Implications of Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process Model Among Aquaculture Farmers in Namibia

Abstract

This article uses Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) to illustrate howinformation managers can assist aquaculture farmers with information to satisfy their information needs and improve theirinformation search process.This study adopted a mixed methods research, which employed a concurrent triangulation design, combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches.The survey respondents were selected using a census while key informants (managers) were selected using the purposive sampling technique.A total of 60 fish farmers including technicians who were working in the ponds (whose work according to the researcher was seen as equal to that of the fish farmers) were included in the survey.In addition, six key informants who in this case, known as managers were sampled purposefully and interviewed in their respective work stations.The study revealed that Kuhlthau's Information Search Process as a framework provides specific areas where information experts and providers can teach aquaculture farmerswith appropriate information searching skills.The study also showed that the majority of fish farmers in Namibia undergo a search process when satisfying their information needs amidst a number of challenges which they faced.With the challenges faced by aquaculture farmers when searching information, the study recommended that information providers should be aware of Kuhlthau's Information Search Process model so as to assist aquaculture farmers on how to satisfy their information needs by carrying out an effective search process.

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