Information Behavior from Florida State University

National CAE Designated Institution

Classroom
Online, Instructor-Led

Studying information behaviors of users is an essential initial step of information system design of any kind. This course provides students with an overview that emphasizes the user's perspective in the analysis of information needs and preferences, including the fundamentals necessary for the study and understanding of human information-seeking behaviors of a variety of users and user groups.

Learning Objectives

Examine the basic philosophical and conceptual approaches to the study of information, information needs, information seeking, and information behavior.
Recognize a range of approaches to information needs and behavior assessment.
Examine how information behavior studies are done, using a range of technologies.
Review the current literature addressing information behaviors for various user populations.
Explain how information behavior research can be used in the design of information services and systems.
Explain how different social, cultural, ability, and technical factors can affect information behaviors of diverse user groups and how to make the design of information systems and services inclusive and responsive to those behaviors.