Mapping information needs

Describes a way of systematising information handling in learning and research, which helps users to articulate information plans within specific contexts. The rationale for this paper comes from a recognition that the increasing sophistication of online resources and virtual environments, far from making things easier for learners and researchers, can provide a distorted or biased view or may filter out information that might be of relevance to the user. Furthermore, there is a need for users to think critically about their information requirements in a specific context and then assess the relevance of different online resources to meet these needs. This paper outlines a resource which guides and supports the user in the process of thinking about their information needs to map these to a specific range of online resources. The paper describes the philosophy behind the development of this information toolkit and reports an evaluation of its use to map the information needs of a researcher