Describes and provides examples for six approaches and factors related to serendipity in library research: coincidence; previent grace (i.e., the prior organization of information); synchronicity (i.e., hidden patterns and forces); perseverance; altamirage (i.e., idiosyncratic behaviors); and sagacity (i.e., intuition and skill). The stigma…

This paper introduces the contemporary research on information behaviors and applies it to educational research activities. Information behaviors are defined as the processes by which information users formulate their information needs, seek and observe sources, evaluate the sources, and then act upon the information. It is suggested that because…

It is vital that librarians know the assumptions and principles of information-seeking behavior, make observations of themselves and users, and analyze failed reference interactions. They can make the human factor a strength rather than a limitation in the seeking and sharing of information. (Author/JMV)

This paper examines the elements of user studies and presents them as unified concepts within a model of information-seeking behavior. Definitions of information-seeking behavior, information needs, information gathering, information giving, and source preference are discussed. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)