Information Research an international electronic journal
https://informationr.net/infres
<p>Information Research, is an open access, international, peer-reviewed, scholarly journal, dedicated to making accessible the results of research across a wide range of information-related disciplines. It is published by the University of Borås, Sweden, with the financial support of a NOP-HS Scientific Journal Grant. It is edited by Professor T.D. Wilson, and is hosted, and given technical support, by the University of Borås.</p>University of Boråsen-USInformation Research an international electronic journal1368-1613<p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ </p>Reorienting information searching research by applying a situated abilities perspective
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/651
<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> In studies of information searching, people are often characterised with perpetual physical, sensory and cognitive abilities. Situational factors that may affect human abilities are less considered, although they may have an impact on information searching behaviour. For example, a person with dyslexia may struggle with inputting correctly spelled queries. Spelling skills, however, may also be influenced by fatigue, illness, or using a mobile phone while walking. All types of users can therefore at certain times experience challenges related to query input.</p> <p><strong>Method.</strong> This theoretical paper explores the concept of situated abilities in the context of information searching. Eight personas are constructed and used in a discussion of how a change of perspective on human abilities can provide a valuable contribution to research.</p> <p><strong>Analysis.</strong> The personas are based upon empirical findings of user behaviour and are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks and models.</p> <p><strong>Results.</strong> Human abilities are dynamic and affected by a variety of situational factors. All people experience temporary impairments during their lives. It would therefore be purposeful to reorient information searching research by applying a situated abilities perspective.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> A situated abilities perspective may result in more inclusive search systems for all types of users.</p>Gerd Berget
Copyright (c) 2024 Gerd Berget
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2024-03-192024-03-1929121910.47989/ir291651Assessing the influence of bibliometric factors and organizational characteristics on the centrality degree of inter-university collaborative networks: a neural network approach
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/427
<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> The centrality degree of a university collaborative network indicates how many other universities the given university has active collaborations with. The study analyses the centrality of university-level collaboration networks and aim to assess the influence of organizational characteristics and bibliometric factors of universities on the centrality degree.</p> <p><strong>Method.</strong> This study used artificial neural networks, particularly a multilayer perceptron. The input variables included number of documents published, citations, size, type, and location of the university. Data was extracted from the census of institutions identified within the inter-university collaborative networks of Santander and Caldas in Colombia. A total of 154 universities comprises the dataset for the territory of Santander and 126 for Caldas.</p> <p><strong>Results.</strong> The results indicated that bibliometric factors had a significant influence on the centrality degree of the networks. Organizational characteristics also had an influence, but to a lesser extent than bibliometric factors.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> The study found that the research output and impact are the most important factors in predicting the centrality degree of a university in a collaborative network. This suggests that policies to increase the research output and impact of a university are likely to result in a more central position in the network.</p>Juan David Reyes-GómezEfrén Romero-Riaño
Copyright (c) 2024 Juan David Reyes-Gómez, Efrén Romero-Riaño
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2024-03-192024-03-19291203310.47989/ir291427Approaches to information-seeking behaviour in psychology: a comparison of early and contemporary studies
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/694
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Introduction. </strong> The aim of this paper is to explore the investigation of information-seeking behaviour in the literature of psychology, with special reference to the period before 1981, when the term was introduced into information science, and compare the research of that period, with research reported in 2022-2023.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Method. </strong>A search of the literature for the term ‘information-seeking behaviour’ was carried out in Web of Science and Scopus for the period 1900 to 1980 and from January 2022 to May 2023, producing two data sets for analysis.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Analysis. </strong>Descriptive analysis of sources and geographic distribution of the papers is presented. This is followed by an analysis of the research themes and approaches.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results. </strong>In the early set of papers the main context of the research was educational and career counselling and the main research perspective social learning theory, with an emphasis on the concept of locus of control. In the later set, the main theoretical interest was in aspects of cognition, with a particular interest in curiosity.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion. </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is much that the information science research can learn and apply from the literature of psychology. In particular, social learning theory, cognitive theory, and the associated research instruments could be of value.<br /></span></p>Thomas D. Wilson
Copyright (c) 2024 Thomas D. Wilson
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2024-03-192024-03-19291345310.47989/ir291694Who is using ChatGPT and why? Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/647
<p><strong>Introduction. </strong>Since its public launch, ChatGPT has gained the world's attention, demonstrating the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI).</p> <p><strong>Method</strong>. To explore factors influencing the adoption of ChatGPT, we ran structural equation modelling to test the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model while incorporating relative risk (vs. benefit) perception and emotional factors into its original form to gain a better understanding of the process.</p> <p><strong>Analysis.</strong> This study utilized partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS4.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>. The findings revealed that in addition to individuals' technology-specific perceptions (i.e., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions), relative risk perception and emotional factors play significant roles in predicting favourable attitude and behaviour intentions towards ChatGPT.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions</strong>. Our extended model fits the data well, suggesting that it is not merely a matter of convenience but also of people's reservations, expectations, and emotions toward technology, which significantly influence their willingness to adopt ChatGPT.</p>Sangwon LeeS. Mo Jones-JangMyojung ChungNuri KimJihyang Choi
Copyright (c) 2024 Sangwon Lee, S. Mo Jones-Jang, Myojung Chung, Nuri Kim, Jihyang Choi
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2024-03-192024-03-19291547210.47989/ir291647Practices and pain points in personal records
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/604
<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> This paper reports the findings of a survey on personal electronic records management practices focussing on records that people deal with in their everyday lives at home. The aim of this research was to determine which personal electronic records practices were most effective in averting oversights and generating satisfaction in participant’s records management practices. This paper presents one stage of a broader design science research program.</p> <p><strong>Method.</strong> The research for this paper was conducted by means of an online questionnaire using Qualtrics software and participants were recruited through social media.</p> <p><strong>Analysis</strong>. Analysis was conducted using tabular analysis in SPSS, and Principal Component Analysis in R.</p> <p><strong>Results.</strong> The research found that there is a statistical relationship between the practices that respondents adopted with their personal electronic records management and their level of satisfaction with that process. For example, respondents who saved records on a computer or in the cloud reported higher levels of satisfaction with how they managed their personal records and experienced fewer adverse incidents such as losing documents or failing to pay bills on time.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> The paper concludes by identifying some specific personal records management practices that are likely to improve satisfaction with that task, such as saving and sorting records that need to be retained outside of email in a structured filing system.</p>Matt BaloghWilliam BillingsleyDavid PaulMary Anne KennanMelanie Robertson-Dean
Copyright (c) 2024 Matt Balogh, William Billingsley, David Paul, Mary Anne Kennan, Melanie Robertson-Dean
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2024-03-192024-03-19291739610.47989/ir291604Training in open access for doctoral students: results of a survey of current and recent students and supervisors
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/679
<p>I<strong>ntroduction.</strong> This study aimed to understand the extent to which doctoral students receive training relating to open access publishing, and the form of that training.</p> <p><strong>Method. </strong>An international online survey of 1,569 current and recent doctoral students and supervisors was undertaken. Questions covered the extent and nature of training in open access offered to doctoral students, sources of respondents’ open access knowledge, and their perspectives on open access.</p> <p><strong>Analysis.</strong> Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted with some non-parametric tests. Free-text data were thematically analysed.</p> <p><strong>Results. </strong>The large majority of current and recent doctoral students and supervisors indicated there was no mandatory open access training at their institutions. More than half of respondents thought they had good or excellent understanding of open access, with those who had completed training more likely to highly rate their understanding. Only 27% of respondents felt the level of training offered was sufficient. Respondents suggested that institutions could take further action to support understanding of open access.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>There is a need for institutions to develop further training in open access. Researchers who undertake training in report a better level of understanding of open access and place more importance on it as a factor in selecting a journal.</p>Simon WakelingMonique ShephardHamid H. R. Jamali
Copyright (c) 2024 Simon Wakeling, Monique Shephard, Hamid H. R. Jamali
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2024-03-192024-03-192919712010.47989/ir291679Regimes of participation: theorising participatory archives from the outset of archivists' views on archival institutions and user participation in Scandinavia
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/539
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Introduction: </strong>In spite of the prominence of the notion of participatory archives, there is no consensus of what participation entails in archival contexts and a lack of theory to explain the mechanisms underpinning the diversity of views.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Method:</strong> Norwegian and Swedish archivists were surveyed as a part of the international ALMPUB research project for their views on user participation and how these views relate to their understanding of the role and the raison d’être of archives and archival institutions. The survey findings were used as a basis for theory development.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Analysis:</strong> The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics. The results of the factor analysis theorised as subject positions relating to views pertaining to archival participation and the societal role of archival institutions.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis shows that the professionals’ perceptions of the rationale and impact of participation and the societal role of archives and archival institutions forms clusters were interpreted as relating to regimes of participation.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Drawing on the theorising of Boltanski and Thévenot, the alignments of the perceptions to archives’ raisons d’être and archival participation are explained in terms of four regimes of participation: 1) participation as an intrinsically valuable activity; 2) participation as a complement to professional work in the records continuum; 3) professional work as an auxiliary activity to participation of experts; and 4) participation as a means of producing additional value for archival institutions, i.e., arrangements of framing the justification and value of participation in, with and for archival institutions. It is, however, possible to imagine additional regimes that correspond with the social worlds of Boltanski and Thévenot not represented by them, including the inspired (participation as a source of inspiration) and domestic worlds (domiciliary participation), and the world by project (participatory project). The study suggests that inquiring into the justifications and regimes of worth attached to participation helps to refute simplistic assumptions of what participation entails and recognise the variety of participatory engagements and their diverging implications for different types of archival institutions and their diverse stakeholders.</p>Isto Huvila
Copyright (c) 2024 Isto Huvila
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2024-03-192024-03-1929112114610.47989/ir291539Workshop report: 28th Nordic workshop on bibliometrics and research policy, October 11–13, 2023, Gothenburg, Sweden
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/750
<p>The Nordic workshop on bibliometrics and research policy has been an annual event for almost three decades, rotating between the Nordic countries. It is a forum for the bibliometrics community to discuss contemporary research practices and policies. The 28th edition of the workshop took place in Gothenburg, Sweden. Featuring 27 oral and 15 poster presentations authored by 104 individuals, this event attracted 119 attendees from 19 countries. The event helped the participants to enhance their knowledge and engage with their peers. This workshop report offers insights into the pre-workshop sessions and provides an overview of the oral presentations across eight thematic sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and poster sessions. Additionally, it includes references with links to presentations, posters, the book of abstracts, recording of keynote speeches and panel discussion.</p>A. I. M. Jakaria RahmanMarco SchironeP. Anders FribergCecilia Granell
Copyright (c) 2024 A. I. M. Jakaria Rahman, Marco Schirone, P. Anders Friberg, Cecilia Granell
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2024-03-192024-03-1929114715710.47989/ir291750Book review: Ma, Lai. The scholarly communication handbook: from research dissemination to societal impact
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/767
<p>Ma, Lai. The scholarly communication handbook: from research dissemination to societal impact. London: Facet Publishing, 2023. xx, 133 p. ISBN 978-1-78330-624-4</p>Elena Maceviciute
Copyright (c) 2024 Elena Maceviciute
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2024-03-192024-03-19291158159Book review: Widén, Gunilla and Teixeira, José (eds.). Information literacy and the digitalisation of the workplace
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/776
<p>Widén, Gunilla and Teixeira, José (eds.). Information literacy and the digitalisation of the workplace. London: Facet Publishing, 2023. xxviii, 166 p. ISBN 978-1-78330-579-7</p>Elena Maceviciute
Copyright (c) 2024 Elena Maceviciute
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2024-03-192024-03-19291160161Book review: Broer, Irene, Lemke, Steffen, Mazarakis, Athanasios, Peters, Isabella and Zinke-Wehlmann, Christian (eds.). The science-media interface: on the relation between internal and external science communication
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/775
<p>Broer, Irene, Lemke, Steffen, Mazarakis, Athanasios, Peters, Isabella and Zinke-Wehlmann, Christian (eds.). The science-media interface: On the relation between internal and external science communication. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 2023. xviii, 174 p. ISBN 978-3-11-077636-2</p>Elena Maceviciute
Copyright (c) 2024 Elena Maceviciute
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2024-03-192024-03-19291162163Book review: Zelenkauskaitė, Asta. Creating chaos online: disinformation and subverted post-publics
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/777
<p>Zelenkauskaitė, Asta. Creating chaos online: disinformation and subverted post-publics. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2022. vii, 310 p. ISBN 978-0-472-05552-4</p>Elena Maceviciute
Copyright (c) 2024 Elena Maceviciute
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2024-03-192024-03-19291164165Book review: Kostelecky, Sarah R., Townsend, Lori and Hurley, David A. Hopeful visions, practical actions: cultural humility in library work
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/774
<p>Kostelecky, Sarah R., Townsend, Lori and Hurley, David A. Hopeful visions, practical actions: cultural humility in library work. London: Facet Publishing, 2023. xxiii, 236 p. ISBN 978-1-78330-633-6</p>Elena Maceviciute
Copyright (c) 2024 Elena Maceviciute
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2024-03-192024-03-19291166167Editorial
https://informationr.net/infres/article/view/773
<p>Since we last published (in the middle of December), generative AI continues to make the headlines, particularly with Google’s attempts to satisfy the demands for “diversity”, by generating images of black, female Nazi soldiers. Needless to say, embarrassment all round. The feeling is, I suppose, that if the system can be trained to get things so wrong with images, what might be going on with text? Certainly biases must exist there, given the amount of training material that is used in these systems, and the fact that, as all of it is on the Web, all of the conspiracy materials that is out there is probably contributing. Certainly, the systems get information about people wrong, simply because so many people have the same names. There are, for example, lots with the name Tom Wilson, or even T.D. Wilson, and when I asked for a biography of myself, one of the systems told me I was dead! Another said that I had worked in places I’d never even visited. No doubt training will become more and more sophisticated over time, as the flaws and biases are discovered, but given AI’s ability to invent, on the basis of what it has learnt, I’ll be very cautious in using it for the foreseeable future.</p>Thomas D. Wilson
Copyright (c) 2024 Thomas D. Wilson
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2024-03-192024-03-1929111