Chapter 5 Learning Objectives

After completing this chapter, the reader should have an understanding of the many factors that shape information needs, and how information professionals attempt to identify and meet the information needs of people and communities.

Chapter 5 Instructor PowerPoint

Downloadable PowerPoint presentation and PowerPoint notes for course instruction. These files are only accessible to instructors who have adopted Information Services Today: An Introduction (3rd ed) for their course. To request access, please click on the images below or email Sandy Hirsh.

Chapter 5 Discussion Questions

The following questions are included in the textbook.

1. How would you define information need? Is your definition aligned with a “problem-based” or “community-led” orientation? What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach with respect to meeting information needs?

2. How does the theme of change and adaption play out in each case study, both with respect to how users’ needs shift over time and how information professionals and institutions engage in program, services and system design to respond to existing and emerging needs?

Asditional questions proposed by the author but not included in the textbook.

1. What are some of the ways information professionals might go about learning about the information needs of community constituents? What are some of the ethical and logistical benefits and drawbacks with each of these approaches?

2. Identify an information service, program or system that you have helped develop or have participated in. What information needs do you see reflected (or absent) in this service, program or system?

3. Based on the case studies used as examples in this chapter, what competencies and qualities must information professionals develop in order to meet the information needs of people and communities?

Related Chapters

The following chapters are referenced in Chapter 5 and may assist in expanding your classroom instruction and discussions.

• Chapter 4: Information Communities

• Chapter 6: Social Justice

• Chapter 11: Working in Different Information Environments: Special Libraries and Information Centers

• Chapter 12: Virtual Resources and Services

• Chapter 13: Information Intermediation and Reference Services

• Chapter 26: Innovative Library and Information Services: The Design Thinking Process

• Chapter 36: Open Access