User-centered information service and a n.0, pplication of sense-making theory

이용자 중심 정보서비스와 Sense-making 이론의 적용

We are seeing a shift of the focus of information service from system-centered(data-centered or intermediary-centered) a n.0, pproach to user-centered a n.0, pproach. Sense-making theory is one of the user- centered a n.0, pproaches. This study focused on user-centered information service paradigm concepts of Dervin's sense-making theory and interpreting sense-making theory in the practical context of library services. The sense-making theory is basically a cognitive a n.0, pproach to information-seeking, in that it recognizes information as something that involves internal cognitive processes. The user of information becomes the focus in this sense-making model. The sense-making theory sees information as subjective, situational, and cognitive. It focuses on understanding information within specific contexts and on understanding how information needs develop and how they are satisfied. It regards the user not as a passive receive of external information but as the center in a active, ongoing process of change. It related to the information needs of users. Dervin's method for studying information needs employs the 'situation-gap-use' metaphor. All information needs stem from a discontinuity or 'gap! in one's knowledge. Dervin believes that information needs can be addressed by understanding the process that each individual goes through in experiencing a gap, in trying to resolve it, and in gaining something (especially new knowledge) from the experience. Sense-making is a process; 'sense' is the product of this process. Sense includes 'knowledge'. However, it includes a host of other subjective factors that reflect an individual's interpretations of a situation including intuitions, opinions, hunches, effective responses, evaluations, questions, etc. For several reasons, however, difficulties are encountered if one attempts a more substantial assessment of the theory. First, it has not yet crystallized into a well-defined theory. Secondly, though the theory has aroused general interest, e.g. within LIS, detailed discussion of its strong and weak points is still lacking. A third source of difficulty is that the basic assumptions of the theory have been explicated metaphorically. If sense-making theory is to be really useful, it needs to be interpreted for library settings. But we have found no attempt to construct an information service based on the theory. Because the research tradition is still relatively young, there are many unanswered questions connected, e.g. with the design of information systems. In any case, e.g. intermediary access systems would be more efficient and effective it their planning could be founded on the user-centered a n.0, pproach.