Information Seeking Behaviour
- Education
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 159 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces students to the core concepts of information-seeking behaviour within library and information science. It explores various definitions of information, behaviour, and information needs. The course examines information sources, resources, and retrieval methods in both digital and traditional libraries. Students will also learn about user studies, theoretical models of information behaviour, and how information behaviour varies in different contexts, including universities and organizations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Computer Based Assessments
- Discussion Forums
- Portfolio Presentation
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS403, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS403 · Unit 2 Concept of Behaviour and Information Behaviour
To that extent, there is no one definition of the term information because it means different things to different people and its meaning can also depend on the context of use. This is why different individuals in different professional fields or walks of life often define the term from the perspective of their professional field or leaning.
What you should be able to do
- Define key concepts related to information-seeking behaviour.
- Identify and evaluate various information sources and resources.
- Apply information retrieval methods in digital and traditional libraries.
- Conduct and analyze library user studies.
- Examine and compare different information behaviour models.
- Analyze information behaviour in various contexts.
What it prepares you for
- Librarian
- Information Scientist
- Information Manager
- Knowledge Manager
- Information Architect
- Libraries
- Information Centers
- Research Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Corporate Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 4: Theoretical/Conceptual Models of Information Behaviour
Unit 1: Concept of Information Behaviour Model in Library and Information Science
Understanding the nuances and applications of different information behaviour models requires critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Module 4: Theoretical/Conceptual Models of Information Behaviour
Unit 2: Information-Seeking Behaviour Model in Library and Information Science
Applying theoretical models to real-world information-seeking scenarios demands a deep understanding of both the models and the contexts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 1: Concept of Information · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and intended learning outcomes.. Study the various definitions and meanings of information.. Discuss the attributes and types of information.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-4..
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 2: Concept of Behaviour and Information Behaviour · 2 hours
Define behaviour and discuss the concept of information behaviour.. Examine the relationship between information behaviour and information-seeking behaviour.. Complete the Self-Assessment Exercise..
- Week 3Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 3: Concept of Information Need · 2 hours
Explain the concept of information needs.. Explain types of information needs.. Explain the reasons for information needs and the factors affecting information needs.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-4..
- Week 4Module 1: Definition of Concepts
Unit 4: Concept of Information-Seeking Behaviour · 2 hours
Examine the definitions of the concept of information-seeking behaviour.. Discuss types of information-seeking behaviour.. Examine the scope of information-seeking behaviour and information-seeking processes.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-5..
- Week 5Module 2: Information Sources/Resources and Information Retrieval
Unit 1: Information Sources/Resources · 2 hours
Define information source/resources.. Discuss various information sources.. Discuss the formats of information.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1..
- Week 6Module 2: Information Sources/Resources and Information Retrieval
Unit 2: Information Retrieval in Digital Libraries · 2 hours
Explain the concept of Information retrieval.. Examine the functions of Information retrieval.. Examine some information retrieval models.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-2..
- Week 7Module 2: Information Sources/Resources and Information Retrieval
Unit 3: Information Retrieval in Libraries · 2 hours
Understand the Concept of information retrieval in libraries.. Know about Information retrieval methods in libraries.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-2..
- Week 8Module 3: The Information User
Unit I: Definition of Information User · 2 hours
Examine the concept of library user.. Examine the types of people who use the library and their characteristics.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-3..
- Week 9Module 3: The Information User
Unit 2: User Studies in Libraries · 2 hours
Explain the meaning of user studies.. Trace the origins of user studies in libraries.. Explain the importance of library user studies.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-2..
- Week 10Module 4: Theoretical/Conceptual Models of Information Behaviour
Unit 1: Concept of Information Behaviour Model in Library and Information Science · 2 hours
Discuss the concept of information model.. Examine some information behaviour models that form the basis for user studies in library and information science.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-4..
- Week 11Module 4: Theoretical/Conceptual Models of Information Behaviour
Unit 2: Information-Seeking Behaviour Model in Library and Information Science · 2 hours
State some definitions of information-seeking model.. Discuss information-seeking models in both human and on the web interfaces.. Discuss some applications/reviews of Information-Seeking Models.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-5..
- Week 12Module 5: Information Behaviour in Different Contexts
Unit 1: Information Behaviour of User Groups in the University Environment · 2 hours
Examine information behaviour in university context.. Examine the characteristics of information users in university environments.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-2..
Unit 2: Information Behaviour in the Organisational Context · 2 hours
Discuss organisations and groups that work in organisations.. State the characteristics of organisations.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-3..
- Week 13Module 5: Information Behaviour in Different Contexts
Unit 3: Information Behaviour on the Web · 2 hours
Mention some definitions of Web-based Information.. Explain the different modes of information-seeking (seekers) on the web.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-4..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Module 4 models to real-world scenarios.
- Practice applying information retrieval techniques from Module 2 using online databases.
- Review user study methodologies from Module 3 and design a sample study.
- Focus on definitions and key concepts from Module 1 to build a strong foundation.
- Analyze case studies from Module 5 to understand contextual information behaviour.
- Dedicate specific study time for each module based on its complexity.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS403 about?
This course introduces students to the core concepts of information-seeking behaviour within library and information science. It explores various definitions of information, behaviour, and information needs. The course examines information sources, resources, and retrieval methods in both digital and traditional libraries. Students will also learn about user studies, theoretical models of information behaviour, and how information behaviour varies in different contexts, including universities and organizations.
How many units does LIS403 have?
LIS403, Information Seeking Behaviour, has 13 units across 5 modules, over 159 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS403?
LIS403 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Education.
Is LIS403 hard?
LIS403 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS403 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is LIS403 assessed?
LIS403 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments, Computer Based Assessments, Discussion Forums, Portfolio Presentation and Final Examination.
What can I do with LIS403?
Librarian, Information Scientist, Information Manager, Knowledge Manager and Information Architect.