CITATION AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
Cite as: Dalrymple, P. W. (2001). A quarter century of user-centered study: The impact of Zweizig and Dervin on LIS research. Library and Information Science Research, 23 (2), 155-165
© Library and Information Science Research (2001)

ABSTRACT:
Nearly 25 years ago, Douglas Zweizig identified limitations in understanding the users of library services and called for improvements in research methodologies. To asses the impact of his critique, citation searches on Zweizig and keyword searches on “user-centered” identified a body of library and information science (LIS) literature that can be linked to the work of Zweizig and his colleague, Brenda Dervin. The characteristics of this literature are described and the philosophical origins of the user-centered approach is critiqued. Zweizig's initial call to incorporate social science methodologies into LIS research is evaluated. A discussion of LIS education in light of the recent Kellogg-ALISE Information Profession and Education Renewal Project study of LIS curricula is included.

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See:  http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/AAauthors/authorlistdalrymple.html