Effect of institutional factors on source and channel use by medical residents

Abstract

An important question in information-seeking behavior is how people decide on which information source to use when they need information for their work-related tasks. This question becomes especially pertinent in light of the varying degree of legitimacy accorded to digital sources, and the use of new channels of access such as mobiles and tablets. Building upon an earlier study on source use, and using the institutional theory, this is a report of a survey-in-progress of medical residents in one or more Boston hospitals. The study will also examine the role of serendipity in source choice when residents encounter information when not consciously looking for it. Insights gained from the study will build on past work on information behavior and source choice, as well as the application of institutional theory to hospital settings. It will help hospitals make optimal provision of information source types based on their preference and usage by medical residents.