Ellis’ Model of Information Seeking Behaviour: Historical background, Structure, Online Application, and Critiques

 Ellis’ Model of Information

From Information Seeking to Sense-Making: Understanding the Changing Landscape of Information Behavior

 

In the early years of information science, much of the literature on information seeking focused mainly on sources and systems rather than the people who used them. Scholars were concerned with where information was stored and accessed — books, journals, newspapers, radio, television broadcasts, schools, universities, and professional conferences. The main goal was to understand what the information sources were and how they were used.

However, this early perspective largely ignored the human element — the users themselves. It did not explore their personal needs, how they sought information, or the results of their searches. The assumption seemed to be that people would always act rationally, gathering objective information from these formal systems to make optimal decisions.

By the 1970s, a significant shift occurred. Researchers began to move away from studying just the formal channels and systems of information. The focus turned toward the person as an active seeker, creator, and user of information. This new direction brought to life the concepts of information behavior, information seeking, and later, sense-making — recognizing that people engage with information in deeply personal and context-dependent ways.

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Myths and Challenges in Understanding Information Behavior

Despite progress in research, several myths and misconceptions about information behavior (IB) and information seeking persist — many of which originated from earlier studies but remain relevant today.

1. “Only objective information is valuable.”
   This myth assumes that people are purely rational beings who collect and process data logically to make the best choices. In reality, human decisions are often emotional, intuitive, and influenced by experience or social connections. People tend to rely on easily available sources — especially friends, family, or social media — even when more authoritative information exists.

2. “More information is always better.”
   Having access to more information does not automatically lead to better understanding or decision-making. Being informed requires comprehension and reflection, not just the accumulation of data. In today’s digital world, information overload can confuse rather than clarify.

3. “There is relevant information for every need.”
   Not all human needs can be fulfilled through information. People may seek learning or understanding, but often their needs are physical or emotional — such as food, shelter, safety, or love. Information can support these goals but cannot replace or satisfy them on its own.

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The Human Side of Information

Modern research emphasizes that information seeking is a deeply human activity shaped by context, emotion, culture, and experience. It is not merely about finding data but about making sense of the world and meeting both intellectual and personal needs.

The evolution from viewing information as an objective artifact to seeing it as part of a human process reflects a broader understanding of how people live, learn, and connect in the information age. As libraries, educators, and information professionals, we are reminded that access to information is not enough — what truly matters is helping people interpret, use, and transform that information meaningfully in their lives. https://wchawinga.blogspot.com/