Keywords

digitizaion, information-seeking behavior, digital primary source materials, digital libraries

Abstract

The literature on digitized archival materials’ users' information-seeking behavior is limited. Extant literature focuses primarily on initial discovery by academic users. I surveyed the links between digitizing institutions’ websites and various user groups’ online information sources. Users document their needs, enthusiasm, and complaints using various technologies beyond social media such as web applications, personal or communal websites or blogs, web repositories, discussion forums, institutional website feedback, and publications. I discern four distinct subgroups of users: academics, hobbyists, the digitizing institutions themselves, and members of the general public who find their way to select digitized content through the magic of algorithms (“stumblers”). Each group can be identified by their distinct use of technologies. I identify the technological needs of each subgroup.

Original Publication Citation

https://archives2019.sched.com/event/NpZ1/graduate-student-poster-presentations