Informaatioetsinnässä

Informaatioetsinnässä is a Finnish term used in information science and information behavior research to describe the activity of seeking information to satisfy a need. It covers the cognitive and practical processes people undertake to identify what information is required, formulate and refine search questions, choose information sources, perform searches, retrieve data, evaluate relevance and credibility, organize findings, and apply the information to decision making or problem solving. The concept also includes reflection on the outcome and, if necessary, reframing the original problem or need.

The information-seeking process is typically non-linear and iterative. Individuals may loop between defining the need, searching, and evaluating sources as new questions arise or as initial results fail to meet requirements. Information sources can be diverse, ranging from traditional libraries and databases to the web, social networks, and everyday media. Information literacy and critical thinking are central to effective informaatioetsinnässä, helping seekers assess reliability, bias, and relevance.

The study of informaatioetsinnässä draws on several theoretical frameworks. International models such as Marchionini’s Information Seeking Process and Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process describe stages, strategies, and affective factors in information work. Finnish scholars like Veikko Savolainen have contributed to the understanding of information seeking as a sense-making and context-driven activity. The concept is widely used in education, library science, and user-centered design to improve information services and literacy training.

Applications include designing user-friendly search interfaces, developing information literacy curricula, and supporting researchers, students, and professionals in efficient and ethical information gathering. Research methods commonly used comprise interviews, think-aloud protocols, diary studies, and log analysis.