Work

An information behavior theory of transitions

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: This paper proposes a theory of life transitions focused on information behavior. Through a process of meta‐ethnography, the paper transforms a series of influential theories and models into a theory of transitions for use in Information Science. This paper characterizes the psychological processes involved in transitions as consisting of three main stages, Understanding, Negotiating, and Resolving, each of which have qualitatively different information behaviors and which require different types of information support. The paper discusses the theoretical implications of this theory and proposes ways in which the theory can be used to provide practical support for those undergoing transitions.

Source: Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1002/asi.24588

Author: Ian Ruthven

Institution: University of Strathclyde

Language: English

Topic: Library Science and Information Literacy

Subfield: Library and Information Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000

Funders: University of Pretoria, Economic and Social Research Council