Search

Introduction. Pregnant women rely on information during pregnancy for better health outcomes. This paper investigates pregnant women's interests in services that can offer health literacy and health information through appropriate sources and channels. Method. An exploratory study was conducted in 2015 using explanatory sequential mixed methods to investigate thirty-seven women visiting two private gynaecological practices in Pretoria, South Africa. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used for data collection. Analysis. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. McKenzie's two-dimensional everyday-life information practices model was slightly adapted as theoretical framework. Results. Knowledge of pregnant women’s most preferred information sources and channels by care providers can improve maternal and infant health. Participants mostly reported some interests in information monitoring and current awareness services using mobile technologies. Pregnant women desire information monitoring on a one-off basis and/or an on-going basis. Conclusions. Information monitoring can assist with the promotion of patient-centred information and provision of reliable and new information especially by means of freely available sources. The emphasis in more affluent communities was more on well-being than maternal and infant mortality.

Introduction. Applying participatory design in educational contextscan improve the congruence between perceptions of students, teachers and instructional designers.Information behaviour activities such as collaborative information seeking and information sharing are core to participatory design. Information behaviour studies related to participatory design must be guided by an information behaviourframework informed by the principles of participatory design. Albeit a few examples of frameworks, reference is mostly only to participatory design steps, phases and stages, with limited acknowledgement of information activities. This paper suggests a participatory design information behaviour framework for studies in educational contexts. Method. Scoping review of selected publications on participatory design and information behaviour, and participatory design in education. Analysis. Thematic analysis applied in educational context as exemplar. Results. A participatory design information behaviour framework must allow for the following constructs: context, participant selection (i.e., actors, stakeholders), definition of shared visions and purposes; roles and tasks; information resources and access; iterative information activities; participatory design steps, phases and stages; consideration of intervening factors; and finer nuances of all of these constructs. Conclusion. The suggested framework can guide information behaviour studies on participatory design with a focus on information activities.

Introduction. Intermediary and proxy searching, where one person searches on behalf of another, are noted in information science, health sciences and library science (e.g., reference work and early day online searching), professional workplace practices (e.g., lawyers, nurses) and everyday life contexts (e.g., caregivers). It is also observed within the competitive intelligence process, which involves collecting intelligence data from business environments on behalf of senior management and clients. Many problems occur in competitive intelligence intermediary information seeking that might be addressed by examining interdisciplinary contexts. Method. Literature searches were conducted in key library and information science, health science and law databases. A total of 136 publications were manually selected and analysed for a scoping literature review. Analysis. Thematic analysis was applied. Results. Challenges emerging from the thematic analysis are disaggregated into facets of intermediary information seeking (e.g., skills in question negotiation and information needs assessment, search heuristics and knowledge of information infrastructures). Conclusion. Systematised intermediary practices (e.g., application of appropriate question negotiation techniques, expanded knowledge of information infrastructures and landscapes, competitive intelligence domain knowledge and communication) can enhance intermediary information seeking, and should be investigated in competitive intelligence.

Introduction. Grief and bereavement include cognitive, affective and physical dimensions. Pre- and post-grief manifest at different times of coping with loss and bereavement. Contextualisation of information behaviour studies and comprehension of contextual components e.g. temporal and spatial factors, progression and phenomenal contexts of grief is essential for information interventions. Although agreement on the meaning of context might continue to escape information behaviour researchers, widely cited interpretations of context might be used to analyse a selective body of literature to direct grief and bereavement information behaviour studies. Method. Interpretations of context and situation by Savolainen (temporal and spatial factors), Fourie (multiplicity) and Dunne (person-in-progressive-situation) are, selectively applied to a thematic content analysis of papers on grief and bereavement. Phenomenal context is analysed in more detail. Analysis. A thematic content analysis matrix was developed. Results. The analysis revealed a minimum of ten contextual components to consider in information behaviour studies of grief and bereavement. Conclusion. Information behaviour studies on grief and bereavement should acknowledge the diversity of contexts and contextual components that impact on information needs, unique requirements for information such as memorabilia, information processing and sharing of information.

Introduction. Research participant recruitment is challenging – especially in vulnerable, stigmatised, high security, poorly demarcated contexts and contexts with diverse and interchangeable job labelling and poorly centralised reporting infrastructures. Cold case investigators in South Africa is an example of the latter. Method. Scoping literature review of information behaviour and other disciplines to note challenges and solutions in research participant recruitment. Analysis. Brief review of challenges noted in research methodology textbooks and applied thematic analysis mapped to problems and correlating solutions for research participant recruitment (various disciplines including information behaviour). Results. There are many challenges and solutions noted across disciplines including information behaviour e.g. job confidentiality, poor context demarcation, diverse and interchangeable job labels for the same context. Solutions reported include exploring related job/role labels, snowball sampling, non-intrusive social media methods. Conclusion. Based on experience with information search heuristics we suggest an additional novel approach for information behaviour research (and other) participant recruitment; a South African cold case investigator information behaviour study serves as exemplar to demonstrate how search heuristics can be used to identify potential research participants and solicit referrals for research participant recruitment.

Purpose Competitive intelligence failures have devastating effects in marketplaces. They are attributed to various factors but seldom explicitly to information behaviour. This paper addresses causes of competitive intelligence failures from an information behaviour lens focussing on problems with key intelligence and information needs. The exploratory study was conducted in 2016/2017. Managers (end-users) identify key intelligence needs on which information is needed, and often other staff members seek the information (proxy information seeking). The purpose of this paper is to analyse problems related to key intelligence and information needs, and make recommendations to address the problems. Design/methodology/approach The study is placed in a post-positivism research paradigm, using qualitative and limited quantitative research approaches. In total, 15 participants (competitive intelligence professionals and educators/trainers originating from South Africa and the USA) contributed rich data through in-depth individual interviews. Findings Problems associated with articulation of information needs (key intelligence needs is the competitive intelligence term – with a broader scope) include inadequate communication between the person in need of information and the proxy information searcher; awareness and recognition of information needs; difficulty in articulation, incomplete and partial sharing of details of needs. Research limitations/implications Participant recruitment was difficult, representing mostly from South Africa. The findings from this exploratory study can, however, direct further studies with a very understudied group. Practical implications However, revealed valuable findings that can guide research. Originality/value Little has been published on competitive intelligence from an information behaviour perspective. Frameworks guiding the study (a combination of Leckie et al.’s 1996 and Wilson’s, 1981 models and a competitive intelligence life cycle), however, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.

Global changes in the cataloguing environment, training needs of cataloguers, the professional profile of cataloguers, and concerns about the future of the cataloguing profession have been widely noted over many years. Document types are published in a variety of formats, and are accordingly recorded in metadata formats other than conventional MARC. Expanded cataloguing theory to include the digital environment has required cataloguers to adjust to new job content. This necessitated training of qualified newcomers and non-qualified individuals in cataloguing practice. Life-long learning and mastering new skills are inescapable. These circumstances also apply in South Africa. This article reports on a mixed methods study about the continuing education needs and learning patterns of contemporary cataloguers in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to meet continuing cataloguing education needs by designing a self-directed framework for this purpose. Data were collected between April and May 2015 by means of an electronic semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and focus group interviews. Members listed on two professional, electronic distribution lists – LIASA-IGBIS and SabiCat – were invited to participate. Fifty-nine useful questionnaires were returned, and three focus group interviews were conducted with 17 participants overall. A self-directed learning framework was designed based on findings from the literature review and empirical study. The framework was influenced by models on professional practice, the spheres where continuing education originate, the work of Knowles (1975) and Brockett and Hiemstra (2012) on self-directed learning theory, and the personality trait of self-directedness as understood and constructed by Oddi (1984), another self-directed learning theorist.

Recently, in the election that took place in the United States, we have heard a lot about "fake news" and their influence. The discourse of “fake news” and “alternative facts” points to the importa ...

This paper reports preliminary results of a study analyzing transfer of information literacy skills learned in a compulsory undergraduate course at the University of Pretoria. Twenty-three alumni with a range of disciplinary backgrounds, and currently working in a diversity of workplaces, participated in critical incident interviews which explored transferability of the skills learned in the course, and information practices in the workplace.

Purpose Libraries of all types have often been called on to take on challenges ranging from information literacy and developing a reading culture to promoting social justice. In recent literature they have been challenged to contribute to the development of informed and educated nations – a big issue in developing countries. Sometimes even to empower people. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness for this call as important for developing as well as developed nations and the numerous issues, role players and lenses they need to bear in mind. As an opinion piece it can merely scratch the surface of raising awareness. Design/methodology/approach This contribution builds on the literature of library and information science, education and politics to present an exploratory viewpoint and a nascent model to support further work. It intentionally touches on a diversity of issues that may seem at odds with each other, but that in the opinion reflect the enormous scope to address and diversity of individual, institutional and global input and lenses that can make a difference. Findings Many obvious approaches to achieve the object of an informed and educated nation with empowered individuals can be noted such as focusing on information literacy, digital literacy and information fluency. However more awareness is required of the need to take a holistic view of issues to focus on such as tolerance and ethics, and the information behaviour and information practices of people in various contexts, and how changes in the awareness of needs to address and the need to seek information and support from diverse sources, can contribute. A first step would be to note the diversity that might contribute towards a holistic view of a global problem to which libraries can contribute. Originality/value There are limited publications on the topic in the library and information science literature although “developing an informed and educated nation” features in the mission and vision plans of some countries, and empowerment is sometimes specifically noted in publications on user education and information literacy. This paper offers an exploratory viewpoint to raise awareness to consider various approaches and threads to the topic and to not think only in terms of education and information literacy, but to recognise the full role libraries and librarians can play – also in reaching out to other role players such as users, governments and grant providers.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by national libraries regarding the legal deposit of electronic books, and to make recommendations for issues to consider – especially with regard to developing, planning and implementing.Design/methodology/approach– Literature published from 2000 to 2014 on legal deposit of electronic publications was examined. Key databases covering library and information science were searched, and case studies, general reviews, research papers/reports and view point articles were considered.Findings– National libraries embarking on projects on legal deposit of electronic books need to consider the collection, preservation and accessibility of the legal deposit collection. They face challenges regarding legal deposit legislation and institutional policy, legal considerations such as copyright, environmental factors, established mechanisms for deposit, information retrieval and access, preservation, human resources, financial implications and trust. Further research and continued monitoring of issues of concern and changes are required due to technological developments and the obsolescence of technology.Practical implications– The review raises awareness of issues that need to be considered by national libraries and other repositories to manage the legal deposit of electronic books in their institutions.Originality/value– The review can serve as a guide for nations (particularly in developing countries) to embark on the legal deposit of electronic publications, specifically electronic books.

Increased pressure for quality research at South African universities, and limited research done on the information needs of veterinary science researchers and the role of veterinary libraries supporting them, motivated a case study at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria (South Africa). The study aimed to determine what the information needs, information seeking behavior and information use behavior of veterinary researchers are, and how these needs are being met by the library. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from researchers as well as information specialists by means of questionnaires, focus group interviews and a citation analysis. Findings and recommendations are based on descriptive statistical analysis of the quantitative data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The study found that the information needs of researchers are influenced by the research environment and expectations for research output. Most needs for information and support services are met. Collection building practices, library space, and awareness of services offered by information specialists need attention. Findings reveal considerable gaps between researchers' expectations from information specialists and their own perceptions of roles to fulfil. The paper contributes to the limited literature on the information behavior of veterinary researchers and library services supporting their needs.

Purpose – Much has been published on makerspaces: the history, development and progress and how they are used – stories of successes and opinions on their potential. The purpose of this paper is to comment on such publications within the library and information science (LIS) literature and to warn libraries to not only focus on providing physical spaces and tools but to explore the bigger potential of extended, interconnected spaces for information and information resources and “mutations” of makerspaces such as makerlearning. Design/methodology/approach – The contribution is based on a pragmatic and reflective analysis of the LIS literature on makerspaces. The questions are: what to make of the literature, and what needs to be done to enrich the subject literature to support an interconnected approach to makerspaces and information resources and information support? Findings – There is a very strong focus in the literature on libraries as physical spaces for makerspaces, the planning, provision, maintenance and how-we-do-it approaches. Although very important this does not sufficiently explore an interconnection between makerspaces and an expanded information-related involvement of libraries, e.g. in information literacy training, guided inquiry, bridging the digital divide, research (embedded librarianship) and community support. Research limitations/implications – There are many publications on makerspaces in the LIS literature. They however, mostly do not reflect on the opportunities to take a more holistic look at the potential of makerspaces in libraries interconnected to the use of information resources, and information-related support and intervention from libraries. Originality/value – Although there are many papers on makerspaces the purpose of this contribution is to focus on extended input from libraries.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for workplace information literacy based on a case study at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State (South Africa).Design/methodology/approach– The framework is based on a literature survey covering case studies from the private, public and academic sector and a case study conducted at the CUT, Free State (South Africa). A mixed methods approach was followed using questionnaires, individual interviews and focus group interviews. Descriptive statistics and qualitative data were collected.Findings– The data analysis reveals a need as well as support for workplace information literacy. It addresses institutional buy-in, the need for alignment to the institutional strategy, inclusion of workplace information literacy in job descriptions, whether workplace information literacy should be optional or mandatory, whether it should address the needs of all staff members, the responsibility for a workplace information literacy programme, perceived benefits, etc.Practical implications– The proposed framework can be used at the CUT, Free State. As a general framework it can also be used in other academic contexts as well as in the public and private sector.Originality/value– Although several studies on workplace information literacy have been reported, the literature survey did not trace a suitable framework that can guide the design and implementation of workplace information literacy in academic contexts. This paper intends to contribute towards filling this gap.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of utilising a holistic ergonomic approach, covering engineering, cognitive and social perspectives, to cultivate beneficial and productive collaborative information seeking (CIS) systems and environments, specifically with regard to three main CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness).Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative research approach, based on a selective corpus of CIS literature, was utilised to perform a content analysis to note if terms and concepts normally associated with engineering, cognitive and social ergonomics can be used to eliminate terms reflecting issues related to three CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness) that can benefit from a holistic ergonomic approach.Findings– The content analysis revealed that a fairly extensive amount of holistic ergonomic terminology is prominent within the CIS literature, therefore establishing a connection between the two disciplines: CIS and ergonomics. This suggests that CIS system issues could benefit from the insights of a holistic ergonomic approach.Research limitations/implications– Since this is an exploratory study the scope of CIS literature utilised in the content analysis was limited to a selection considered most important by the authors; this should be supplemented by further research.Practical implications– Intended to instigate interest in further exploration of the beneficial and productive implications and practical application of holistic ergonomics in designing CIS systems and environments.Originality/value– This is the first research paper in the Library and Information Science literature that explores the potential of utilising holistic ergonomics to cultivate CIS systems and environments.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a three-part framework of information engagement for situated gynecological cancers. These particular cancers intertwine with medicalization of sexuality and gender power dynamics, situating information behaviors and interactions in women’s socio-health perceptions. Using Kavanagh and Broom’s feminist risk framework, the framework establishes functional and temporal parameters for sense-making and information engagement. Design/methodology/approach – This paper employs a structured, reiterative literature review with emergent thematic analysis. Nine indices from medicine, information studies, and sociology were searched using combinations of five terms on cervical cancer (CC) and 14 terms on information engagement in the title, abstract, and subject fields. Results were examined on a reiterative basis to identify emergent themes pertaining to knowledge development and information interactions. Findings – Environmentally, social stigma and gender roles inhibit information seeking; normalizing CC helps integrate medical, moral, and sexual information. Internally, living with the dichotomy between “having” a body and “being” a body requires high-trust information resources that are presented gradually. Actively, choosing to make or cede medical decision-making requires personally relevant information delivered in the form of concrete facts and explanations. Research limitations/implications – The study covers only one country. Originality/value – This study’s information framework and suggestions for future research encourage consideration of gender power dynamics, medicalization of sexuality, and autonomy in women’s health information interactions.

Information seeking and use are critically important for people living with HIV/AIDS and for those who care for people with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the HIV/AIDS context is characterized by significant affective or emotional aspects including stigma, fear, and coping. Thus, studies of information behavior in this context should be expected to take account of emotional variables. In information behavior scholarship, emotional variables have been marginalized in favor of a focus on cognitive aspects, although in recent years greater attention has been paid to the affective realm. This study used quantitative content analysis to explore the degree to which information behavior studies across a range of disciplines actually include affect or emotion in their analyses. Findings suggest that most studies pay little or no attention to these variables, and that attention has not changed over the past 20 years. Those studies that do account for emotion, however, provide excellent examples of information behavior research that can lead the way for future work.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the importance for library and information services (LIS) to take the responsibility to find a manageable way to regularly monitor internet censorship in their countries, and to suggest a framework for such monitoring and to encourage manageable on-going small scale research projects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper follows on contract research for the IFLA Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression on country specific trends in internet censorship. Based on an extensive literature survey (not fully reflected here) and data mining, a framework is suggested for regular monitoring of country specific negative and positive trends in internet censorship. The framework addresses search strategies and information resources; setting up alerting services; noting resources for data mining; a detailed break-down and systematic monitoring of negative and positive trends; the need for reflection on implications, assessment of need(s) for concern (or not) and generation of suggestions for actions; sharing findings with the LIS community and wider society; and raising sensitivity for internet censorship as well as advocacy and lobbying against internet censorship. Apart from monitoring internet censorship, the framework is intended to encourage manageable on-going small scale research. Findings – A framework of internet censorship monitoring can support the regular, systematic and comprehensive monitoring of known as well as emerging negative and positive trends in a country, and can promote timely expressions of concerns and appropriate actions by LIS. It can support sensitivity to the dangers of internet censorship and raise LIS’ levels of self-efficacy in dealing with internet censorship and doing manageable, small scale research in this regard. Originality/value – Although a number of publications have appeared on internet censorship these do not offer a framework for monitoring internet censorship and encouraging manageable on-going small scale research in this regard.

Purpose– The paper addresses the importance of clarifying terminology such as visually impaired and related terms before embarking on accessibility studies of electronic information resources in library contexts. Apart from briefly defining accessibility, the paper attempts to address the lack of in-depth definitions of terms such as visually impaired, blind, partially sighted, etc. that has been noted in the literature indexed by two major Library and Information Science (LIS) databases. The purpose of this paper is to offer a basis for selecting participants in studies of accessibility of electronic information resources in library contexts and to put discussions of such studies in context.Design/methodology/approach– Clarification of concepts concerning visual impairment following a literature survey based on searching two major databases in LIS. To put the discussion in context accessibility is also briefly defined.Findings– Although visually impaired and a variety of related terms such as blind, partially sighted, visually disabled, etc. are used in the LIS literature, hardly any attempt is made to define these terms in depth. This can be a serious limitation in web and electronic accessibility evaluations and the selection of participants.Practical implications– Clearly distinguishing between categories of visually impaired people and the ability of sight of participants is important when selecting participants for studies on accessibility for visually impaired people, e.g. the accessibility evaluation of web sites, digital libraries and other electronic information resources.Originality/value– The paper can make a contribution to the clarification of terminology essential for the selection of participants in accessibility studies, as well as enriching the literature on accessibility for visually impaired people in the context of LIS.

Purpose – A previous contribution set the scenario for pursuing options to find a balance between information communication technology (ICT), information retrieval systems (IRS) such as databases, library catalogues, repositories, Google Scholar, digital libraries, portals, search engines and the users of these systems. This contribution seeks to pursue the issues by asking how information service providers can target their users. The emphasis is on making a difference, and to move beyond merely targeting researchers, postgraduate students and professionals such as doctors, chemists, and lawyers. Design/methodology/approach – The contribution will be written against the background of research from information behaviour, user studies and marketing. Findings – Information services and database producers mostly focus on postgraduate students, researchers and professionals. There is little support for undergraduate students and novices to a profession. Acknowledging preferences for Google and social media, more effort is required to gain the interest and loyalty of upcoming professionals – starting with undergraduate students. Originality/value – Although there are many publications on user studies and marketing in the library and information science literature, this contribution aims to draw on new ways of targeting users, and to note new potential user groups.

Purpose – A previous contribution argues in favour of a balance in emphasis between information communication technology (ICT); information retrieval systems (IRS) such as databases, library catalogues, repositories, Google Scholar, digital libraries, portals, search engines; and the users of these systems. This contribution aims to pursue the need to consider affect and an affective paradigm more prominently in the design, evaluation, promotion and use of IRS and library and information services (LIS). Design/methodology/approach – The contribution is written against the background of research in information behaviour, user studies, systems design, and information literacy. Findings – Although the literature from LIS and other disciplines notes an affective paradigm or even paradigms, it is not strongly positioned compared with the systems and cognitive paradigms. A growing body of research and work practices such as information representation and tagging, and information skills training, is taking a slant towards affect and emotion. The question, however, is whether current work is sufficient to argue for an affective paradigm complementary to the systems, cognitive and socio-cognitive paradigms, and how an affective paradigm should be introduced in training/education for LIS. Originality/value – Although there are a number of publications on affect and emotion, and references to an affective paradigm, this contribution is aimed at stimulating thought on whether we should prominently introduce the affective paradigm into LIS curricula as preparation for adding more value to IRS, library services, and in dealing with emotion-laden jobs, and if so, how.

Purpose – To cope with changes in user information behaviour and needs, libraries and information services (LIS) must find manageable ways for ongoing research and improvement. The purpose of this paper is to report on a model for a manageable research cycle which was piloted at the Central Cancer Library, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Amsterdam). Design/methodology/approach – Institute employees (24) (users and non-users of the Central Cancer Library; mostly clinicians and researchers) were interviewed using an interview schedule (individually, pairs of two and small groups). Demographic details were collected through a short questionnaire. It was intended as a small scale project to demonstrate the value of the model. Findings – Although setup as a pilot study (small scale and a limited time period) and not representative of the Institute, cancer libraries or other library types, a good idea was gained on LIS needs. Opportunities for improvement of LIS and further research are noted, as well as the need for LIS to then consider their internal structure and support systems before making further decisions. Research limitations/implications – Findings from small scale projects need to be assessed against the theory of information behaviour to work towards a theoretical model. Practical implications – LIS need to find ways for manageable, ongoing research, e.g. according to a manageable research life cycle model. Originality/value – Research on cancer library services is limited; the originality of the paper, however, is in showing how small scale and manageable research can add value in practice.

Purpose – The purpose of this contribution is to set the scenario for pursuing options to find a balance between information communication technology (ICT), information retrieval systems (IRS) such as databases, library catalogues, repositories, Google Scholar, digital libraries, portals, search engines and the users of these systems. Whose needs are served: the real users' with contemporary needs or the perceived users and their research tasks whom we intensely studied in the early years of databases and computerised information services? Design/methodology/approach – The contribution is written against the background of research from information retrieval and information behaviour. Findings – Although developments in ICT open a wealth of opportunities to study and serve the needs of a wide spectrum of information users, IRS are often on the surface level still very traditional in the needs they service: analytical information seeking according to planned search strategies, browsing, monitoring trends an...

PurposeThe purpose of this contribution is to focus on an essential issue in all workplace settings where the emphasis is on productivity, time management and creativity: getting innovative, high quality work completed on time according to tight schedules – often facing serious staff shortages. The intention is not to offer an ultimate answer, but to take a different look at the issues that might bring some answers, or that might inspire research projects in the “own” circles of libraries and information services. What does it take to get quality work completed on time?Design/methodology/approachThe contribution is written against the background of research from time management, productivity, learning styles, information behaviour and collaborative work.FindingsThere might be simplistic solutions on offer to get work done on time such as the use of productivity and time management tools. When the aim is high quality, creativity and innovative work (done on time), there might be a need to consider more issues such as learning styles and whole brain learning; information seeking skills, writing skills and streamlining cognitive skills; a focus on productivity; brain health and maintaining a balanced life style; perceptions of stimulating creativity; recognition of the need to complement human weaknesses with collaborative strengths; and the need for flow as argued by Csikszentmihalyi.Originality/valueAlthough many publications have appeared on time management, productivity, software to support time management and other individual issues noted in this paper, the authors are not aware of work (at least not in the field of library and information science) that combine these with the need to consider learning styles, whole brain learning, acknowledging the limitations of mind and body, and addiction to adrenaline that might stimulate inspiration and creativity – among many things that might impact on time management.

PurposeThe purpose of this contribution is to encourage library and information (LIS) professionals to draw on the initiatives by Carol Kuhlthau to align information seeking with learning theories and new roles for intermediaries. Considering the vast array of developments in information communication technology (ICT), and the challenges and pressures for continuing professional development (CPD) and reflection, it seems timely to encourage experimentation with the ideas of Kuhlthau on Zones of Intervention and Lev Vygotsky on Zones of Proximal Development (ZPD), as means to become au fait with these theories, ideas and related research, and to apply these theories and ideas on a practical level to offer opportunities for the continuing professional development of LIS professionals with specific reference to ICT, and to eventually also impact on the training of users.Design/methodology/approachThis contribution will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour (including information seeking), the learning theory of Vygotsky on Zones of Proximal Development, and continuing professional development.FindingsAlthough the information seeking process (ISP) model of Kuhlthau is widely cited, the idea of Zones of Intervention which she developed from the work of Vygotsky does unfortunately not feature strongly in the LIS literature. Considering the literature on Zones of Proximal Development, it can, however, hold much potential for LIS professionals to align support with information seeking with professional (optimal) development – especially if using the focus (Zones of Intervention and Zones of Proximal Development) as a means to become au fait, and if initially taking a more practical and relaxed approach as point of departure.Originality/valueRelatively few publications on Zones of Intervention and Zones of Proximal Development appear in the LIS literature. None of these are to the author's knowledge, aligned to the continuing professional development of LIS professionals on a practical level or with regard to fully exploiting ICT developments.

PurposeLibraries are subscribing to many expensive information products/services available through information aggregator/provider services. It is a concern for them, as well as these services, to get users (also referred to as consumers) to fully exploit the products/services, and especially new and innovative additions and features. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is written against the background of research from information behaviour as well as a touch from marketing as reported in the library and information science (LIS) literature.FindingsThe paper reveals that to improve the use of information products/services, and especially new products/services and features, libraries, especially academic libraries, as well as information aggregator/provider services, need to address consumers on various levels. In the case of academic libraries, the librarians, faculty members, and students (under‐graduate and post‐graduate) should be included. To appeal to the seriousness and entertainment facets of the lives of consumers, a variety of targeted competitions and prizes can be used.Originality/valueAlthough publications have appeared on using innovative methods such as Web 2.0 and collaboration with students to market products/services, the authors are not aware of articles focusing on competitions and prizes specifically addressed at the serious and entertainment facets of the lives of consumers.

PurposeWhen confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians' interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference.Design/methodology/approachThe column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services.FindingsAlthough rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e‐books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front.Originality/valueAlthough much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.