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


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

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. 

San Jose State University

The dispositions for information seeking combine in a matrix to create four modes of information seeking:
- Searching
- Monitoring
- Browsing
- Being Aware

Modes of Information Seeking

Bates, M. J. (2002). Toward an integrated model of information seeking and searching. New Review of Information Behaviour Research, 3, 1-15, from https://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/bates/articles/info_SeekSearch-i-030329.html

Toward an Integrated Model of Information Seeking and Searching

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

Searching Mode of Information Seeking

Monitoring is directed and passive information seeking. A user who is monitoring has an interest or question in mind, but does not actively search for information. They wait for relevant information to appear.

Monitoring Mode of Information Seeking

Browsing Mode of Information Seeking

Being aware is both undirected and passive information seeking. A user who is simply aware does not have a specific information need in mind, nor do they attempt to retrieve information. They take in informational inputs as they are given to them.

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