Abstract
The theoretical model of this study is based on the hypothesis that three sets
of variables affect the task performance of scientists, and resulting from that,
their information needs. These variables are:
(a) the purpose, problem area, and methods of the particular scientific
discipline being practised;
(b) environmental factors, especially those concerning the employing
organization; and
(c) the personal attributes of the scientist.
In the development of this model a different approach has been taken from previous
information user studies. Those s tudies were based on the asslllllption that the
pr imary aim o f an information service was to satisfy the information requests of
its potential users. The empirical investigations that had been carr ied out were
aimed at collecting data on the information gathering behaviour of users, their
preferences, and the flow of information, with the object of ascertaining whether
the needs of users concerning information sources and services had been met.
According to that approach, user satisfaction was the criterion by which the success
of an infonnation service had been measured.
Instead of the previous emphasis on the user, the task that has to be performed,
i.e. the solving of problems, planning, decisionrnaking, etc., is put forward as
the alternative focus of attention. This approach is based on the hypothesis that
the primary aim of an information service is to contribute to the task performance
of its potential users; hence the theoretical model is also called "the task perfonnance
model". The success of an information service is now measured in terms
of its contribution to task performance; in the pl ace of user satisfaction, the
criterion now is user success...
D.Litt.et Phil. (Information Science)