Saturday, September 29, 2001

 
My primary interest is in distance education, librarianship, and the research process. There are many new database products, online resources, and electronic utilities in our midst. Vast resources could be put into applications that could systematize the searching/researching process. There is some debate (in my mind anyway) as to the extent that systems can be left to conduct the steps of the library research process.

In particular I am pursuing the general topic of "information seeking behavior of distance education students" How do students approach their searching and researching activities?

I am gathering data, statistics, and particularly anecdotal evidence that provides insight into this topic. If you have any leads to the literature, expertise, or interest in this topic, I would like to talk to you.

Steve Schafer
Athabasca University Library
steves@athabascau.ca