Posts Tagged ‘Information seeking behavior’
Information Seeking Behavior of Clergy: The Research, the Results, and the Future
Posted on: March 9, 2016
This is an electronic version of an article published in the Journal of Religious & Theological Information, Volume 14, Issue 1-2, pp. 13-29. (2015). Click here to read this version.
Abstract
This paper examines the information seeking studies carried out on the professional roles of the clergy, their use of information resources, the place of the Internet in their information seeking behavior, and the studies conducted on the clergy across different religions. Results show significant relationship between clergy’s doctrinal position and their information seeking behavior, which changes with work roles of the clergy. The clergy use both formal and informal sources depending on the particular work role they assume. However, not many models of information seeking behavior have been tested in studies of religious professionals. The paper argues that most previous studies of the information seeking behavior of clergy resulted in similar findings because the areas of focus have been limited in scope. Hence, there is a need to look at the issue from different perspectives using diverse methods and contexts in order to broaden the understanding of the clergy and their information seeking habits. The paper points out areas for further research with recommendations of suitable theoretical frameworks, which if applied or tested in information seeking research with religious clergy, may add value to the understanding of this issue.
The published article is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/pWTKFJRTrt7Mdx65MQBv/full. DOI: 10.1080/10477845.2015.1035196
Seeking Information in Circles: The Application of Chatman’s Life in the Round Theory to the Information Small World of Catholic Clergy in Northern Nigeria
Posted on: February 24, 2016
This is the accepted version of the paper published in the Journal of Information Science. First published online, February 22, 2016. doi:10.1177/0165551516632659. Click here to read the accepted version.
Abstract
This study explores Chatman’s proposition of the theory of life in the round that members of a small world who live in the round will not cross the boundaries of their world to seek information. The study tests Chatman’s proposition to find out whether it is applicable to the special population of Catholic clergy. The study was conducted with Catholic clergy from Northern Nigeria. Findings show these clergy are not likely to cross boundaries of their small worlds to seek information about their ministry or private lives. They prefer to seek such information within their circle of clergy. The findings align with Chatman’s conclusion that life lived in the round has a negative influence on information seeking. This study advances the understanding of Chatman’s theory of life in the round and positions religious status as a factor that is capable of influencing the information seeking process.
The Published Journal article can be found here.
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