This paper summarizes the methodology and conclusions used on a master thesis that had the research aim of exploring how Web 2.0 and social networks are having an effect on users’ information behavior.

Abstract: This paper summarizes the methodology and conclusions used on a master thesis that had the research aim of exploring how Web 2.0 and social networks are having an effect on users’ information behavior. The method used for the collection of data was a semi structured interview, containing questions constructed according to the issues of Web 2.0 and social networks identified on the literature, along with typical features or characteristics of social networks. Purposive sampling was used to select the interview participants. The method for analyzing data was discourse analysis and a framework of categories was created to present the data in a certain order. This study identified various trends and tendencies in users’ information behavior and some future directions for research were proposed. Findings of this type of study provide insights to users’ information behavior in information systems, they could contribute to a better understanding of the users and to the design of such systems; this is relevant when it is necessary to build information systems from the point of view of users needs and behaviors, that is, by taking a bottom-up approach.
Full text available at World Scientific
Recommended reference: Machin-Mastromatteo, J. D. (2010). Exploring Users’ Information Behavior in Social Networks. In A. Katsirikou and C. Skiadas (Eds.) New Trends in Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries (pp. 175-180). Singapore: World Scientific.
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Full-time professor and researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH) in Mexico and member of the National Researchers System. PhD in Information and Communication Science (Tallinn University, Estonia), Master in Digital Library Learning (Oslo University College, Norway; Tallinn University; and Parma University, Italy), and Bachelor in Library Science (Universidad Central de Venezuela). He has more than 18 years of work experience in archives, libraries, higher education, and professional development. He has excelled in different roles: cataloguer, database developer, reference librarian, instructor, collection developer, designer of library promotion materials and multimedia resources, coordinator of information literacy programs in higher education institutions, scientific production analyst, consultant, and peer reviewer for scientific journals. His lines of research include: informational literacy, action research, evaluation of scientific production and bibliometrics, open access, information architecture, and digital libraries. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed and indexed articles, five books, 15 book chapters, has presented his papers in over 54 international conferences and has facilitated over 16 workshops for training researchers. Among his editorial experiences, Machin-Mastromatteo is the Associate Editor for the scientific journals Information Development (SAGE) and Digital Library Perspectives (Emerald), as well as an editorial board member for The Journal of Academic Librarianship (Elsevier). He published, from 2015 to 2020, the regular column Developing Latin America in Information Development. He is a peer reviewer for 17 scientific and indexed journals within the fields of information science and education, for which he has evaluated over 200 manuscripts. Follow me at @judamasmas | www.youtube.com/juantifico | www.facebook.com/machinmastromatteo | www.instagram.com/juantifico | http://judamasmas.com | www.patreon.com/juantifico | https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4884-0474
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