Medical scientists' information practices in the research work context
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1Hanken School of Economics, Department of Management and Organization, Information Systems Science, Helsinki, Finland; Terkko - Meilahti Campus Library, Helsinki University Library, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the information practices of medical scientists in the research work context.
Methods:
This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in a web tool for qualitative analysis. Activity theory was used as the theoretical framework.
Results:
The generating motives for the information related activity come from the core activity, research work. The motives result in actions such as searching and using information. Usability, accessibility and ease of use are the most important conditions that determine information related operations. Medical scientists search and use information most of all in the beginning and at the end of the research work.
Conclusions:
Information practices appear as an instrument producing activity to the central activity. Information services should be embedded in this core activity and in practice libraries should follow researchers' workflow and embed their tools and services in it.
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