Human Information Interaction

Editorial

What definition of information would be emancipatory one?

Mahdi Shaghaghi

Background and Aim: Human-information interaction, either in every day life or in research approaches, depends on pre-assumptions about “what information is”. Sometimes this pre-assumptions become axiomtic in a way that we must return to primary concerns about them to explore new social phenomenas. Information as an object is one of pre-assumptions. In this paper, the mentioned pre-assumptions are criticized by means of “Critical Theory” and new taxonomy of definitions on information is introduced.
Method: Documentary research method is used for gathering evidences and conceptual analysis approach is used for studing, investigating and reasoning across them.
Results: Reflections about definitions of information by means of “Critical Theory” lenz shows that those definitions that see information as an object, leads to commodification of information that is an introduction to preference of private vs. common and domination vs. participation. Thus all definitions that have such a pre-assumption are slavery definitions and all definition that see information as subjective and lingual entity are emancipatory ones.
Conclusion: Research approaches that arise from commodificatory definitions of inform

The complexities and evolution of the concepts of information and information behavior

Zahed Bigdeli

Background and Aim: This paper reviews the two major concepts in the field of information behavior (IB), namely "information" and "information seeking."
Method: Adocumentary research method and review of the literature were used.
Results: The word information is the smallest particle and the most essential element in the area of information behavior. The second one is the phrase "information behavior" itself. Review of the literature shows that the word information dates back t

Analysis of users’ query reformulation behavior in Web with regard to Wholis-tic/analytic cognitive styles, Web experience, and search task type

Maryam Asadi

Background and Aim: The basic aim of the present study is to investigate users’ query reformulation behavior with regard to wholistic-analytic cognitive styles, search task type, and experience variables in using the Web. Method: This study is an applied research using survey method. A total of 321 search queries were submitted by 44 users. Data collection tools were Riding’s Cognitive Style Analysis test, Web experience questionnaire, and three search tasks. Results: Results indicated that analytic formulated more queries and longer than wholistic to complete search taks and hi-experienced users formulated more queries and shorter than low-experienced users in completing their tasks. We identified five methods of query reformulation types: New, Add, Replace, Remove, Repeat. Strong correlations were observed between Add and Replace. Results indicated that there were significant different between query reformulation behavior of wholist and analytic and analytic users seemed to be better than their wholist peers in query reformulations. Also findings showed that the more complex tasks, the more number of search quries to complete tasks. The New and Add dominated amongst the query formulations while performing Web searching. Conclusion: Future HCI researchers and IS developers can utilize the study results to develop interactive and user-cantered search model, and to provide context-based query suggestions for users.

Information seeking in inquiry-based learning pedagogy: Proposing a preliminary model

Mohammad Ramin Naderi

Background and Aim: This study attempts to propose a suggestive model for theorising in the field of Inquiry-Based Information Behaviour (IBiB).
Method: To achieve the research aim, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Dewey’s Constructivist Theory, as well as IBL Pedagogy were analysed. Taking into account the current information behaviour models and theories which are developed based on the so called theories, we employed deductive reasoning to propose our suggestive model. Methodologically, this interpretivist study is done based on library method and implemented qualitative content analysis technique.
Results: Admitting different cognitive competencies in different age-groups as well as the role of active experience in cognitive development, each child needs her own customized cognitive-appropriate experience to be able to engage with the learning process. The specific style and rate of cognitive development makes children unique learners.
Conclusion: The proposed preliminary conceptual model showed that active learning, open inquiry-based practices, and children’s personalized methods for responding to learning and cognitive needs, all have information ethos. And, children’s IBiB determines the extent to which they could succeed in the above processes. Testing this hypothesis, the IBiB theory which explains this phenomenon needs to be developed.

Sources of anxiety during information seeking process

Elaheh Hosseini

Background and Aim: the current study aims to determine factors which may cause negative feeling such as fear, uncertainty and anxiety during information seeking process. Method: In this review paper, different library resources and databases were searched in the areas of library anxiety, Internet anxiety, computer anxiety, information seeking, information searching and information retrieval to elicit factors which may cause information seeking anxiety. Results: Potential causes of information seeking anxiety were grouped and reviewed in 4 different categories, namely factors associated with information resources, factors associated with computers, the Internet and databases, factors associated with libraries and factors associated with information seeking process. Conclusion: Negative feelings during information seeking process may negatively affect the results of this process. By being aware of the causes of information seeking anxiety, librarians and information systems’ administrators will be in a better position to provide instructions and services which is effective to reduce levels of anxiety during information seeking process.

Identification of the underlying factors affecting information seeking behavior of users interacting with the visual search option in EBSCO: a grounded theory study

Shahram Sedghi

Background and Aim: Information seeking is interactive behavior of searcher with information systems and this active interaction occurs in a real environment known as background or context. This study investigated the factors influencing the formation of layers of context and their impact on the interaction of the user with search option dialoge in EBSCO database. Method: Data from 28 semi-structured interviews with graduate students and medical information librarians were collected and coded whith open, axial and selective methods using grounded theory approach. Results: Identified general catagories and central ideas in this study include: features’ search, facility to display data: availability and usability of results, general features (personality and character) of the user, presenting unique features (offering more options in database pages). Conclusion: This research in line with previous ones and with regard to the underlying dimensions of context (place, person, or object), investigaed the need to understand factors for improvement of user’s interaction with the Web search. All dimensions of the user interactions with visual search option require understanding the context’s underlying factors. Identification of contextual factors affecting visual search improves users’ search strategy approaches.

Context-aware systems: concept, functions and applications in digital libraries

Abbas Rajabi

Background and Aim Among the places that context-aware systems and services would be very useful, are libraries. The purpose of this study is to achieve a coherent definition of context aware systems and applications, especially in digital libraries.
Method: This was a review article that was conducted by using Library method by searching articles and e-books on websites and databases.
Results: Findings of this study indicate that context-aware services in digital libraries by understanding specific conditions of each user - such as demographic characteristics, time position, location and collecting and analyzing of its data - could provide smart and appropriate services.
Conclusion: Digital libraries are constantly evolving and moving forward and must coordinate themselves with on-going changes. Equipping libraries with context-aware services lead them to best meet information needs of their users, without limitation of time and place.