Cognition to Collaboration: User-Centric Approach and Information Behaviour Theories/Models

ABSTRACT Aim/Purpose The objective of this paper is to review the vast literature of user-centric information science and inform about the emerging themes in information behaviour science. Background The paradigmatic shift from system-centric to user-centric approach facilitates research on the cognitive and individual information processing. Various information behaviour theories/models emerged. Methodology Recent information behaviour theories and models are presented. Features, strengths and weaknesses of the models are discussed through the analysis of the information behaviour literature. Contribution This paper sheds light onto the weaknesses in earlier information behaviour models and stresses (and advocates) the need for research on social information behaviour. Findings Prominent information behaviour models deal with individual information behaviour. People live in a social world and sort out most of their daily or work problems in groups. However, only seven papers discuss social information behaviour (Scopus search). Recommendations ICT tools used for inter-organisational sharing for should be redesigned for effective Practitioners information-sharing during disaster/emergency times. Recommendation There are scarce sources on social side of the for Researchers information behaviour, however,most of the work tasks are carried out in groups/teams. Impact on Society In dynamic work contexts like disaster management and health care settings, collaborative information-sharing may result in decreasing the losses. Future Research A fieldwork will be conducted in disaster management context investigating the inter-organisational information-sharing. Keywords user-centric information processing, information behaviour, collaborative information behaviour INTRODUCTION User-centric studies focus on the behaviour of the information users. This research became popular by the second half of the 70's and the beginning of the 80's. The seminal paper of the Dervin and Nilan (1986) discussed the paradigmatic change in information science. They elaborated on three innovations in the field, those are based on the User-Value Approach of Taylor (1968), Sense-Making Approach of Derv in (1983), and Anomalous-State of Knowledge (ASK) Approach of Belkin, Oddy, and Brooks (1982) (see Appendix A and B). These three models focus on the cognitive side of the information needs and uses. Each of the models conceives that the human beings are the actors while processing information. The User-Value Approach of Taylor articulates that information systems are constructed to satisfy the users' needs. Whole algorithms, systems and processes are designed to fulfil the information needs of the users. Therefore, this approach activated the user friendly design of information products and services. The Sense-Making Approach of Dervin articulates that people seek information to construct a meaning between a context and a desired situation. The bridge is constructed via using the information sought. In the Anomalous-State of Knowledge (ASK) situation, the user seeks and retrieves information to realise his/her needs. During this period texts or any other information sources are cognitively transformed according to the user's belief, intent, and knowledge. By doing so, information is restructured regarding the user's needs. To make the case clear for user-centric studies, we elaborate information behaviour, information-seeking behaviour models, information-sharing behaviour, and collaborative information behaviour in the following sections. …