Information needs and information behavior: concepts and models

Abstract

An information need can be understood as a subjective experience that takes place in the mind of each individual in certain circumstances or as an objective condition that can be observed when a specific information contributes to answer the need that generated it. Information behavior, on the other hand, is related to the search, use and handling of information sources to satisfy that need. Focusing mainly on the information seeking activity, the present literature review covers the concepts of information needs and information behavior, two of the best studied subjects in Information Science. Classic models are presented and illustrated by describing the application of Wilson's model in a Brazilian recently finished research.

Information needs; Information behavior