Looking for Information: A Survey of Research on Information Seeking, Needs and Behavior, 3rd ed.

Citation

Cloete, L. (2013), "Looking for Information: A Survey of Research on Information Seeking, Needs and Behavior, 3rd ed.", Online Information Review, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 483-484. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-04-2013-0089

Looking for Information is a comprehensive text on information behaviour research. This is the third edition of the work, and it maintains its original structure of 13 chapters divided into five parts. Some chapters, especially those on theories and models, have been expanded and reorganised. New concepts and examples have been added to other chapters, as well as recommended readings and questions for discussion.

The five divisions cover the following main themes of the book: Part 1 (Chapters 1‐2) explores concepts related to information seeking and behaviour and offers examples of information seeking scenarios. Part 2 (Chapters 3‐5) discusses concepts in more depth. Chapter 3 is dedicated specifically to the concept of information and is therefore of interest to anyone who is new to the discipline of information science, as well as those who would appreciate a critical review of the development of this everyday notion. Part 3 (Chapters 6‐7) evaluates models, paradigms and theories in the study of information behaviour. This section includes general background about models and theories that have been used to study information seeking. Part 4 (Chapters 8‐9) explores methods and techniques for studying information behaviour. This section also includes examples of research approaches used in this field. Part 5 (Chapters 10‐13) present research results and reflections. This is done by identifying commonly researched categories of people, occupations, social roles and demographic groups. The last chapter summarises the approaches and findings of the current literature and provides suggestions for future research.

The composition of the book suggests that it may be approached and used in different ways, depending on the needs of the reader. It is, for example, possible to start with Chapters 1 and 10‐12 if a reader is only interested in a quick review of the recent developments in information behaviour research. For those readers who are specifically interested in theories and more detailed information about the research, Chapters 6‐9 will be of value and could also be read with Chapters 10‐13. Readers who appreciate an in‐depth exploration of the concepts related to information seeking and behaviour will probably find Chapters 3‐5 valuable.

The book also includes useful appendices such as a glossary, questions for discussion and application (which may be particularly useful for educators and lecturers) and a comprehensive list of references for those who want to read further on certain topics. At the end of each chapter is a list of recommended reading, including a brief indication of what each recommended work covers. The book has a comprehensive index.

The book is recommended for information science students (undergraduate and postgraduate), as well as students in other many other fields. The book is also a valuable resource for educators, lecturers and researchers.