Human Information Interaction

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Background and Aim: This paper reviews the two major concepts in the field of information behavior (IB), namely "information" and "information seeking."
Method: Adocumentary research method and review of the literature were used.
Results: The word information is the smallest particle and the most essential element in the area of information behavior. The second one is the phrase "information behavior" itself. Review of the literature shows that the word information dates back t

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Background and Aim: The basic aim of the present study is to investigate users’ query reformulation behavior with regard to wholistic-analytic cognitive styles, search task type, and experience variables in using the Web. Method: This study is an applied research using survey method. A total of 321 search queries were submitted by 44 users. Data collection tools were Riding’s Cognitive Style Analysis test, Web experience questionnaire, and three search tasks. Results: Results indicated that analytic formulated more queries and longer than wholistic to complete search taks and hi-experienced users formulated more queries and shorter than low-experienced users in completing their tasks.  We identified five methods of query reformulation types: New, Add, Replace, Remove, Repeat. Strong correlations were observed between Add and Replace. Results indicated that there were significant different between query reformulation behavior of wholist and analytic and analytic users seemed to be better than their wholist peers in query reformulations. Also findings showed that the more complex tasks, the more number of search quries to complete tasks. The New and Add dominated amongst the query formulations while performing Web searching. Conclusion: Future HCI researchers and IS developers can utilize the study results to develop interactive and user-cantered search model, and to provide context-based query suggestions for users.  

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Background and Aim: This study attempts to propose a suggestive model for theorising in the field of Inquiry-Based Information Behaviour (IBiB).
Method: To achieve the research aim, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Dewey’s Constructivist Theory, as well as IBL Pedagogy were analysed. Taking into account the current information behaviour models and theories which are developed based on the so called theories, we employed deductive reasoning to propose our suggestive model. Methodologically, this interpretivist study is done based on library method and implemented qualitative content analysis technique.
Results: Admitting different cognitive competencies in different age-groups as well as the role of active experience in cognitive development, each child needs her own customized cognitive-appropriate experience to be able to engage with the learning process. The specific style and rate of cognitive development makes children unique learners.
Conclusion: The proposed preliminary conceptual model showed that active learning, open inquiry-based practices, and children’s personalized methods for responding to learning and cognitive needs, all have information ethos. And, children’s IBiB determines the extent to which they could succeed in the above processes. Testing this hypothesis, the IBiB theory which explains this phenomenon needs to be developed.
 

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Background and Aim: the current study aims to determine factors which may cause negative feeling such as fear, uncertainty and anxiety during information seeking process. Method: In this review paper, different library resources and databases were searched in the areas of library anxiety, Internet anxiety, computer anxiety, information seeking, information searching and information retrieval to elicit factors which may cause information seeking anxiety. Results: Potential causes of information seeking anxiety were grouped and reviewed in 4 different categories, namely factors associated with information resources, factors associated with computers, the Internet and databases, factors associated with libraries and factors associated with information seeking process. Conclusion: Negative feelings during information seeking process may negatively affect the results of this process. By being aware of the causes of information seeking anxiety, librarians and information systems’ administrators will be in a better position to provide instructions and services which is effective to reduce levels of anxiety during information seeking process.  

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Background and Aim: Information seeking is interactive behavior of searcher with information systems and this active interaction occurs in a real environment known as background or context. This study investigated the factors influencing the formation of layers of context and their impact on the interaction of the user with search option dialoge in EBSCO database. Method: Data from 28 semi-structured interviews with graduate students and medical information librarians were collected and coded whith open, axial and selective methods using grounded theory approach. Results: Identified general catagories and central ideas ​​in this study include: features’ search, facility to display data: availability and usability of results, general features (personality and character) of the user, presenting unique features (offering more options in database pages). Conclusion: This research in line with previous ones and with regard to the underlying dimensions of context (place, person, or object), investigaed the need to understand factors for improvement of user’s interaction with the Web search. All dimensions of the user interactions with visual search option require understanding the context’s underlying factors. Identification of contextual factors affecting visual search improves users’ search strategy approaches.  

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Background and Aim Among the places that context-aware systems and services would be very useful, are libraries. The purpose of this study is to achieve a coherent definition of context aware systems and applications, especially in digital libraries.
Method: This was a review article that was conducted by using Library method by searching articles and e-books on websites and databases.
Results: Findings of this study indicate that context-aware services in digital libraries by understanding specific conditions of each user - such as demographic characteristics, time position, location and collecting and analyzing of its data - could provide smart and appropriate services.
Conclusion: Digital libraries are constantly evolving and moving forward and must coordinate themselves with on-going changes. Equipping libraries with context-aware services lead them to best meet information needs of their users, without limitation of time and place.

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Background and Aim: The purpose of the present research was to investigate the library anxiety rate of post-graduate students at Shaheed Chamran University (SCU).
Method: Research was a survey of descriptive-analytical type that applying Van Kampen’s multi-dimensional scale, Translation and was the standard for the community. Population included all the post-graduate students (4422) at SCU. Sample size of 354 students was selected using Krejcie-Morgan table. Of 354 distributed questionnaires some 287 were returned (response rate of 81.07%). Data analysis was performed. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used (t-test and ANOVA) to determine the significant differences.
Results: Descriptive results indicated that the library anxiety rate is equal to 151.69 which indicates to be at the medium level.
Conclusion: Variables such as:  sex age college attended educational level frequency of library usage, on library anxiety were studied. Level of education, and the frequency of library usage found to be effective on students’ library anxiety. 

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Background and Aim: This study attempts to show the cybernetics approach on peer reviewing articles to recommend an appropriate solution for increasing the qualitative level of published articles in scientific journals.
Method: Heuristic Cybernetics method is suggested, based on the scientific experiences of related researches and also the mathematical principles that is an appropriate formed solution. This field is modeled by simulating real space by use of the Fuzzy theory, based on AHP method and relying on expert's opinions.
Results: The effective factors of peer reviewing articles are divided into 5 categories: innovation novelty of subjects and its practicality in international domain order, logical solidarity and its reasonableness validity of used sources appropriateness for audiences and writing style. Then these factors have been prioritized, regarding the cybernetics nature of the case and by use of the AHP method. Also the available limitations in optimization problem have been studied. Meanwhile, fuzzy sets were appropriate tools for achieving the objective.
Conclusion: Using the suggested method for peer reviewing articles, fuzzy AHP method has acceptable results in this field and emphasizes the importance of peer reviewing articles as a systematic process.

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Background and Aim: In studies of special groups’ information seeking behavior, there is not a complete understanding of pregnant women's information seeking process. The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of health information seeking behavior of the pregnant women.
Method: This is an applied qualitative method using Grounded Theory approach. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews with 15 pregnant women who were selected from 5 women's hospitals in Tehran. Data was analyzed using three stages of: Open axial and selective coding- used in Grounded theory approach- and a model of pregnant women’s health information seeking behavior was extracted.
Results: five conceptual categories: information seeking motives, barriers, information seeking, information evaluation, and information sharing were the results of three stages of coding, expanded around the main idea of “pregnant women’s health information seeking behavior” to establish a model for this process. Based on the findings, pregnant women's most essential information needs were psychological needs, nutrition, health of mother and fetus, and the ways of childbirth. The most important information seeking barriers were lack of time for searching information, lack of ability in information evaluation, and the high level of difficulty of the books. Physicians were the first and the most important reference in information acquisition and important criteria for information evaluation.
Conclusion: Findings reveal the importance of information acquisition in pregnant women, effective intervention of information professionals in meeting information needs, removal of information seeking barriers, facilitating information seeking process and more attention to information centers seems necessary. Also, results could be applicable to various organizations for women’s health.

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Background and Aim: Human Knowledge depends on data and information that is emerged and transffered from different channels. The dessimination process is different from type, form of transfer, and distribution based on information or awareness. This survey compares the librarians and information scienctist’s information transferring capabilities in mass media and social networks.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey, descriptive and applied - 94 librarians in the cities of Torbat Heidariyeh and Gonabad. The data was collected by a researcher made questionnaire and the Census method was utilized.  Data was analyzed by Wilcakson Test.
Results: Mass media and social networks have their own unique abilities and both are used for information and knowledge transffering. The cost of social media networks is cheaper than media. Most of the participants claim that social networks do a better job of transferring information today.
Conclusion: Media and social networks overlap in most aspects of dissiminating information. In general the strength and capabilities of social networks was much higher than social media. The results will help select a better media and work better in the field of information transferring.

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Background and Aim: This research studies the effective participation and scientific collaboration in Persian Wikipedia, from 2003-2012. 
Method: The library method has been used. Also, considering the objectives and the nature of subject, the research method is a descriptive-applied and during its implementation scientometric technique has been used. Excel and SPSS softwares have been used for analysing data. Considering the two communites of active authors and featured (top) articals, data were collected by means of toolserver, showing the recent statistical changes about the wiki authors and articles.
 Results: Results of ranking the 362 active authors showed that 20% of active authors with 78.90% of the production of added articles and 10% of authors with 86.15% of edits, were identified as hard working partners. The interpretion for the differences between the range of participation of authors, was determined that the characteristic of membership level plays an important role. On the other hand, the study of participation in the 88 featured (top) articles, indicated the editional distribution of articals although influenced by the number of editors, but according to the time difference between Lifetime and half-life of article edition represented the other half of article edition carried out by the hard working partners in the shorter time.
Conclusion:According to the study ofScientific collaboration of active Wikipedians, the results of survey the participation in the featured (top) articlesindicate the effective cooperation by the important minority of Wikipedians in the Persian Wikipedia depeneds on the quality of the editorial team resulting from access levels.

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Background and Aim: Pregnant women are the most active users of health information with regard to the growing use of the Internet as an important source of information. This research studies the information interactions of pregnant women in Ninisite forum, andis to create awareness of pregnant women. This site is the largest Persian-language site for women's issues, pregnancy and parenting.
Methods: This applied research uses qualitative content analysis and semiotic analysis techniques. Content analysis method was used to identify the topics of the exchanged messages. Semiotic method was used to explore the dimensions of trust between users. All messages in the two sections of before and during pregnancy in a 6-month period (from October to March 2013) were studied.
Results: Analyzing two forums related to before and during pregnancy showed that users talk about different aspects of life. Medical, sales, education, recreation, friendships and communing, religion and lifestyle and empathy were the main themes of discussions. Most common information needs of women are: infertility disorders, diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms and complications of pregnancy, the fetus disorders, the pregnancy and delivery and birth. Cognitive and affective dimensions were the main components of trust among users.
Conclusion: Results reveals the potential of forums for information exchange, therefore, applying forums for the dissemination of health information is recommended. It is also important that health officials control the quality of health information on the web.

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Background and Aim: This research is dedicated to assessing information behaviors of children and adolescents’ interaction with print and digital books. To reach this goal, digital books of Iranian virtual library for children and teenagers, have been used as sources of research. The purpose is assessing the influence of participants’ gender, age and graphical effects of books, with their preference in choosing type of books. 
Method: A mixed method was used qualitative method to investigate the information behaviors and quantitative statistics to answer some of questions. Samples were selected based on members’ availability, which ultimately thirty-two of them have been chosen equally between boys and girls. Data were collected using observation and semi-structured interviews and recording speech data.
Results: The findings showed that %70 prefer print format to digital one. The gender of children and graphic effects of books did not influence on members in choosing the format. As children age, their desire in choosing print type gets stronger, while younger children approach digital book as entertainment. Print books caused more enthusiasm in children to continue reading.
Conclusion:It seems that browsing print books is much easier and pleasant for children than digital books. Print books are least succeptable to distractive factors, thus, they are more suitable for long reading.

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Background and Aim: this study aimed to explore the impact of objective complexity and Product of work task on user's interactive information searching behavior.

Method: The research population consisted of MSc students of Ferdowsi university of Mashhad enrolled in 2012-13 academic year. In 3 stages of sampling (random stratified, quota, and voluntary sampling), 30 cases were selected. Each of these cases searched 6 different types of simulated work tasks. Students’ Interactive Information searching behavior was measured by “loud thinking reports” and “log files”. Also, reliable questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha= 0.88) was applied to measure subjective complexity. Validity of tools was verified through Faculties of KIS at Ferdowsi university of Mashhad.

Results: By increasing level of objective complexity, users view more databases, search engines and web OPACs. Also they use more queries and select resources, visit and analyze more results and spend more time during search process. Totally, they feel less satisfaction and success. It was also found that most participants spend more time to search IR systems related to tasks including intellectual product. Also, they iterate queries, use more search facilities, view, analyze and select more search results and resources. At the end, in spite of more interaction, satisfaction and perception of search success were reported not favorable.

Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to work task characteristics in designing interactive and personalized IR systems. So, recommendations raised from this study are appropriate to improve and develop Interactive IR systems.

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Background and Aim: The need for cognition to the extent of involvement of the individual in intellectual activities, to assess individual differences in motivation for information processing, individual differences in the tendency of people to engage in and enjoy effortful thinking and, finally, refers to the processing of sound messages. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of need for cognition on students' collaborative information behavior.

Method: This study is applied research .Among 340 students graduate from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences in Allameh Tabatabai University, 181 students were selected randomly and measures need to recognize the information behavior participatory out the questionnaires.

Results: The research findings indicate the need to recognize significant differences by gender and field of study participants were women. Students seeking a partnership relationship between need for cognition and behavior were observed. Information seeking behavior in terms of the need to know their students significant difference was found and thus the need to know the information seeking behavior of effective student participation.

Conclusion: the need for cognition is effective on Students’ collaborative information behavior (CIB).

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Background and Aim: The main aim of Information storage and retrieval systems is keeping and retrieving the related information means providing the related documents with users’ needs or requests. This study aimed to answer this question that how much are the system relevance and User- Oriented relevance are matched in SID, SCI and Google Scholar databases.

Method: In this study 15 keywords of the most repeated ones that were related to “Human Information Interaction” and its subheadings were selected and searched both in Persian and in English in the mentioned databases for two one week periods. The results were arranged according to the system relevance based on the retrieval and displaying order. From each search the first 10 results were selected and sent to the subject experts and asked them to rank from 1 to 10. Data were descriptively and analytically (using Spearman correlation test) analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: Subject experts’ relevance score in Persian was lower in ISC than SID and higher than Google Scholar. The most subject relevant records were in the third score of system relevance. The records with the lowest system relevance score also had the lowest subject experts’ relevance score. SID in Persian had a strong and positive relation between the both scores but there was no relation in ISC. The highest matching level of the both scores was seen in SID in both languages on the both periods which means more likely to retrieve relevant records.

Conclusion: There is a similar retrieval pattern in both languages with subject expert’s view in SID showing the highest precision which was the lowest in Google scholar in Persian

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Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the Iranian Personal electronic information management of knowledge and information science and medical Library and Information Sciences faculty members based on the Jones model.

Method: This study is kind of application research and in terms of data collection is descriptive and analytical study. The statistical population included faculty of knowledge and information science and medical library and information science in Iranian state universities. Data were collected by a questionnaire that its validity is confirmed by the ISprofessors, and its reliability was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.81). To analyse the data, descriptive and inferential statistic using SPSS statistical software was used.

Results: Analysis of the data showed that the average of activities in finding and re-finding were 4.0101, in storage was 4.0783, in organization was 3.2424, in maintaining were 2.8106, in security were 3.1162, in measuring and evaluation was 3.7803, in making sense of things was 3.9192 and total average personal electronic information management was 3.5659. Findings showed that there was nosignificant difference in the personal electronic information management in terms of gender and organizational affiliation, but in terms of the scientific and age there, there were significant differences among faculty members. The differences were found between the scientific degrees of associate professor and professor, and between the age group 36-45 years old and up to 56 years old.

Conclusion: The results indicated that faculty members in the age group 46-55 years old as well as associate degree had the best performance. Also, faculty members of medical library and information science had been used greater extent personal information management activities and personal information management quality women had better than men. Faculty members had desirable operation to Retrieve and store information, but they do not well maintained this information and do not provide appropriate security measures. In general, management of personal electronic information was in the relatively good level.

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Background and Aim: Considering the increasing number of users who interact with online social networks, it can be inferred that these networks have become an essential part of users' lives and play different roles in their everyday life. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the role of these networks in users' everyday-life information seeking.

Method: This research is an applied research with qualitative approach and it was conducted using thematic analysis method. This method includes a semi - structured interview with active users of online social networks.

Results: Results indicate that online social networks play different roles in the users' lives, such as entertainment, education, communication and interactions; accompanied by, news, favorite contents, and up-to-date information; but, these networks face some challenges that affect information seeking behavior of users which compels users to utilize active information seeking.

Conclusion: Richer social capital and diversity of users in an individual's social network leads to the access to more qualitative information which in turn increases the probability of finding the required information and achieving the expected results with the least effort.

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Background and Aim: University students due to having better media literacy are among the groups that use social networks more. Aim of this research was to study the use of social networks by university students based on demographic and educational variables.

Method: This quantitative applied research utilized survey design. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire developed by the investigator. Validity of questionnaire was evaluated by expert colleagues and samples of respondents. Reliability of tool was tested by Spilt Half reliability. Population of the study was 4524 undergraduate students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. The sample size was 393 students. Descriptive statistics (percent, frequency and mean) and inferential nonparametric statistics (Spearman,Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis) was used in order to analysis data. SPSS17 was used to analysis the data and Excel was used to draw the charts.

Results: Majority of the students used social networks. Viber and Line was the most preferred social networks. Daily average use of social networks was 140 minutes. The most important reason of using social networks was fun. Friends of respondents in social networks were mostly the face to face visited individuals. Hand-phone was the important medium used in social networks. According to the majority of students validity of information in social networks was not valid. There was significant correlation between proportion of social network use and Grade Point Average (GPA), number of friends in social networks and features of information in social networks. There was significant difference in use of social networks between students of four studied domains.

Conclusion: Usage of social networks is usual among university students. Students almost used social networks as a medium for fun and communication. The students with higher GPA used social networks fewer.

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Background and Aim: In order to comprehension of interactive content and content production standards, and also users interaction with LMSs, and their behavior in dealing with information, the aim of this paper is to examine the users interaction information provided in the eFront application, an open source Learning Management System, by emphasizing SCORM standard.

Method: The method that used in this study, is Netnograghy which is a qualitative method and it is ethnography in online society. All the data is collected online by using the software reports.

Results: by comparing users’ behavior between two courses in eFront application we understand that in courses which the content is provided by text and images need to have an online teacher and that content is not enough. The users who was attended in course “Installing virtual reference desk" not only need information in text format and images but also need to interact with teacher directly. In the first three chapters of this course which have made in film format, users had fewer problems. The users who have attended in course with web conference passed the course more successful than before. In the course "EndNote” which content have made in film format, users could make good communication with information and had less problem.

Conclusion: Provide educational content in the context of "interactive learning management system" should be the terms and conditions. You can not just put the text and image content to reach the desired result. Although content in the form of educational films can provide more help to the user, to achieve better results, we need to fully interactive content which is available to users, in order to control their activity in learning environment.