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In a world saturated with information — and misinformation — understanding how people seek, use, and make sense of information has never mattered more. Providing a thorough introduction to the field of information behaviour, this essential guide carefully defines what information behaviour is, what we currently know about it and how the field might develop in the future.
Outlining the key concepts, issues and themes of information behaviour, the book illustrates them using carefully selected research studies and provides a clear path through the complex maze of theories and models. Implications of the theoretical work for professional practice are described, and each chapter concludes with a round-up of what has been covered, highlighting the implications for professional information practice. The key topics covered include:
- defining information behaviour
- information needs
- information seeking, acquisition and avoidance
- collaborative information behaviour
- factors influencing information behaviour
- models and theories of information behaviour
- misinformation, disinformation and harmful information
- artificial intelligence and large language models
- research approaches and methodologies
- fragmentation, falsifiability and the future of the field.
Fully updated and revised throughout, the new edition of this landmark textbook is an indispensable primer for students and practitioners in library and information science, information management and data and computer science.
Ford has written a truly organic work in contrast to other similar books that are essentially listings. Ford deliberately simplifies the confusing, chaotic picture of information behavior concepts and research for his intended audience. But also, as a researcher, such an ably useful and sophisticated rendering of a complex research field was extremely interesting.
— Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology
This title is recommended for readers who are interested in information literacy, as well as information professionals who have an active role in instruction.
— Journal of Web Librarianship
Nigel Ford is Emeritus Professor of Information Science at the University of Sheffield, UK. During his 30 years at the university, he was Director of Research, Head of the Educational Informatics Research Group, and Deputy Director of the Centre for Information Literacy. He has published extensively and directed many funded research projects in information behaviour.
Introduction
Part 1: Basic Concepts
Chapter 1: What is Information Behaviour and Why Do We Need to Know About It?
Chapter 2: Changing Conceptions of Information Needs
Part 2: Key Components and Influencing Factors
Chapter 3: Information Seeking and Acquisition Are Key Components of Information Behaviour
Chapter 4: Information Behaviour Can Be Collaborative
Chapter 5: Factors Influencing Information Behaviour
Chapter 6: Models and Theories in Information Behaviour Research
Part 3: The Changing Information Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter 7: What is Misinformation and How Can We Address It?
Chapter 8: What Are the Implications of AI for Information Behaviour?
Part 4: Studying Information Behaviour
Chapter 9: Research Approaches
Chapter 10: Past, Present and Future