An observational study of the information seeking behaviour of Members of Parlament in the United Kingdom

Orton, Robert Marcella, Rita Baxter, Graeme

Aslib proceedings 2000 52 (6)891
(ReLIS:jul:onkfhj:y:2000:v:52:i:6:p:891)

Abstract:

This paper describes the results of an observational study of the information seeking behaviour of Members of Parlarnent. It is argued that political life functions on a flow of information and that information itself is a prime resource. The study sought to determine the characteristics that impact upon the manner in which information is sourced and used by paríiamentarians. For this project a shadowing methodology was adopted. The conclusions drawn include that UK Mernbers of Parliament are subject to a range of triggers of information seeking, in an information rich environrnent where the amount of information & in presents decision mnakers with difficulties. Public accountabiíity results in dernands frorn a wide variety of individuals, groups and associations. MPs are also expected to be knowledgeable about a wide variety of issues, while information need is frequently unpredictable and reactive. Mernbers rnust be efficient information gatherers and rnanagers and they rnust be flexible in their attitudes to information seeking, while retaining the capacity to critically appraise the quality of sources.

Keywords: Bibliotecas parlamentarias ; Política ; Toma de decisiones ; Impacto ; Información ; Necesidades de información ; Estudio de usuarios ; Inglaterra
Pages: 891
Volume: 52
Year: 2000
Issue: 6

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