Information Seeking Process

By wesson.kiara | Updated: Feb. 8, 2025, 10:07 p.m.

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This 2-3 minute explainer video introduces Kuhlthau’s Information Seeking Process (ISP), a six-step model that guides individuals through the cognitive and emotional stages of information-seeking. Using the relatable example of planning a vacation, the video walks through each step—Initiation, Selection, Exploration, Formulation, Collection, and Presentation—highlighting the tasks, emotions, and outcomes at each stage. The video provides a clear and practical understanding of how the ISP can be applied to real-life scenarios while emphasizing its role in navigating uncertainty and achieving successful outcomes.

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-6-
 Steps of The Information Seeking Process
vacation
For the perfect
STEP 1
Initiation 
Here, you recognize a need for information—like deciding where to go on vacation. At this stage, feelings of uncertainty and being overwhelmed are common because you don’t know where to start.
uncertainty
STEP 2
Selection
You decide on a general topic or direction. For example, you choose to focus on a beach vacation rather than a city trip. This decision often brings a sense of optimism because you’ve started narrowing your options.
optimism
STEP 3
Exploration 
This is when you start researching, like comparing different beach destinations. It’s common to feel confused or frustrated here because the information may seem conflicting or overwhelming
confused or frustrated
STEP 4
Focus Formation
You gain clarity and focus. For instance, you decide that Hawaii is the best destination based on affordability and attractions. This stage brings confidence, as you now have a clear direction.
clarity
STEP 5
Information Collection
You gather detailed information, like booking flights, finding hotels, and planning activities. This stage feels productive and organized because you’re actively piecing everything together.
confidence
STEP 6
Presentation 
Finally, Step 6 is Presentation. This is when you use the information to complete your task—in this case, finalizing your travel plans and getting ready for the trip. At this stage, you feel a sense of accomplishment and readiness.
satisfaction or disappointment?
We Did It!
And that’s the Information Seeking Process! Each stage—from uncertainty to accomplishment—represents a natural part of research, whether you’re planning a vacation or writing a paper. By understanding this process, you can navigate any information challenge with confidence!
Thank you for watching! If you’d like to dive deeper, check out the references at the end of this video
~The End~
Odede, I. (2020). Models for teaching information literacy: A comparative review of the top six models. Mousaion, 38(2), 1–19. https://doi-org.trevecca.idm.oclc.org/10.25159/2663-659X/7254Links to an external site. 
References 
Cole, C., Behesthi, J., Large, A., Lamoureux, I., Abuhimed, D., & AlGhamdi, M. (2013). Seeking information for a middle school history project: The concept of implicit knowledge in the students’ transition from Kuhlthau’s Stage 3 to Stage 4. Journal of the American Society for Information Science & Technology, 64(3), 558–573. https://doi-org.trevecca.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/asi.22786
Isbell, D., & Kammerlocher, L. (1998). Implementing Kuhlthau: A New Model for Library and Reference Instruction. RSR: Reference Services Review, 26(3–4), 33–44.

Information Seeking Process

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