Page 24 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Unit 3: Library Information Needs of Users

Notes
3. LIS stands for ...... .
4. ...... research suggests that when seeking information at work, people rely on both other
people and information repositories.

3.2 Wilson’s Nested Model of Conceptual Areas

The concepts of information seeking, information retrieval, and information behaviour are objects of
investigation of information science. Within this scientific discipline a variety of studies has been
undertaken analyzing the interaction of an individual with information sources in case of a
specific information need, task, and context. The research models developed in these studies vary in
their level of scope. Wilson (1999) therefore developed a nested model of conceptual areas, which
visualizes the interrelation of the here mentioned central concepts.

Figure 3.1: Wilson’s Nested Model of Conceptual Areas

Information
behaviour

Information
seeking
behaviour
Information
search behaviour

Wilson defines models of information behavior to be “statements, often in the form of diagrams
that attempt to describe an information-seeking activity, the causes and consequences of that activity,
or the relationships among stages in information-seeking behaviour” (1999: 250).

Self Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions:
5. Information seeking is the process or activity of attempting to obtain information in context
of ............
(a) Human and Technological (b) Technological
(c) Human (d) None of these.

6. Who developed the nested model of conceptual areas?
(a) Wilson (b) Robinson
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these.

3.3 Summary

• The literature in science and technology is growing at an exponential rate; therefore, it has
become essential to assess the information needs of the users periodically to customize value-
added services and resources.
• The collection development function entirely depends on the mission and goals of the parent
body in respect to the research, educational, recreational and other day-to-day information
requirements of the users that it serves.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 19