Rebekah Willson, S. Makri, Dana Mckay, Philips Ayeni
COVID-19 has increased research, teaching and administrative pressures for all academics and, by doing so, exacerbated inequalities experienced by early career academics, who were already dealing with several sources of uncertainty in trying to establish their careers. This study sought to understand the experiences of the academics during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured remote interviews with 18 participants (PhDs awarded in past 6 years), from a variety of countries; Canada, US, Australia, UK, New Zealand, and South Africa. Interviews were analysed using a reflexive inductive Thematic Analysis approach. Preliminary findings demonstrate that the pandemic has disrupted information acquisition and sharing among ECAs. The increasing amount of incorrect and irrelevant information disseminated by universities, alongside the de-prioritisation of information that is particularly valued by these academics (e.g., information related to professional development and career development) has led some to avoid information.The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the precarious situations faced. Universities need to acknowledge uncertainty, reduce information overload by providing relevant and useful information and provide useful information on and support for career progression.
{"title":"Precarity and progression during a pandemic. Preliminary findings from a study of early career academics’ information behaviour during COVID-19","authors":"Rebekah Willson, S. Makri, Dana Mckay, Philips Ayeni","doi":"10.47989/irisic2225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2225","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 has increased research, teaching and administrative pressures for all academics and, by doing so, exacerbated inequalities experienced by early career academics, who were already dealing with several sources of uncertainty in trying to establish their careers. This study sought to understand the experiences of the academics during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured remote interviews with 18 participants (PhDs awarded in past 6 years), from a variety of countries; Canada, US, Australia, UK, New Zealand, and South Africa. Interviews were analysed using a reflexive inductive Thematic Analysis approach. Preliminary findings demonstrate that the pandemic has disrupted information acquisition and sharing among ECAs. The increasing amount of incorrect and irrelevant information disseminated by universities, alongside the de-prioritisation of information that is particularly valued by these academics (e.g., information related to professional development and career development) has led some to avoid information.The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the precarious situations faced. Universities need to acknowledge uncertainty, reduce information overload by providing relevant and useful information and provide useful information on and support for career progression.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85524610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Researchers’ data related information needs are growing. This paper reports the findings of a study with archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals focussing on data reuse related meta-information needs.Methods. Interviews with (N=)10 archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals. Qualitative coding and content analysis. Four types of paradata needs (data on processes, e.g. data creation) are identified, including 1) scope, 2) provenance, 3) methods and 4) knowledge organisation and representation paradata. Knowledge organisation and representation paradata has been least explored both in research and practises so far. The findings point to a need to develop the understanding of the needs and means of documentation of knowledge organisation and representation. The findings contribute to the data literacy of researchers producing and using data descriptions, and to the study of how paradata can be created and used. Further, the findings indicate that distance-to-data is a significant parameter in determining whether information needs are continuous or discrete. Further, the most likely type of reuse should guide the level and type of paradata. Finally, the findings underline that in spite of the comprehensiveness of available meta-information, it will be incomplete. Complementary means — including collaboration with data creators and meta-information extraction approaches — are needed to increase information reusability.
{"title":"Information needs on research data creation","authors":"Lisa Börjesson, Isto Huvila, Olle Sköld","doi":"10.47989/irisic2208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2208","url":null,"abstract":"Researchers’ data related information needs are growing. This paper reports the findings of a study with archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals focussing on data reuse related meta-information needs.Methods. Interviews with (N=)10 archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals. Qualitative coding and content analysis. Four types of paradata needs (data on processes, e.g. data creation) are identified, including 1) scope, 2) provenance, 3) methods and 4) knowledge organisation and representation paradata. Knowledge organisation and representation paradata has been least explored both in research and practises so far. The findings point to a need to develop the understanding of the needs and means of documentation of knowledge organisation and representation. The findings contribute to the data literacy of researchers producing and using data descriptions, and to the study of how paradata can be created and used. Further, the findings indicate that distance-to-data is a significant parameter in determining whether information needs are continuous or discrete. Further, the most likely type of reuse should guide the level and type of paradata. Finally, the findings underline that in spite of the comprehensiveness of available meta-information, it will be incomplete. Complementary means — including collaboration with data creators and meta-information extraction approaches — are needed to increase information reusability.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"105 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80704935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper presents the results of a pilot study exploring the information behaviour of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot study data were collected using semi-structured interviews with five undergraduate students. Questions included what information was needed regarding COVID-19, where and how it was obtained, and how it was evaluated. Analysis. Coding followed a thematic analysis approach. At this early stage, coding involved emergent open coding to identify themes within the data. The information most needed by the participants related to local policies and restrictions (e.g., lockdowns, mask mandates, university policies) as well as policies relating to international travel. The main health related topic was where to get vaccinated. Participants preferred government, university, and mainstream media sources, while largely avoiding social media. They reported various approaches to determining the credibility of sources, including relying on known sites, and prioritizing first-hand sources such as government and public health. Participants also reported that their credibility assessment varied geographically, with government and mainstream media more or less trusted depending on location. The findings provide insight into young adults’ information behaviour, and provide the basis for the continuation of this study.
{"title":"Young adults’ information behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study","authors":"J. Bartlett, Aaron D. Bowen-Ziecheck","doi":"10.47989/irisic2223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2223","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents the results of a pilot study exploring the information behaviour of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot study data were collected using semi-structured interviews with five undergraduate students. Questions included what information was needed regarding COVID-19, where and how it was obtained, and how it was evaluated. Analysis. Coding followed a thematic analysis approach. At this early stage, coding involved emergent open coding to identify themes within the data. The information most needed by the participants related to local policies and restrictions (e.g., lockdowns, mask mandates, university policies) as well as policies relating to international travel. The main health related topic was where to get vaccinated. Participants preferred government, university, and mainstream media sources, while largely avoiding social media. They reported various approaches to determining the credibility of sources, including relying on known sites, and prioritizing first-hand sources such as government and public health. Participants also reported that their credibility assessment varied geographically, with government and mainstream media more or less trusted depending on location. The findings provide insight into young adults’ information behaviour, and provide the basis for the continuation of this study.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90443491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. VanScoy, Heidi E. Julien, Annette Buckley, Jon Goodell
Measuring the use of theory that informs empirical research demonstrates the rigour of research in a discipline. It also identifies key theories and connections to other disciplines. This study focuses on use of theory, broadly defined, in information behaviour. Full-length empirical papers from ISIC conference proceedings were analysed. Kumasi et al.’s (2013) theory talk framework was adapted for determining the level of theory use.Analysis. Content analysis was used to identify theories, level of theory use, and discipline of origin for theories in the papers. Most ISIC empirical papers include theory and more than half of them use theory substantially. Most theories are drawn from information science and other social sciences. Kuhlthau’s information search process is the most frequently mentioned framework. ISIC empirical papers continue to set a high standard for quality, demonstrating consistent theoretical rigour throughout the years studied. Their authors draw mainly on key information behaviour theories and models, as well as some lesser known and non-information science theories.
{"title":"Theory usage in empirical research in ISIC conference papers (1996-2020)","authors":"A. VanScoy, Heidi E. Julien, Annette Buckley, Jon Goodell","doi":"10.47989/irisic2227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2227","url":null,"abstract":"Measuring the use of theory that informs empirical research demonstrates the rigour of research in a discipline. It also identifies key theories and connections to other disciplines. This study focuses on use of theory, broadly defined, in information behaviour. Full-length empirical papers from ISIC conference proceedings were analysed. Kumasi et al.’s (2013) theory talk framework was adapted for determining the level of theory use.Analysis. Content analysis was used to identify theories, level of theory use, and discipline of origin for theories in the papers. Most ISIC empirical papers include theory and more than half of them use theory substantially. Most theories are drawn from information science and other social sciences. Kuhlthau’s information search process is the most frequently mentioned framework. ISIC empirical papers continue to set a high standard for quality, demonstrating consistent theoretical rigour throughout the years studied. Their authors draw mainly on key information behaviour theories and models, as well as some lesser known and non-information science theories.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90791645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nadia Caidi, Cansu Ekmekcioglu, Priyank Chandra, R. Jamali
Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to reimagine how they engage in spiritual and religious activities. This paper presents an analysis of the information practices of young Muslims during Ramadan, with a focus on their social, spiritual and COVID-related needs and strategies. Method. Our qualitative approach entailed semi-structured interviews with 22 self-identified Muslims from across the Muslim spectrum. They were asked about their experiences with completing Ramadan under pandemic, including the nature of information accessed and shared as part of the fasting rituals. Analysis. Interviews were transcribed, and open coding was used to categorize the data into themes. The thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process. Results. Our findings pointed to the differing affective states of the young Muslims who observed the fast under COVID. Participants also hinted at the loss of communal practices and rituals and the emergence of new habits and coping strategies (many informational in nature). Social and emotional support were particularly critical to overcoming the challenges. Conclusions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the intersection between information activities and spiritual/ religious practices. The findings also have theoretical and practical implications for the role of information and technology in times of crisis.
{"title":"Socially-distant fasting: information practices of young muslims during the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"Nadia Caidi, Cansu Ekmekcioglu, Priyank Chandra, R. Jamali","doi":"10.47989/irisic2235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2235","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to reimagine how they engage in spiritual and religious activities. This paper presents an analysis of the information practices of young Muslims during Ramadan, with a focus on their social, spiritual and COVID-related needs and strategies. Method. Our qualitative approach entailed semi-structured interviews with 22 self-identified Muslims from across the Muslim spectrum. They were asked about their experiences with completing Ramadan under pandemic, including the nature of information accessed and shared as part of the fasting rituals. Analysis. Interviews were transcribed, and open coding was used to categorize the data into themes. The thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process. Results. Our findings pointed to the differing affective states of the young Muslims who observed the fast under COVID. Participants also hinted at the loss of communal practices and rituals and the emergence of new habits and coping strategies (many informational in nature). Social and emotional support were particularly critical to overcoming the challenges. Conclusions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the intersection between information activities and spiritual/ religious practices. The findings also have theoretical and practical implications for the role of information and technology in times of crisis.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88373935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The information society generally, and information studies specifically, are understandably concerned with productive actions done with data and information, like preservation, access, and (re)use over time. While such concerns are important and their related activities are clearly valuable, we will soon be facing limits to storage and related resources, and so information scholars and practitioners must more fully consider and support the complementary part of the information lifecycle: deletion. We outline the growing necessity of data and information deletion for social and environmental sustainability through several example concerns. We then consider several challenges of and to deleting that must be considered and addressed, from societal to individual scales, by drawing on works in information behaviour, personal information management, human-computer interaction, and the history, philosophy, and ethics of information. Deletion is an understudied phenomenon of growing importance, and although it has a broadly negative perception in comparison to preservation, it has some notable advantages for individuals and society. Information scholars and practitioners have an important role to play in understanding and supporting deletion; recommendations for each are provided here.
{"title":"Making space for the future: the importance of deletion for librarianship and information science and the information society","authors":"Helene Hellmich, J. Dinneen","doi":"10.47989/irisic2219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2219","url":null,"abstract":"The information society generally, and information studies specifically, are understandably concerned with productive actions done with data and information, like preservation, access, and (re)use over time. While such concerns are important and their related activities are clearly valuable, we will soon be facing limits to storage and related resources, and so information scholars and practitioners must more fully consider and support the complementary part of the information lifecycle: deletion. We outline the growing necessity of data and information deletion for social and environmental sustainability through several example concerns. We then consider several challenges of and to deleting that must be considered and addressed, from societal to individual scales, by drawing on works in information behaviour, personal information management, human-computer interaction, and the history, philosophy, and ethics of information. Deletion is an understudied phenomenon of growing importance, and although it has a broadly negative perception in comparison to preservation, it has some notable advantages for individuals and society. Information scholars and practitioners have an important role to play in understanding and supporting deletion; recommendations for each are provided here.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85102875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper reports on a research study that aimed to understand and qualify the influences of interagency relationships on interagency government data sharing (IDS). Using a meta-analysis approach, 76 interviews previously collected from three city governments in China were analysed under the theoretical lens of a unified social network theory of inter-organisational relations (IOR). The meta-analysis shows that interagency data sharing is influenced by the constitution and determinants of interagency relationships. A conceptualisation of the findings indicated that tensions between government agencies are the core cause of the lack of interagency data sharing. Therefore, effective management of interagency tensions should become a central strategy for enhancing interagency data sharing. This paper provides a novel perspective on the conceptualisation of interagency data sharing problems and a new approach to strengthen interagency data sharing in practice.
{"title":"Understanding interagency relationships in the sharing of government data: a meta-analysis","authors":"Lihong Zhou, Jiangfeng Hu, Jie Xu","doi":"10.47989/irisic2246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2246","url":null,"abstract":"This paper reports on a research study that aimed to understand and qualify the influences of interagency relationships on interagency government data sharing (IDS). Using a meta-analysis approach, 76 interviews previously collected from three city governments in China were analysed under the theoretical lens of a unified social network theory of inter-organisational relations (IOR). The meta-analysis shows that interagency data sharing is influenced by the constitution and determinants of interagency relationships. A conceptualisation of the findings indicated that tensions between government agencies are the core cause of the lack of interagency data sharing. Therefore, effective management of interagency tensions should become a central strategy for enhancing interagency data sharing. This paper provides a novel perspective on the conceptualisation of interagency data sharing problems and a new approach to strengthen interagency data sharing in practice.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89378173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
nt="Indicative findings from a study of information behaviour in digital business ideationr" />
nt="数字商业创新中信息行为研究的指示性发现" />
{"title":"Indicative findings from a study of information behaviour in digital business ideation: insights from the developing world","authors":"Suraj Ibrahim, R. Marcella, Alan MacLennan","doi":"10.47989/irisic2233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2233","url":null,"abstract":"nt=\"Indicative findings from a study of information behaviour in digital business ideationr\" /> <meta name=\"description\" content=\"Though a wealth of information behaviour research has been undertaken in various contexts over the years, less has been done on entrepreneurship. In particular, there is a lack of literature around the ideation component in the early stages of business formation. This study seeks to address the theoretical and empirical gap within this research stream, bringing together information, innovation, and creativity theory, as lenses through which to explore the phenomenon. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with business founders. Participants operated in a variety of segments of the digital technology spectrum. Critical Realism and Grounded Theory were used as theoretical and practical data techniques, using abduction in the theoretical redescription of concepts (codes) identified in the empirical data, and retroduction to identify the necessary contextual conditions for a particular causal mechanism to take effect and result in the observed empirical trends. Indicative results show several societal and personal factors play a role in shaping the information behaviour of digital entrepreneurs. These factors include but are not limited to poverty, parenting, and unequal power between mentors and mentees. While this research project is ongoing, early findings emerge in previously unexplored aspects of information behaviour such as the importance of reading passion and early exposure to digital devices amongst digital entrepreneurs.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"209 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86844586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study explores the COVID-19 information experiences of people at the outbreak of the pandemic in the United States.The research data from 1,979 participants was collected through an online qualitative survey. A phenomenological approach was utilised to gain a deeper understanding of the COVID-19 information experiences. Cross tabulation was also used; however, the outcome is primarily qualitative. Three types of information experiences were identified, i.e., good, bad, and notable. The good information experiences indicated people’s appreciation for factual information, state government or local news, and information about the collective well-being of people. The bad information experiences illustrated people’s concerns about misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories, information coming from President Trump and his administration, health-related information, and information politics. The notable information experiences highlighted people’s positive outlook on information and their concerns about information uncertainty, the politics of information, and coronaphobia. Findings suggest that information can significantly influence people’s feelings, moods, emotions, and experiences in polarising ways, and highlights implications for managing people’s well-being in times of mass misinformation and fake news.
{"title":"The good, the bad, and the notable: COVID-19 information experiences","authors":"R. Singh","doi":"10.47989/irisic2222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2222","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the COVID-19 information experiences of people at the outbreak of the pandemic in the United States.The research data from 1,979 participants was collected through an online qualitative survey. A phenomenological approach was utilised to gain a deeper understanding of the COVID-19 information experiences. Cross tabulation was also used; however, the outcome is primarily qualitative. Three types of information experiences were identified, i.e., good, bad, and notable. The good information experiences indicated people’s appreciation for factual information, state government or local news, and information about the collective well-being of people. The bad information experiences illustrated people’s concerns about misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories, information coming from President Trump and his administration, health-related information, and information politics. The notable information experiences highlighted people’s positive outlook on information and their concerns about information uncertainty, the politics of information, and coronaphobia. Findings suggest that information can significantly influence people’s feelings, moods, emotions, and experiences in polarising ways, and highlights implications for managing people’s well-being in times of mass misinformation and fake news.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89869483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper discusses the information behaviour of hikers on the West Highland Way in Scotland by exploring meaningful experiences described by fifty participants walking the route. Using an ethnographic approach, participants were interviewed in the field at sites on the West Highland Way using semi-structured questions. Qualitative results are discussed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and links to literature are established. Two types of meaningful experience were found in the interview data: connections with nature and social connections. Profound natural connections were found to feature embodied information from sensory interaction with the environment, resulting in a contemplative mindset and offering well-being benefits. Social connections with family, friends and fellow walkers were also described as meaningful, situating the activity as a ‘higher thing’ and demonstrating further well-being benefits. This initial study indicates that natural and social connections are key to meaningful experience in walking the West Highland Way. A broader information behaviour study based on this work will further explore the use of embodied information, contemplation in information science, serious leisure as a ‘higher thing’, and well-being benefits.
{"title":"Exploring information behaviour and meaningful experience amongst hikers on the West Highland Way","authors":"Keith Munro, P. Innocenti, M. Dunlop","doi":"10.47989/irisic2204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47989/irisic2204","url":null,"abstract":"This paper discusses the information behaviour of hikers on the West Highland Way in Scotland by exploring meaningful experiences described by fifty participants walking the route. Using an ethnographic approach, participants were interviewed in the field at sites on the West Highland Way using semi-structured questions. Qualitative results are discussed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and links to literature are established. Two types of meaningful experience were found in the interview data: connections with nature and social connections. Profound natural connections were found to feature embodied information from sensory interaction with the environment, resulting in a contemplative mindset and offering well-being benefits. Social connections with family, friends and fellow walkers were also described as meaningful, situating the activity as a ‘higher thing’ and demonstrating further well-being benefits. This initial study indicates that natural and social connections are key to meaningful experience in walking the West Highland Way. A broader information behaviour study based on this work will further explore the use of embodied information, contemplation in information science, serious leisure as a ‘higher thing’, and well-being benefits.","PeriodicalId":47431,"journal":{"name":"Information Research-An International Electronic Journal","volume":"136 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72547005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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