Infootsimise

Infootsimise is the process of seeking, locating, evaluating, and using information to meet a defined need. In information science and education, it describes how individuals identify information gaps and convert data into usable knowledge. The term is used in Estonian-language contexts and aligns with the broader concepts of information seeking and information literacy.

Origin and usage: The word combines the Estonian prefix 'info-' with 'otsimise' from 'otsima' (to search). It appears in library science, educational research, and usability studies to denote the user-driven dimension of information work.

Process: Infootsimise typically involves recognizing an information need, planning search strategies, locating sources, assessing credibility and relevance, and applying information to a task, followed by reflection on the outcome and potential further searching.

Methods and tools: Practitioners use search engines, databases, library catalogs, and reference works. They employ keywords, filters, and metadata, along with criteria such as accuracy, authority, relevance, and timeliness to judge quality.

Applications and implications: It informs library instruction, information-literacy education, and the design of search tools and workflows in education and workplaces. Effective infootsimise supports informed decision-making, learning, and knowledge sharing while reducing wasted effort.

Challenges: Information overload, misinformation, algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and unequal access can hinder effective infootsimise.

Related topics include information retrieval, information literacy, search engines, digital literacy, and knowledge management.