The Information Search Process (ISP) is a six-stage process of information seeking behavior

Information seeking behavior

Information seeking behaviour refers to the way people search for and utilize information.In 2000, Wilson described information seeking behaviour as the totality of human behaviour in relation to sources and channels of information, including both active and passive information-seeking, and...

 in Library and Information Science

Library and information science

Library and information science is a merging of the two fields library science and information science...

. The ISP was first suggested by Carol Kuhlthau

Carol Kuhlthau

Carol Collier Kuhlthau is a noted educator, researcher, and international speaker on learning in school libraries, information literacy, and information seeking behavior. Her model of the Information Search Process describes feelings, thoughts and actions in six stages of information seeking...

 in 1991.

Stage 1: Initiation

During the first stage, initiation, the information seeker recognizes the need for new information to complete an assignment. As they think more about the topic, they may discuss the topic with others and brainstorm the topic further. This stage of the information seeking process is filled with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.

Stage 2: Selection

In the second stage, selection, the individual begins to decide what topic will be investigated and how to proceed. Some information retrieval may occur at this point. The uncertainty associated with the first stage often fades with the selection of a topic, and is replaced with a sense of optimism.

Stage 3: Exploration

In the third stage, exploration, information on the topic is gathered and a new personal knowledge is created. Students endeavor to locate new information and situate it within their previous understanding of the topic. In this stage, feelings of anxiety may return if the information seeker finds inconsistent or incompatible information.

Stage 4: Formulation

During the fourth stage, formulation, the information seeker starts to evaluate the information that has been gathered. At this point, a focused perspective begins to form and there is not as much confusion and uncertainty as in earlier stages. Formulation is considered to be the most important stage of the process. The information seeker will here formulate a personalized construction of the topic from the general information gathered in the exploration phase.

Stage 5: Collection

During the fifth stage, collection, the information seeker knows what is needed to support the focus. Now presented with a clearly focused, personalized topic, the information seeker will experience greater interest, increased confidence, and more successful searching.

Stage 6: Search Closure

In the sixth and final stage, search closure, the individual has completed the information search. Now the information seeker will summarize and report on the information that was found through the process. The information seeker will experience a sense of relief and, depending on the fruits of their search, either satisfaction or disappointment.

External links

• Kuhlthau's Model of the Stages of the Information Process, reproduced from Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library and Information Services, retrieved June 29, 2010.
• The ‘information search process’ revisited: is the model still useful?, retrieved October 15, 2010.

azhar husain