INFORMATION NEEDS AND INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF USERS IN ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

Understanding the information needs and information seeking behaviour of workers in an organization is the basis for designing and developing information systems and services to adequately satisfy their needs. However, there are conflicting views regarding the information needs and information seeking behaviour of users of information services. This paper discusses briefly: information needs, information seeking behaviour, methods used in studying information needs and seeking behaviour, especially in research organizations, and the importance of such studies. The use of the findings of the studies in making decisions relating to the design of information systems and services is also touched upon. The impact of emerging information technology on information users and their informaiton seeking behaviour is mentioned.