An informal and passive search for information in an area or within a collection of interest. Ellis noted that it was both a form of search and a method for simply staying up to date. 

San Jose State University

- Starting
- Chaining
- Browsing
- Monitoring
- Differentiating
- Extracting,
- Verifying,
- Ending.

Ellis Model Steps

Browsing is undirected and active information seeking. A user who is browsing actively exposes themselves to information, but does not have a specific information need in mind. 

Browsing Mode of Information Seeking

Ellis, D. (1989). A behavioral approach to information retrieval system design. Journal of Documentation, 45(3), 171-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026843  

A behavioral approach to information retrieval system design

The information seeking behavior of people when they initiate research. Ellis observed that obtaining references from people, reading review articles, and searching library catalogues and indexes were common methods of starting research. 

Starting in the Ellis Model

A type of information search that entails following citations between documents. Ellis describes two types of chaining. Backward chaining is common and consists of using reference and citation content to find more documents that cover the topic. Forward chaining was new at the time and is described as finding documents that cite a known document. 

Chaining in the Ellis Model

A passive form of information searching where the researcher keeps track of new material published in their field to stay up to date and informed of new developments. Ellis noted that the most common sources of monitoring were contacts, research directories, journals, newspapers, and publisher catalogues.

Monitoring in the Ellis Model

This occurs when a researcher observes differences between types of sources and uses these differences to filter out unwanted sources. Ellis found that researchers most frequently differentiated based on the topic of study, the prevailing methods and perspective of a given publication, and the reputation of the publication. 

Differentiating in the Ellis Model

A focused form of information seeking and retrieval that entails finding relevant information within a specific source.  

Extracting in the Ellis Model

Browsing in the Ellis Model

The act of confirming the accuracy of information in a source. Ellis, Cox, and Hall found this activity is more common in fields where the information in source material is given to errors. 

Verifying in the Ellis Model

Information seeking that occurs at the end of a project. Ellis, Cox, and Hall found this type of information seeking is more common in fields were researchers needed to compare findings in a project to the most recent information on the topic at the conclusion of their work. 

Ending in the Ellis Model 

A more informal and less directed form of information seeking and gathering. This entails sifting through objects to appraise their utility. 


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