This study establishes a link between research on organizational source credibility and the effects of public information campaigns. Research has established that source credibility is one factor audiences evaluate when responding to messages and that credible information sources enhance message acceptance, while untrustworthy sources can interfere with desired message effects. Although source credibility studies have typically focused on the person delivering a message, recent studies indicate that audience perceptions of the organization sponsoring a message has a direct effect on message acceptance as well. Additionally, a few studies indicate that non-profit sources of health information are viewed as more credible, while such messages presented by for-profit organizations are less effective. This study uses an experimental procedure to investigate the relationship between organizational status, source credibility, and two possible effects of public service messages, information seeking and behavioral intent. Based on previous findings, the study hypothesized that the non-profit source would berated as more credible and that as the audiences' perception of source credibility increases so would their willingness to seek additional information or perform the advocated behaviors. Findings indicate, however, that organizational status does not have a significant effect on perceptions of source credibility. Nor does it significantly influence message evaluation, information seeking, or behavioral intent. As predicted, there was a positive correlation between source credibility, message credibility, problem recognition, personal relevance, information seeking, and behavioral intent. The results also indicate that information seeking positively predicts behavioral intent.

This is a pre-print of an article that is accepted for publication in RUSQ Spring or Summer of 2008. / This article considers the teaching role of reference librarians by studying the teachable moment in reference transactions, and usersâ response to that instruction. An empirical study of instruction was conducted in both virtual and traditional reference milieus, examining three services: IM (Instant Messaging), chat, and face-to-face reference. The authors used the same criteria in separate studies of all three to determine if librarians provided analogous levels of instruction and what factors influenced the likelihood of instruction. Methodology employed transcript analysis, observation, and patron surveys. Findings indicated that patrons wanted instruction in their reference transactions, regardless of medium, and librarians provided it. However, instructional techniques used by librarians in virtual reference differ somewhat from those used at the reference desk. The authors conclude that reference transactions, in any medium, represent the patronsâ point-of-need, thereby presenting the ideal teachable moment.

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Denna rapport presenterar en utveckling av uDecide, som är ett sorts hjälpmedel för att lättare kunna ta beslut. Ett verktyg som man kan använda för att ställa frågor till andra människor med hjälp av en bild och svarsalternativ för att få ett personligt svar eller åsikt. Syftet med detta projekt är att utveckla en användbar hi-fi prototyp som i sin tur ska vidareutvecklas av webbyrån Roxbury och uDecidegrundarna. Arbetet utgår från en befintlig uDecide iOS mobilapplikation, och fokus har lagts på att förbättra användarupplevelsen och implementera nya funktioner. Med hjälp av förstudier och användartester har vi utvecklat en webbaserad, responsiv hi fi-prototyp. Lösningen presenterar ny utveckling av navigering, struktur på inlägg och ny meny. Ett kommentarsfält har implementerats i hi-fi prototypen vilket kommer att ge användarna möjlighet att interagera med varandra och ge mer personliga åsikter. / This report describes a development of the mobile application uDecide. uDecide is a tool which you can use to ask other people a question including a picture and alternative answers to get an individual answer or opinion. The objective of this project is to develop an usable hi-fi prototype, which in turn will be further developed by the web designers Roxbury and the founders of uDecide. The development originates from a current uDecide IOS mobile application and focus is to improve user satisfaction and to implement new functions. Supported by pre-development research and user tests we have developed a webbased, responsive and interactive hi-fi prototype. The solution presents a new development in navigation, structure of additions and responses, including a new menu. A commentary function has been implemented in the hi-fi prototype, which will give the users the option to interact and provide more personal opinions.

Background: The Internet is of great importance in today’s health sector, as most Internet users utilize online functions for health related purposes. Concerning the mental health care sector, little data exist about the Internet use of psychiatric patients. It is the scope of this current study to analyze the quantity and pattern of Internet usage among mental health patients. Methods: Patients from all services of the Department of Psychiatry at a university hospital were surveyed by completing a 29-item questionnaire. The data analysis included evaluation of frequencies, as well as group comparisons. Results: 337 patients participated in the survey, of whom 79.5% were Internet users. Social media was utilized by less than half of the users: social networks (47.8%), forums (19.4%), chats (18.7%), blogs (12.3%). 70.9% used the Internet for mental health related reasons. The contents accessed by the patients included: information on mental disorders (57.8%), information on medication (43.7%), search for mental health services (38.8%), platforms with other patients (19.8%) and platforms with mental health professionals (17.2%). Differences in the pattern of use between users with low, medium and high frequency of Internet use were statistically significant for all entities of social media (p < 0.01), search for mental health services (p = 0.017) and usage of platforms with mental health professionals (p = 0. 048). The analysis of differences in Internet use depending on the participants’ type of mental disorder revealed no statistically significant differences, with one exception. Regarding the Internet’s role in mental health care, the participants showed differing opinions: 36.2% believe that the Internet has or may have helped them in coping with their mental disorder, while 38.4% stated the contrary. Conclusions: Most psychiatric patients are Internet users. Mental health related Internet use is common among patients, mainly for information seeking. The use of social media is generally less frequent. It varies significantly between different user types and was shown to be associated with high frequency of Internet use. The results illustrate the importance of the Internet in mental health related contexts and may contribute to the further development of mental health related online offers.

The sheer quantity of information available on the Internet poses a challenge to users who need an efficient way of finding the information most relevant to their needs. One of the most frequent information-seeking activities of Internet users is the search for health and medical information. In this research, I focus on the user process of seeking information on clinical trials which are the only evidence-based source of information in the medical domain. Through my work, I show that improvements for seeking clinical-trial information could be made to enhance the effectiveness of seeking and gathering results from clinical trials. Unfortunately, little work has been reported on alternative methods and on visualization systems in particular for these enhancements. I suggest that this omission may be due to a lack of understanding of the particular information needs of users of clinical-trial data. Understanding the users' needs is the first step towards providing more effective interfaces to support them in the information seeking process. In this dissertation, I investigate 1) how information is accessed in the medical domain; more specifically, how users seek clinical-trial information on the Internet and 2) how to improve current Web-seeking interfaces for clinical-trial users. I discuss my findings from three exploratory studies: moderated discussion with professional researchers of clinical trials, an online questionnaire with health professionals and patients who search the clinical trial domain, and a qualitative query log analysis of a popular medical search engine. The results of this research indicate that most of the time users are successful in finding the information they require. However, the process of seeking clinical-trial information is tedious, frustrating and time consuming, because current search interfaces do not sufficiently support users seeking this kind of information. Based on the findings from my studies, I propose a set of design principles to design better seeking interfaces. I validate my findings and the set of design principles with two visualization tools that support users in performing information-seeking tasks in the clinical-trial domain. Finally, I provide initial evidence that my proposed designs are indeed helpful with finding, summarizing and comparing information in this complex medical domain.

Reporting the findings from a phenomenographic study of students' experiences of web-based information searching, this thesis describes how the identified four conceptions, and their structures of awareness, might influence future information literacy curriculum design and web based resources for academics, librarians, and students. Alongside the reported study in this thesis, the first electronic outcome space is also outlined and presented. This electronic outcome space is an enhancement to ways of presenting phenomenographic study findings. Using a phenomenographic approach, the project aimed to uncover variation in students' experiences of web-based information searching. Data gathering during 2000 - 2003 involved investigations of student diary work, video-filmed searching using a think-aloud protocol, and a series of interviews conducted over several semesters. Incorporating first year, third year, and postgraduate student perspectives, the participants, who were from the Queensland University of Technology, came from six of the eight university faculties. Different cultures, ages and genders were represented. During the interviews the students were asked to describe a recent search experience, and to describe how they learn to search for information using various web-based tools. Careful attention was paid during interviews to asking students to explain their interpretation of key concepts in the subject area. Analysis involved an iterative process of seeking meaning and structure. Amongst the group of students interviewed, four categories of explicit variation were discovered and these have been described drawing largely from the words of the participants. Two categories of implicit variation are also proposed. Each explicit category is presented in terms of referential and structural components constituted in terms of the critical dimensions of variation including focal elements, approaches to learning, and reflective practice. The possibility of implicit categories is proposed based on the findings and on the levels of IT skill amongst participants. The study also sought to explore how this type of research into student learning can influence both the design of learning experiences and academic development resources, particularly in relation to teaching and learning information searching as part of the information literacy agenda. Using the categories of description, which showed the variations in student's web-based information searching experiences, it is hoped that the further research outlined will enlighten attempts to design existing assessment to work more effectively, to bring about desired changes in students' experiences of information searching behaviour. The structure of awareness section of each category has revealed the elements that need to be attended to in re-designing assessment. It is hoped that in modifying assignments it will enable the simultaneous attention of students to the already identified relevant dimensions of the information searching experience.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-11-06Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:34:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_fb_me_mar.pdf: 809380 bytes, checksum: 7658ccae5a3373b47c194e7a99f23b85 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A questão ambiental ocupa um importante espaço na sociedade e vem crescendo cada vez mais em abrangência. Uma das características da área de meio ambiente é que esta apresenta facetas de difícil controle, por ser multi e interdisciplinar. A informação produzida e utilizada nesta área encontra-se dispersa em diversas fontes. Dessa forma, o comportamento de busca da informação ambiental por pesquisadores da área faz-se pertinente. A pesquisa teve como objetivo principal a análise do comportamento de busca e uso da informação ambiental por parte dos pesquisadores de duas instituições vinculados a programas de pós-graduação da área de Ecologia. Objetivou-se ainda caracterizar a informação ambiental, incluindo aspectos históricos e atuais, enfocando o contexto brasileiro, delinear o perfil dos pesquisadores-usuários da informação ambiental, identificar os hábitos de busca e as fontes de informação consideradas fundamentais. Utilizou-se uma metodologia quantitativa e descritiva e os dados foram obtidos através de questionário contendo perguntas abertas, semi-abertas e fechadas. Constatou-se que os pesquisadores da área de meio ambiente, tanto de mestrado, quanto de doutorado, apresentam um comportamento de busca e uso da informação independente, não necessitando necessariamente de intermediários para a realização da busca por informação e estes apresentam aspectos similares e diferentes no que concerne a esse comportamento. Espera-se que este estudo possa trazer significativas contribuições ao campo da Ciência da Informação, em especial a linha de Organização da Informação e que suscite outras discussões sobre este tema. / The environmental issue occupies an important place in society and is growing increasingly in scope. One of the characteristics of environment area is that it presents facets difficult to control, to be multi and interdisciplinary. The information produced and used in this area is scattered in various sources. Thus, the study of the conduct of search of environmental information by researchers in the field it is relevant. The research was aimed primarily at examining the conduct of search of environmental information by researchers from both institutions linked to postgraduate programmes in the ecology area. The objective was to further characterize the environmental information, including current and historical aspects, focusing on the Brazilian context, outlining the profile of researchers-users of environmental information, identify patterns of search and sources of information considered essential. We used a descriptive and quantitative methodology and data were obtained through a questionnaire containing questions open, semi-open and closed. It was found that researchers in the field of environment, both master's or a doctorate, presenting a performance of search and use of independent information, not necessarily requiring an intermediary to conduct the search for information and they have similar and different aspects in relation to this behavior.It is hoped that this study could bring significant contributions to the field of Information Science, in particular the line of Organization of information and that raises further discussions on this subject.

Orientador: Helen de Castro Silva Casarin / Banca: José Augusto Chaves Guimarães / Banca: Ariadne Chlö Mary Furnival / Resumo: Na atual sociedade globalizada e em constante modificação, o acesso à informação atualizada e confiável é de suma importância para os diversos profissionais que necessitam de tal insumo para obter sucesso em suas atividades profissionais. Para os advogados, em especial, a informação, tanto jurídica quanto de outras áreas do conhecimento, é um recurso imprescindível. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se em âmbito mais geral: identificar as características do comportamento informacional de advogados relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de suas atividades de trabalho. Em um contexto mais específico, objetivouse: a) verificar as fontes de informação utilizadas pelos advogados para identificar e obter informação; b) identificar as fontes de informação utilizadas pelos advogados; c) determinar os fatores positivos e negativos que influenciam o comportamento de busca de informação dos advogados. Para tanto, foi analisada uma amostra composta por 10 advogados que atuam na cidade de Marília e região, os quais totalizam, aproximadamente, 1000 profissionais. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada e os dados coletados foram analisados qualitativamente. Os resultados demonstraram que as fontes de informação mais utilizadas para identificar informação são os livros; a fonte de informação mais utilizada para obter informação é o contato com colegas de profissão (conversa informal para troca de informações) e com profissionais de outras áreas; dentre as fontes de informação disponíveis em seus escritórios, a Internet é a mais utilizada e considerada a mais importante; as fontes formais de informação (Internet e livros) são as mais utilizadas para localizar informação; a maioria sente dificuldade para localizar e ter acesso à informação, principalmente quando se depara com algum assunto inovador ou desafiador; pedir auxílio nas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In the present globalized society, which is in constantly changing, updated and reliable information access is essentially important to several professionals who need such input to be successful in their activities. Especially for lawyers, information, both legal and from other areas of knowledge is an essential resource. In this sense, it is intended in a general scope: to identify the informational behavior characteristics of lawyers related to their daily work. In a more specific context, the goals were: a) verify the sources of information used by lawyers to identify and obtain information; b) identify the sources of information used by lawyers; c) determine the positive and negative aspects that influence the informational behavior of lawyers. For such, a sample made of 10 lawyers who work in Marília and the nearby area was analyzed, representing a total of approximately 1,000 professionals. The data collection was carried out by a semi-structured interview and the collected data were qualitatively analyzed. Results show that the most common mechanism to obtain information is the coworker contact (informal chat for information exchange), and with professionals from other areas; among the sources of information available in their offices, the Internet is the most popular and considered the most important; the formal sources of information (the Internet and books) are the most used; most of the professionals have difficulty to find and access information, mainly when they come across some innovative or challenging subject; ask for help in the activities of information seeking is a very common practice to most of them; several aspects may influence informational behavior, but the one that is positive with the greatest influence is related to people (family and office coworkers). On the other hand, the negative aspects are related to technology. It was concluded that the proposed goals... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology in Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics & Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / Research on health informatics has seen a steady increase during this decade as the role of information technology in the health sector becomes pertinent. Findings of previous research in this domain have uncovered vast information needs of health workers, particularly in developing countries. However, there is a need to continue with multidisciplinary research in priority areas such as midwifery practice and in the environment of marginalised settings. This study explores the significance of the information needs and information-seeking behaviour or practice of midwives during the antenatal and intrapartum care within the environment of a midwifery unit. Additionally, the researcher obtained permission from Faculty of Informatics and Design – CPUT and Health department authority – Western Cape Government in South Africa, to conduct research in the Elsies River Midwifery Obstetric Unit (ERMOU). The research was carried out as case study in a Midwifery Obstetric Unit in the Western Cape, South Africa. The investigator conducted semi-structured interviews and observations to collect qualitative data of the antenatal and intrapartum care environment. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis and essomenic modelling. The findings comprehensively point to the importance of this research context. The study found that midwives acquired patients’ information from a handwritten Maternity Case Record (MCR) book and midwives’ colleagues, and often during handovers. In addition, midwives also communicate with each other during care activities in the ERMOU. It was apparent that the use of such communication practices is inadequate, and midwives did not always have sufficient information to make appropriate decisions in the ERMOU. All patient information, referral notes, and reporting is paper-based. In addition, essomenic models were used to depict the midwives’ work activities in the antenatal and intrapartum care environment in the Unit. Furthermore, essomenic models defined all the systematic processes that occur in the ERMOU which is described by midwives’ activities and work environment. To improve communication, future research is recommended to consider the importance of the continuity of the education of midwives. Further research will be on the implementation of nursing informatics and the electronic health record system in the Elsies River Midwifery Obstetric Unit.