The information seeking behaviour of oil and gas industry workers in the context of health, safety and emergency response: a discussion of the value of models of information behaviour.

Abstract

Introduction. We explore the application of models of information seeking behaviour to the findings of a study of the information needs of oil and gas workers in relation to health, safety and emergency response. Method. Primary data were collected through a Web-based survey of oil and gas workers and in-depth semi-structured interviews with eleven individuals working in four case-study companies. The critical incident formed the basis for the first part of the interview. Analysis. Initial analysis of the data was undertaken by statistical analysis of the survey findings, qualitative coding of extended responses to both the survey and interview instruments, and further post hoc analysis of findings against themes identified in four key information behaviour models. Results. Information behaviour models help researchers to make sense of the data from applied, practice-based studies of information need and use in industry. Without such theoretical underpinning, applied research lacks depth and fails to contribute to the development of knowledge. Conclusions. The research demonstrates the validity of some of the core principles of the investigated models. The findings also identify a number of other aspects of information search which could be further explored in model generation.

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