Printed version of a work that appears in the Synthesis digital library of engineering and computer science. Includes bibliographical references (pages 133-162).
Contents:
1. Introduction: why context? -- 1.1 The field of information behavior -- 1.1.1 Why is context relevant to information behavior? -- 1.2 What is context? -- 1.2.1 The many facets and types of context -- 1.3 Chapter summary -- 2. Literature review: the influence of context on information behavior -- 2.1 Models and frameworks incorporating context -- 2.2 Empirical studies incorporating context -- 2.2.1 Populations studied -- 2.2.2 Methods used -- 2.2.3 Variables studied -- 2.2.4 Application of context in system design -- 2.3 Mapping theoretical conceptions to one contextual element -- 2.4 Chapter summary -- 3. Mapping the conceptual space of context -- 3.1 Background -- 3.1.1 So, what does context really mean? How do we map the conceptual space of context? -- 3.2 Delineating the boundaries of context: contextual identity framework -- 3.2.1 The scope of context -- 3.2.2 The context behind my study of context -- 3.2.3 Theoretical lens--social identity theory -- 3.2.4 Contextual identity framework -- 3.3 Delineating the elements of context -- 3.4 Delineating the variables comprising context -- 3.5 Chapter summary -- 4. Discussion -- 4.1 Designing research studies incorporating context -- 4.2 Stereotyped context and the movement between stereotyped and shared contexts -- 4.2.1 Yin-yang: stereotyping within shared view of context -- 4.2.2 Contextual identity framework and social phenomenology -- 4.3 Context overlap and continuous change -- 4.3.1 Layers of context or overlapping contexts -- 4.3.2 Continuous reshaping of context -- 4.4 Chapter summary -- 5. Definition and conclusions -- 5.1 Toward a unified definition of "context in information behavior" -- 5.2 Limitations and future work -- 5.3 Conclusions and implications -- 5.4 Context now and in the near future -- 5.5 Chapter summary -- 6. Further reading -- Bibliography -- Author's biography.
Summary:
"The field of human information behavior runs the gamut of processes from the realization of a need or gap in understanding, to the search for information from one or more sources to fill that gap, to the use of that information to complete a task at hand or to satisfy a curiosity, as well as other behaviors such as avoiding information or finding information serendipitously. Designers of mechanisms, tools, and computer-based systems to facilitate this seeking and search process often lack a full knowledge of the context surrounding the search. This context may vary depending on the job or role of the person; individual characteristics such as personality, domain knowledge, age, gender, perception of self, etc.; the task at hand; the source and the channel and their degree of accessibility and usability; and the relationship that the seeker shares with the source. Yet researchers have yet to agree on what context really means. While there have been various research studies incorporating context, and biennial conferences on context in information behavior, there lacks a clear definition of what context is, what its boundaries are, and what elements and variables comprise context."--Page 4 of cover.
Series:
Synthesis lectures on information concepts, retrieval, and services, 1947-9468 ; #61
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.