Re-Thinking Our Concept Of Users

Abstract

This article provides a critical analysis of some of the key theories and assumptions that underpin prevailing approaches to the concept of ‘information user’ in contemporary information research and professional practice, suggesting that they continue to reflect a tacitly systems-oriented focus. The author draws on the Sense-Making theories of Brenda Dervin and the discourse analytic work of Michel Foucault, as well as his own research, to outline a more holistic approach to understanding the complex relationship between people, information, and their social context. This recommendation includes a greater focus on context, on long-term relationships, and the complex role of emotion and embodiment in people’s sense-making. AARL March 2009 vol 40 no 1 pp 22–35

Notes

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30. Wilson 1997 op. cit.

31. Dervin and Nilan op cit.

32. Frohmann op. cit.

33. Talja op. cit.

34. Julien op. cit.

35. Frohmann op. cit., p379.

36. Julien op. cit., p586.

37. ibid., p586.

38. Talja op.cit., p77.

39. Wilson 2000 op. cit.

40. Julien op. cit.

41. Dervin and Nilan op. cit.

42. Pettigrew, Fidel & Bruce op. cit., pp53-54.

43. Frohmann op cit.

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45. Savolainen 1993 op. cit., p23.

46. Dervin and Nilan op. cit., p15.

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48. Savolainen 1993 op. cit., p26.

49. Savolainen 2007 op. cit., p109.

50. ibid., p120.

51. Rabinow op. cit., p418.

52. Focault 1977 op. cit.

53. Dervin 1999 op. cit.

54. M Olsson ‘Making Sense of Sense-Making: Information Behavior Re-searchers Construct an ‘Author’. Canadian Journal of Information & Library Science. 29 (3), 2005 pp315-334.

55. Olson 2005a op. cit.

56. Dervin 1999 op. cit., p740.

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59. Dervin 1999 op. cit.