behaviour of secondary level in-service geography teachers in Lesotho using focus group discussions. There were 82 participants in this sub-study teaching in various schools that offer geography both at junior and senior secondary levels in Lesotho. The study used Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain's (1996) model of the information seeking of professionals as its framework. Although Leckie et al's (1996) model identifies five work roles that trigger information needs, the empirical component this study identified three work roles: educator role, administrative role and non-academic role. In addition, the secondary geography teachers who were studied tend to use syllabus documents, learners' textbooks and colleagues as predominant information sources. They prefer information that will be easily understood by their learners and go to great lengths to seek information related to what they will deliver in class. This article offers a descriptive report of some key results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A review, focusing on emotion, was conducted of reported studies on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals (2004–2008). Findings were intended to offer guidelines on information services and information literacy training, to note gaps in research and to raise research interest. Method: Databases were searched for literature published from January 2004 to December 2008 and indexed oneric, Library and Information Science Abstracts,medline, PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; Social Work Abstracts; SocINDEX with Full Text; SPORTDiscus;cinhal; and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Key journals were manually scanned and citations followed. Literature was included if reporting on issues concerning emotion. Results: Emotion in information behaviour in healthcare contexts is scantily addressed. This review, however, offers some insight into the difficulty in identifying and expressing information needs; sense making and the need to fill knowledge gaps; uncertainty; personality and coping skills; motivation to seeking information; emotional experiences during information seeking; self-confidence and attitude; emotional factors in the selection of information channels; and seeking information for psychological or emotional reasons. Conclusion: Suggestions following findings, address information literacy programs, information services and research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Cancer Library (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) and the Department of Information Science, University of Pretoria conducted a cross-country exploratory study to evaluate the current awareness service (CAS) offered by the Library via PUBMED. The intention was to determine satisfaction with the service, the topics of interest, the reasons for using the service and potential problems, and to pave the way for ongoing research that is manageable for library and information (LIS) practitioners and that can eventually make a theoretical contribution. The intention was furthermore to promote the service to South African oncology nurses as a method of staying abreast in their field: they have access to the library website and can access monthly updates on the topic(s) of their choice. Twenty eight oncology healthcare professionals (mostly oncology nurses) participated: 6 from The Netherlands and 22 from South Africa. For participants from The Netherlands it seems as if professional interest and evidence-based nursing are the most important reasons for using the CAS, and for South African participants it seems to be the need to offer a good service to patients. The value of small-scale evaluation projects and cooperation between academia and praxis was shown, and the way paved for continuation of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consulting engineers are professionals who are either self-employed or work for a consulting engineering company. They do not all necessarily have formally organised information services, such as libraries, available in their companies to provide in their information needs. The objective is to report on a qualitative study investigating the information behaviour of a small group of self-employed consulting engineers working in Gauteng. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to select the eleven responding consulting engineers for this study. Semi-structured time-line interviews were conducted to collect the data. The gap-metaphor in Dervin's sensemaking approach was used to analyse the data. Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain's general model of the information-seeking of professionals provided the framework for the study. The results showed that consulting engineers rely heavily on people, personal files and personal knowledge for information. Other frequently used information sources include the Internet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) sites and digital cameras. Consulting engineers need information from varied sources in the initial stages of a project. Information in the final stages of a project comes from the project itself. In conclusion comments are made on the use of Leckie et al's model and the gap-metaphor in Dervin's sense-making methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selection of aspects, identified from the literature on human information behaviour (HIB) (healthcare as well as other contexts) is explored with regard to offering practical advice on how these can be incorporated into information literacy programmes for healthcare professionals. The aspects explored are based on the author's interpretation of selected literature and include: awareness of information needs and the value of information as well as the ability to express information needs; healthcare professionals as persons-in-context; the importance of affective issues in the daily tasks of healthcare professionals and the role of emotions (e.g. being anxious, frustrated, bored or unmotivated); importance of personality and learning style on information needs and the success of information seeking; importance of everyday-life information needs and how this may overlap with task-related information needs; and the realities of barriers to information seeking and how to deal with these. The intention is to highlight issues normally not considered in reports on training in information literacy. Apart from practical advice on the various aspects, it is argued that library and information (LIS) professionals should sensitise healthcare professionals to the complexity of human information behaviour and the need to understand their own information behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexities, as well as seemingly simplicities of book indexing are considered against conceptualisation and determining what an entity is about. This is done by considering an academic, theoretical perspective as well as the perspective of indexers in praxis. Various viewpoints on conceptionalisation are briefly considered, namely the simplistic approach, content-oriented approach, requirements-oriented approach and socio-cognitive view. Suggestions on bridging the gap between pragmatic indexing and theoretical indexing discourse are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers the history of bibliographic control in South Africa, with the focus on the legislation regulating legal deposits and a national agency for bibliographic control, and the various role players (eg interest groups, bibliographic networks, the national archival service and service providers for bibliographic control tools). A selection of bibliographic control tools, including union catalogues, bibliographies, indexes and databases, as well as advisory groups and research reports, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library and Information Science professionals can proactively facilitate successful disintermediation to specific user groups such as oncology nurses. By drawing on their skills as intermediaries they can empower oncology nurses to set up their own current awareness services (CAS) available via the World Wide Web (WWW). Such services include table of content services, electronic newsletters, book-alerting services, conference announcements, WWW discussion groups, Web pages with newsworthy content and article alerting or selective dissemination of information services. A few examples of each are included. A cursory glance at the literature of oncology nursing can point out potential interest in current awareness services, which can be used as bases to collect information on more specific information needs for specific groups (e.g. through focus group interviews). To be successful at facilitating disintermediation, Library and Information Science professionals should approach disintermediation as an exciting opportunity to open new niches for themselves. They should be prepared to move beyond information literacy courses and empower oncology nurses to use current awareness services in addition to their needs for retrospective searches and factual information. This article takes a theoretical look at facilitating disintermediation. Drawing on their substantial experience of intermediation Library and Information Science professionals should consider the following: linking potential information needs and perceived information needs to the benefits that can be expected from current awareness services, the need to verify information and computer skills as well as prior knowledge and perceptions concerning the value of information as well as the information infrastructure for oncology nurses. They should also consider findings from Web information-seeking studies (e.g. the impact of the task environment, motivation and experiences of anxiety), and possible frustrations oncology nurses might experience with WWW current awareness services. They should take up the challenge to explore solutions to these frustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A socio-cognitive approach to document representation in addition to the systems-orientated approach might solve problems in information retrieval (IR). If introduced in a simplified and pragmatic manner in the teaching of indexing and abstracting, it might also help to bridge the gap between IR theory and indexing and abstracting praxis. The purpose of information retrieval systems (IRSs), information retrieval and the problems with IR research is considered as background to a socio-cognitive approach. Academic interpretations of the socio-cognitive approach as well as a simplified interpretation more suitable to teaching practice are considered. The latter is used to suggest a model of learning content, a constructivistic learning environment, learning experiences based on collaborative learning, and portfolio assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distance teaching programmes can offer working adults valuable opportunities for furthering their careers in a dynamic indexing and abstracting environment that includes database indexing, book indexing and Web indexing. On the basis of experience gained at the University of South Africa (UNISA), a study of the practice of distance teaching and an instructional design model developed by the author, suggestions are offered for the design of distance teaching programmes for indexers and abstractors. The model specifies the aspects to consider, namely teaching philosophy, characteristics of distance teaching (including the benefits and disadvantages), situation analysis, formulation of aims and learning outcomes, actual development of the programme (including the selection of media and teaching strategies), selection of assessment methods, offering of learner support and evaluation of the programme. Suggestions are made for the teaching of indexing and abstracting, bearing in mind that there are different models of distance teaching programmes. The choice of a model would depend on the particular situation (e.g. the availability of information technology infrastructure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Web-based course developed for teaching reference work at the Department of Information Science at the University of Pretoria (UP) (South Africa) is discussed. The significant impact of technological changes on the scope and nature of reference work, as well as the implementation of a telematic teaching model at UP, served as the rationale for offering the course through WebCT. Although students had positive experiences, a number of unexpected implementation difficulties were experienced. Since the majority of students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, most of these problems can be ascribed to the role played by the digital divide. These problems were identified through focus and chat group s, the lecturer `5 experiences, and informal feedback from students. A framework of instructional design principles for Web-based teaching is suggested based on the basis of the difficulties identified. It allows for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and should be useful for similar teaching situations in both developing and developed countries. Specific suggestions are made for the adaptation of the reference work course at UP. [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.

Deals with the portfolio assessment strategy for the module in Research Information Skills introduced at the Department of Information Science in collaboration with the Library Services of the University of South Africa. How to assess information literacy and online searching skills; What portfolios and portfolio assessment offer to the module; Application of portfolios in the module; Conclusion.

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]