A Handbook of Information Behaviour
It is the handbook Theories of Information Behaviour (Fisher, Erdelez, & McKechnie, 2005) or TIB, for short. A handbook is a reference genre that places emphasis on “how to” directions. The content of a handbook is much more concisely written than a journal article or encyclopedia entry. In this case, TIB contains succinct introductions to metatheories, theories, and models of information behaviour. The preface states it is intended as “a researcher’s guide, a practical overview of both well-established and newly proposed conceptual frameworks that one may use to study different aspects of information behaviour” (p. xx).
TIB is special because it was produced by SIG-USE in an unprecedented, grassroots, collaborative effort. The three editors Karen Fisher, Sanda Erdelez, and Lynne E. F. McKechnie are über-dynamic scholars in the heyday of their academic careers. Utilizing an early version of this SIG-USE mailing list they invited community members to nominate and then write-up theories for inclusion. Submissions were peer-reviewed and the collection was published by Information Today. Proceeds from the sales of TIB are channelled back into SIG-USE and its awards program.
The handbook opens with introductory statements by Marcia J. Bates, Brenda Dervin, and Tom Wilson. Next are entries on 72 individual metatheories/theories/models by an expert and/or enthusiast. Each short article addresses origins, propositions, methodological implications, use, related conceptual frameworks, and authoritative primary and secondary references. You will encounter oldies-but-goodies (Anomalous State of Knowledge, Berrypicking, Information Search Process, Sense-Making) as well as novel approaches (SymbolicViolence, Women’s Ways of Knowing, Bandura’s Social Cognition).
This is a great handbook for scholars, educators, students, and research-minded practitioners, too. When not on my shelf of information
behaviour books, it has a place on my desk.
References
Fisher, K. E., Erdelez S., & McKechnie, E. F. (Eds.) (2005). Theories of Information Behaviour. Medford, NJ: Information Today.
TIB is special because it was produced by SIG-USE in an unprecedented, grassroots, collaborative effort. The three editors Karen Fisher, Sanda Erdelez, and Lynne E. F. McKechnie are über-dynamic scholars in the heyday of their academic careers. Utilizing an early version of this SIG-USE mailing list they invited community members to nominate and then write-up theories for inclusion. Submissions were peer-reviewed and the collection was published by Information Today. Proceeds from the sales of TIB are channelled back into SIG-USE and its awards program.
The handbook opens with introductory statements by Marcia J. Bates, Brenda Dervin, and Tom Wilson. Next are entries on 72 individual metatheories/theories/models by an expert and/or enthusiast. Each short article addresses origins, propositions, methodological implications, use, related conceptual frameworks, and authoritative primary and secondary references. You will encounter oldies-but-goodies (Anomalous State of Knowledge, Berrypicking, Information Search Process, Sense-Making) as well as novel approaches (SymbolicViolence, Women’s Ways of Knowing, Bandura’s Social Cognition).
This is a great handbook for scholars, educators, students, and research-minded practitioners, too. When not on my shelf of information
behaviour books, it has a place on my desk.
References
Fisher, K. E., Erdelez S., & McKechnie, E. F. (Eds.) (2005). Theories of Information Behaviour. Medford, NJ: Information Today.