Investigation of information seeking behaviour, patterns, attitude and interaction with information systems

Abstract

Abstract by author:

According to Wilson (1999), imposed query reifies the experience of information professionals. Users participate in imposed information seeking as part of formal and informal relationship with others in a variety of contexts with varying levels of success. This study was a modified replication of studies carried out by Wilson (1999) on imposed information needs. Teachers initiate imposed queries to students, while employers compel such queries to employees. The success of all these queries depends on various types of information gatekeepers, and is transacted by individuals on behalf of friends and family members. It was hypothesized that students/pupils in the Omaheke Region seek information and interact with information systems in response to imposed information seeking needs more than any other, and rarely do so in response to their own, self-generated information needs. The data was collected using questionnaires combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents