USER AND SYSTEM PERSPECTIVE IN THE INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH

This article describes the main perspectives in the study of information behavior: a user perspective and system perspective. In the user's perspective, we assume a global vision of information-seeking process and develop theoretical and methodological models to guide research in this field. Two theoretical proposals are Sense-Making theory of Brenda Dervin and the Information Search Process model of Carol Kuhlthau. The system's perspective assumes a partial view of information-seeking process, focusing primarily on transactions between the user and the system or between the user and information. Three types of studies are described: studies of the use of information resources, demand studies and studies of the information use. Both perspectives are complementary and provide sufficient information for planning both for the evaluation of appropriate information systems.