Wilson, T (Wilson, Tom) The information user: past, present and future JOURNAL OF INFORMATION SCIENCE, 34 (4): 457-464 AUG 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: wilsontd at gmail.com

Author(s): Wilson, T (Wilson, Tom) 

Title: The information user: past, present and future 

Source: JOURNAL OF INFORMATION SCIENCE, 34 (4): 457-464 AUG 2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: information behaviour 

Keywords Plus: SOCIAL-SCIENTISTS; NEEDS 

Abstract: The emergence of research on various aspects of ` information 
behaviour' is explored and its growth as a subject of academic research is 
documented. The origin of the field as a potential aid to the development 
of library and information services is noted, as is the transition from 
this status to that of a subject for research at PhD level and beyond. The 
development of the field has thus led to a division between the needs of 
academia for theoretically grounded work, and the needs of the field of 
practice for guidance for service development. There is, today, a 
disconnection between research and practice, to a significant extent: 
early research was undertaken by practitioners but today academic research 
dominates the scene. Suggestions are made as to how this disconnection can 
be repaired. 

Addresses: Univ Leeds, Sch Business, Leeds LS2 9JT, W Yorkshire, England 

Reprint Address: Wilson, T, Univ Leeds, Sch Business, Leeds LS2 9JT, W 
Yorkshire, England. 
 
Cited Reference Count: 30 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD 

Publisher Address: 1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0165-5515 

DOI: 10.1177/0165551508091309 

29-char Source Abbrev.: J INFORM SCI 

ISO Source Abbrev.: J. Inf. Sci. 

Source Item Page Count: 8 

Subject Category: Computer Science, Information Systems; Information 
Science & Library Science 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 334XN 

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