Accessing and Browsing Information and Communication

Citation

Moore, P. (2002), "Accessing and Browsing Information and Communication", Online Information Review, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 122-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir.2002.26.2.122.2

Accessing and Browsing Information and Communication is a particularly thought‐provoking volume that challenges the sufficiency of popular conceptions of information literacy to explain information‐seeking behaviour. In the opening chapter, two points serve to indicate what the authors term “an incomplete conceptualisation” of the information‐seeking process that leads to inconsistencies and tensions in the current literature. One is that user studies rarely address issues concerning those who do not gain access to information. The other is that in recent years direct, precise searching has tended to be valued more than fluid exploratory searching, partly because browsing behaviour is not well understood. The research questions central to the thesis presented in this volume spring directly from these two considerations and are clearly stated and revisited throughout the work.

This is essentially a substantial research report. Extensive literature reviews, clear statements of methodology and rationale, and application of the findings to theory building are presented in an accessible format. The first section of the book focuses on the relationship between communication and accessing information, while the second focuses on communication and browsing information. Within each section one chapter is devoted to discussing perspectives arising from aspects of library studies, information science, information society, mass communication, organisational communication and economics of information; and a second identifies common threads and unique contributions of each field to the emerging interdisciplinary theory.

From these foundations preliminary frameworks for understanding access issues and browsing behaviour are derived. Qualitative research methods based on case studies with students from varying backgrounds and ranging from late teens to retirees are then described. Results of the research are clearly communicated, and each section ends with a chapter in which research findings are used as the basis for revising the preliminary frameworks. The final chapter explores the implications of the frameworks and directions of future research.

With respect to accessing information, Rice, McCreadie and Chang have considered the interaction of cognitive, affective, political, economic and cultural aspects, as well as the more typically addressed physical aspects of access. They emphasise the exchange and creation of meaning through communication in social settings across a variety of media, and show clearly that in many cases gaining access to information first requires acquisition of access to relevant interpretations of a society, group or organisation.

The informal and opportunistic nature of browsing is seen as placing heavy reliance on the information environment. The nature, dimensions and consequences of browsing are traced in relation to library user studies, end‐user computing and information science, consumer, audience and organisational research, as well as design. The result is a rich description of factors that influence behaviour. These are visually represented in a framework applicable to information seeking in all contexts.

Accessing and Browsing Information and Communication represents a definite step forward in understanding information behaviour and constructing viable theories. It is scholarly, but accessible, challenging and thought provoking. Be prepared to make many connections of your own as you reflect on your own information seeking and identify implications for professional practice, whatever your field of concern.