Studying Children's Questions Imposed and Self-Generated Information Seeking at School

This book reports on a study examining 'Imposed Queries in the School Library Media Center,' and is a follow up to a pilot study on the same topic. The analysis is presented in a way that provides a clear road map for researchers, students, and practitioners who wish to undertake a study of this type, or to advance thinking about the place of imposed queries in information seeking. Particular attention is given to the special nature of the investigative processes undertaken and the concerns researchers have when approaching the study of children in information-providing environments. The research process is described in detail and highlights research questions, methodological issues, and data gathering techniques. The literature on children as a user group and as information seekers is reviewed, and the research findings and conclusions are discussed. Also, advice is offered for readers interested in undertaking their own study of imposed and self-generated queries.

Melissa Gross is an associate professor at the College of Information, Florida State University