Dissertation Information for Susan Selby Pfeister NAME: - Susan Selby Pfeister
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Columbia University (USA) (1981)
ADVISORS: - Jane Anne Therese Hannigan
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Terry Belanger - Richard L. Darling
MPACT Status: Incomplete - Ambiguous
Title: INFORMATION NEEDS AND INFORMATION-SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF BOOK PUBLISHING INDUSTRY PERSONNEL
Abstract: Since the early 1950's, a great deal of research has been conducted on the topic of user needs and user behavior. These studies have encompassed various information sources and user groups, concentrating most heavily in the sciences. Although attempts have been made to derive a theoretical body of knowledge concerning user behavior from user studies, the employment of diverse methodologies and approaches has precluded a reliable synthesis of findings. Nevertheless, the need for user studies, particularly in seldom charted areas such as business and industry, is continually cited in the review literature.
The present study was designed to add to our understanding of how book publishing work is accomplished, within the context of a user study. The broad objective was to provide an empirical basis for information system design and for subsequent research on information needs and information behavior in business and industry. The study sought to determine how specific personnel and organizational characteristics affected information behavior. In addition, the critical incident technique was employed to indentify the information needs of book publishing industry personnel. Data was collected on a six part questionnaire that was mailed to all identified professional personnel in for-profit book publishing companies in Manhattan. A total of 2271 questionnaires were mailed and 373 usable responses were received.
The major determinants of information-seeking behavior were found to be occupation and company size. All of the variables studied were determinant in at least some information-seeking situations. A preference for informal, or human, sources was indicated. In general, the performance of an information source, in terms of reliability and amount of information, was of less importance to book publishing industry personnel than its cost, in terms of accessibility and ease of use.
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MPACT Scores for Susan Selby Pfeister A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:01:55
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