Towards a conceptual framework for provider information behaviour

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion of the paucity of research on information behaviour of information providers and to propose a framework for investigating the emerging area of provider information behaviour.

The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis and literature review.

A multidisciplinary framework is provided to form the basis of further exploration of provider information behaviour.

There are various types of information providers and they provide opportunities for exploring and comparing their range of information activities and developing models of provider information behaviour.

The paper argues for a new perspective to the study of information behaviour. The paucity of research on internal users of information has not matched those on external users of information over the years. An exploration of provider information behaviour together with its internal impact can provide insights which will help organisations better understand best practice, predict effects of new behaviours during periods of change and make informed decisions. It will also aid in the development of the teaching of information and library skills.