Information needs analysis: Principles and practice in information organizations

Abstract

Written by a troika of experienced Canadian, Australian and British information educators (but all in New Zealand), this vehicle successfully manages to negotiate the theory and practice of information needs analysis (INA) without being either too superficial or too detailed, as it adds to the literature of our profession, which is moving from data through information to knowledge (and perhaps even towards wisdom as the classic cartoon of the knitting old lady once suggested). The book’s aim is to give an overview of the theory of INA and then be a guide for undertaking the process successfully. It is a book meant to be used, not merely read. Surveys of library use, users and non-users have been undertaken for a century, so how is the INA concept different and more pertinent to modern needs? Essentially, it is not restricted to libraries, because information needs exist throughout institutions and societies relative to their unique contexts. It is not an exercise undertaken out of curiosity, but is problem-solving work resulting in identifiable actions. It builds on recognised procedures of preparation, information gathering, analysis and reporting, leading to application and evaluation. Chapters look at data gathering, surveys and interviews, but essentially INA is viewed as a process concerned with quality rather than quantity (although both aspects are noted). The emphasis is on the why and possible hows, but it is not a research methods handbook per se. The 10 chapters range from the background to needs analysis, including analysis vs. assessment, for information managers to practical aspects such as context, models, data-gathering methods and reporting the results. An organisation’s needs and, therefore, the analyses may be either at the macro or micro level, depending on the particular context. The text and argument proceed slowly and methodically, step-by-step, and is, therefore, particularly useful for a novice in undertaking this kind of project. Of necessity, there are occasions when reference to other works is suggested; for example it is recommended that the reader unfamiliar with measures of correlation should consult any textbook on statistics, noting that Excel or SPSS can readily make the actual computations. An interesting feature throughout this book is the series of short scenarios written to illustrate information-need problems in various contexts. Each chapter concludes with a brief review, a short selection of suggested further reading, and a list of works cited which are further consolidated in the 15-page bibliography. The seven-page index adequately rounds off the publication. Who would be the book’s potential users? Although it was published by the subsidiary of the UK Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and would be useful for LIS students, its value as a guidebook for practitioners in any organisation that is seeking to determine its information needs recommends it for purchase by a wide range of libraries and other institutions.