The information-seeking behavior of online public library clients: A conceptual model

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual model of the dynamics of information seeking by public library clients in an online environment. The model is based on empirical evidence from a study completed in 2008 investigating how library users formulate and employ strategies to meet their informational needs. Based on naturalistic inquiry and using grounded theory the research involved interviews with 24 public library clients based in New South Wales. The interviews were undertaken to gain an understanding of client needs in an online environment. The study identifies three major categories affecting the undertaking of online information retrieval. These categories consist of ease of use, usefulness and the client’s cognitive/affective state. This model extends the understanding of the dynamics involved in client use of Internet resources by identifying factors and relationships that cannot be fully explained using other models. The implication this research into human behaviour has for libraries is critically explored. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.