Describe the fundamental concepts of information-seeking behaviors A satisfactory statement of competency – Articulates some of the prominent theories of information seeking behaviors. Shows an understanding of how knowing about information seeking behaviors can lead to improved service.
As librarians we can assist users best when we understand basic concepts of information-seeking behaviors. This competency requires librarians to recognize search behaviors in order to improve the user experience in the information space. In one of my library internships as the Community Development intern with the Anchorage Public Library, I created a community survey for all neighboring four branches to provide data to the Strategic Plan committee. Another way to demonstrate competency is a report I wrote for a Design Thinking course that outlines the stages of design phases, which includes the opportunity to observe the information-seeking behavior for a target user.
Justification of the Evidence
Evidence #1: Library User Survey: Anchorage Public Library
In my internship with the APL, I had the chance to observe patrons at the four different branches throughout the municipality. I watched the interactions between library staff and various regular patrons, and had a couple of opportunities to help behind the reference desk. After a couple of weeks, I began to analyze economic reports about Anchorage and its demographics, budgetary conditions, as well as the overall history. I also analyzed and wrote up a summary report compiling recent past survey results from both APL and various surrounding nonprofits who were especially knowledgeable of Alaskan Native populations. I eventually created a community user survey and tabled at each site for several days each with a few iPads for patrons to come and fill out. I also provided a prize incentive with APL gifts(magnets, stickers, pens, toys, buttons, etc) to patrons to thank them for their time. These surveys would communicate to the library staff, especially for the steering committee for the Strategic Plan. This experience demonstrates my ability to create methods and strategies on how to address and evaluate information-seeking behavior according to their unique needs.
Evidence #2: Design Thinking Activity: Printer Problem
Another valuable method in going about understanding information-seeking behavior is by interviewing and considering the user experience during observation. In this activity, I evaluate how community college students exhibit their information-seeking behavior in context to a printer problem in the library. I then suggest design strategies on how to address the issue by following the stages of design thinking. In particular, I tackle the stages of human-centered thinking in addition to observing the target population’s behavior and determining the specific type of problem. For example, the issue of a majority of college students in a community college context who tend to be couter students are in a rush to print. Thus, the design thinking method informs us as library staff to generate new policy and modify current print card systems that support the majority of our students’ needs. This exercise challenges me as an information professional to be sensitive and informed about effective strategies to understand how users behave and how to make the library a user-friendly environment.
Conclusion
Information-seeking behavior can vary depending on the target user experience, which may evolve over time. However, for the information professional, to recognize the motivations and needs of library users is essential and necessary. My goal as a cognizant librarian is to familiarize myself with other methods on how to gather data besides maintaining my subscription with SurveyMonkey. I can do this by attending workshops at the next ALA or CLA that focuses on collecting data as well as reading national reports online about trends in library users across the country such as Public Libraries Survey, which can be narrowed down to specific geographic locations.