IASL Research Abstracts: 222

Perrault, A.M. (2007). The School as an Information Ecology: A Framework for Studying Changes in Information Use. United States of America.

This article explores the concept of the school as information ecology and proposes the use of this concept as a framework for studying the dynamics of online information-seeking behaviors of educators within the ecology. From an earlier study of teachers’ online information-seeking behaviors using online survey and interview methods, four themes emerged: currency of information, sparking of ideas and gaining personal knowledge, resource management and the role of time, and webs of sharing. However, although teachers were using the Internet widely, they were underusing the online digital tools specifically designed for educational use. An information ecology framework would enhance the study of collaboration between teachers and library media specialists and of how this collaboration might affect desired outcomes of teachers’ information use such as student achievement. This research might have implications related to supporting enhanced teaching and learning practices and informing preservice education and professional development initiatives.

School Libraries Worldwide, 13(2), 49-62.

Subject categories: 3, 10, 13, 19

Abstract submitted by Rachel Pultusker, University of Michigan.