Information Search Process

Information Search Process Model

Initiating a Research Assignment

Feelings, apprehensions and uncertainity

Selecting a Topic

Feelings: confusion, sometimes anxiety, brief elation, anticipation

Exploring Information

Description feelings: confusion, uncertainity, doubt, sometimes threat

Formulating a Focus

Feelings: optimism, confidence in ability to complete task

Collecting Information

Feelings: realization of extensive work to be done, confidence in ability to complete task, increased interest

Preparing to Present

Feelings: sense of relief, sometimes satisfaction, sometimes disappointment

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The Information Search Process is a holistic view of information seeking that addresses feelings, thoughts and actions. Carol Kuhlthau is the designer of the Information Search Process. She did extensive research with students and came up with this model that addresses not just the academic piece of research but what is going on inside the student as well.

The Information Search Process Model was published in 1985 in Carol Kuhlthau's book Teaching the Library Research Process and was updated in 1994.

Carol Collier Kuhlthau
Overview of the designer of this research model and description of the six steps in the Information Search Process.
ISP Powerpoint
Powerpoint by Carol Collier Kuhlthau presented at Rutgers University
AASL Article on the Information Search Process
This paper summarizes a series of five studies on students' perspective of information seeking in response to a research assignment.

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