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Reijo Savolainen

Bio: Reijo Savolainen is an academic researcher from University of Tampere. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information seeking & Information needs. The author has an hindex of 37, co-authored 127 publications receiving 5973 citations. Previous affiliations of Reijo Savolainen include Tampere University of Technology & University UCINF.


Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for the study of everyday life information seeking (ELIS) in the context of way of and mastery of life is proposed, which is defined as the order of things, manifesting itself in the relationship between work and leisure time, models of consumption, and nature of hobbies.

951 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Information behavior and information practice, two major concepts denoting the general ways in which people deal with information, are analyzed in this article, and a comparative study of the above concepts and discourses serves the needs to generate a self-reflective attitude to familiar discursive formations, in particular among researchers of information seeking.
Abstract: Information behavior and information practice, two major concepts denoting the general ways in which people deal with information, are analyzed. Because of their general nature, they may be conceived of as umbrella concepts drawing on “umbrella discourses” with similar names. Information behavior is currently the dominating umbrella concept, while information practice stands as a critical alternative. The discourses above appear to be quite fragmentary, and researchers on information seeking rarely reflect on the discursive nature of the umbrella concepts. The discourse on information behavior primarily draws on the cognitive viewpoint, while information practice is mainly inspired by the ideas of social constructionism. The comparative study of the above concepts and discourses serves the needs to generate a self‐reflective attitude to familiar discursive formations, in particular among researchers of information seeking.

385 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The basic premises of three metatheories that represent important or emerging perspectives on information seeking, retrieval and knowledge formation in information science: constructivism, collectivism, and constructionism are described.
Abstract: Purpose – Describes the basic premises of three metatheories that represent important or emerging perspectives on information seeking, retrieval and knowledge formation in information science: constructivism, collectivism, and constructionism.Design/methodology/approach – Presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis. Pinpoints the differences between the positions in their conceptions of language and the nature and origin of knowledge.Findings – Each of the three metatheories addresses and solves specific types of research questions and design problems. The metatheories thus complement one another. Each of the three metatheories encourages and constitutes a distinctive type of research and learning.Originality/value – Outlines each metatheory's specific fields of application.

359 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Information literacy evolves in the course of realizing specific work-related tasks and mundane activities, which usually involve a complex system of social relationships, sociotechnical configurations, and work organization.
Abstract: Information literacy has thus far been mostly a practical and strategic concept guiding the library field’s efforts in teaching information seeking and using skills. Texts on information literacy rarely attempt to account for how individuals interact with other people and technical artifacts in their information environments. This article contributes to the literature on information literacy by introducing a definition of information literacy as a sociotechnical practice. Information literacy evolves in the course of realizing specific work‐related tasks and mundane activities, which usually involve a complex system of social relationships, sociotechnical configurations, and work organization. From the perspective of a situated understanding of learning and learning requirements, information skills cannot be taught independently of the knowledge domains, organizations, and practical tasks in which these skills are used. The article suggests that studying and understanding the interplay between information...

351 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The major contribution of the present theory seems to be the inspiring critique addressed to the limitations of the traditional intermediary-centered approach to LIS research at large.
Abstract: The sense-making theory of Brenda Dervin, based on constructivist assumptions on human information seeking and use, is reviewed. The study focuses on the epistemic and practical interests of the theory, discussing them in relation to the interests of the traditional intermediary-centered approach. The interests of the theory are reviewed by analyzing its conceptions of information, information seeking and use, structure, and action. In addition, the assumptions of the theory are assessed in the context of the recent developments of social science and methodology. Finally, the paradigmatic demands of the theory for the study of information seeking and use are considered. Sense-making theory, having its strongest roots in communication research, is a programmatic research effort suggesting user-centered ideas for the conceptualization of information seeking and use. The theoretical assumptions of the theory based on the metaphors of situation-gap-uses/helps has been validated in numerous empirical studies. As to LIS research at large, the major contribution of the present theory seems to be the inspiring critique addressed to the limitations of the traditional intermediary-centered approach.

223 citations


Cited by
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01 Jan 2002

9,314 citations

01 Jan 2009

7,241 citations

Book ChapterDOI
01 Sep 1989
TL;DR: We may not be able to make you love reading, but archaeology of knowledge will lead you to love reading starting from now as mentioned in this paper, and book is the window to open the new world.
Abstract: We may not be able to make you love reading, but archaeology of knowledge will lead you to love reading starting from now. Book is the window to open the new world. The world that you want is in the better stage and level. World will always guide you to even the prestige stage of the life. You know, this is some of how reading will give you the kindness. In this case, more books you read more knowledge you know, but it can mean also the bore is full.

5,075 citations