Information Behavior In Support Of Instruction: Designing the ADEPT Digital Library to Support Dual Work-Roles of Academic Geographers

Abstract

The educational client interface to the ADEPT digital library is envisioned as a â learning spaceâ where digital objects are tightly integrated with instruction to improve the scientific reasoning and geographic thinking skills of undergraduates. Geography faculty, acting in the work-role of instructor, will be the primary agents utilizing this ADEPT interface. The information behavior of academics is well documented in relation to their work roles as researchers, but little has been published on their information behavior in support of instruction. We report findings from our exploratory study on the information practices of geography faculty in this context. Results suggest that the information behavior of academic geographers follows the Leckie dynamic feedback-loop model. A tentative pattern may exist in the intersection of work roles and information sources. Information seeking for instruction may be characterized as passive and formal while information seeking for research may be characterized as active and informal.