Practical application of the Information Seeking and Communication Model (ISCM) in Higher Education - Westminster Business School Module Leader practice

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to test the Information Seeking and Communication Model’s (ISCM’s) validity in higher education (HE) and identify insights into the provision of a framework for a more integrated and aligned (structured) module leader practice (MLp).

Design and Methodological Approach:

This study adopts a qualitative approach in which the primary instrument of online indepth (Teams) semi-structured interviews were used to elicit academic practice in relation to the proposed Information Seeking and Communication Model in Higher Education. Participants to the interviews comprised of 13 full time academics who were also Leaders of small, medium, and large Modules within Westminster Business School, at the University of Westminster. The results were analysed using thematic (content) analysis supported by the NVivo analytical tool.

Findings: are as follows:

(1) The study supports the rationality of the model with minimal alterations. (2) The model provides practical insight into the information behaviour of MLs. (3) MLs are information actors with multi-purpose, act as information users and information providers. (4) MLs are information producers and service providers, thereby creating internal sources. (5) The ML training framework developed identifies ways in which information behaviour may be positively altered, more awareness built into the notion of how MLs source, use, provide, communicate information while building a sense of a community to support the practice.

Originality and Value:

This study provides practical value as an information behaviour model, ISCM being applied within higher education. It contributes with new knowledge through insights into its practical usefulness in the field of library and information science (LIS). It also answers the criticism that research in LIS often does not build on earlier research, this study does, and thereby suggest further practical use of ISCM.