Abstract
Introduction. This paper traces current trends in information behaviour research, both in terms of methods and topics. Results are put into relation to the previous trend analysis by Julien et al. (2011) and Vakkari (2008).
Method. Trends derive from a publication analysis taken from information behaviour related publication venues between 2012 and 2014.
Analysis. Publication titles, authors, years, publication venue, methods and topics were collected and quantitatively analysed.
Results. Qualitative methods still dominate information behaviour research. Content analysis and participatory designs are gaining terrain. Information seeking is still the major topic of interest. Important newer topics are studies focusing on users’ context and on special needs.
Conclusion. Information behaviour research has evolved a great deal over the last years and has taken on new methods and new topics. A discussion of the chosen topics, including the need for alternative topics and a meta-discussion on the methods, has not been the focus of information behaviour research since 2008. This paper is an attempt to restart that discussion.
Method. Trends derive from a publication analysis taken from information behaviour related publication venues between 2012 and 2014.
Analysis. Publication titles, authors, years, publication venue, methods and topics were collected and quantitatively analysed.
Results. Qualitative methods still dominate information behaviour research. Content analysis and participatory designs are gaining terrain. Information seeking is still the major topic of interest. Important newer topics are studies focusing on users’ context and on special needs.
Conclusion. Information behaviour research has evolved a great deal over the last years and has taken on new methods and new topics. A discussion of the chosen topics, including the need for alternative topics and a meta-discussion on the methods, has not been the focus of information behaviour research since 2008. This paper is an attempt to restart that discussion.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | Information Research |
| Vol/bind | 19 |
| Udgave nummer | 4 |
| Antal sider | 13 |
| ISSN | 1368-1613 |
| Status | Udgivet - dec. 2014 |
Emneord
- Det Humanistiske Fakultet