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


San Jose State University

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

Gathering Activities in the Hektor Model

Seeking Activities in the Hektor Model

Hektor, A. (2001). What's the use: Internet and information behavior in everyday life. Linkoping University. (Linkoping Studies in Arts and Science 240). Retrieved from http://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A254863&dswid=6661

What's the Use: Internet and Information Behavior in Everyday Life

Browsing in the Hektor Model

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. 

Browsing in the Ellis Model

A type of information gathering that is defined by a repetitious or iterative return to an information source. Examples would be reading the same newspaper or watching the same TV program every day. 

Monitoring in the Hektor Model

A type of information gathering and communicating that entails deep engagement with and retention of information. This is akin to extracting in the Ellis Model. 

Unfolding in the Hektor Model

Searching is both directed and active information seeking. It entails intentional attempts to retrieve information or learn about a topic.

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