Archivists about students as archives users

• Published in: Information research Vol. 22; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Vilar, Polona, Sauperl, Alenka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Borås University of Borås 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Archivists; Digital archives; Library and information science; Library collections; User needs
• ISSN: 1368-1613; 1368-1613

Introduction. The development of archival digital collections should follow user needs, as library and information science practice shows that otherwise collections may lack usability. To contribute to knowledge about archival users, we analysed existing literature and developed the draft profile of the student as archives user, based on Kuhlthau's ISP and Johnson's Model of contextual interaction. Method. We tested it using qualitative methods: interviews and open-ended surveys of archivists from SI and BH. Research had two phases: interviews were used to form a more detailed user profile; surveys were used to verify this profile. Analysis. Data from both methods was content-analysed. Results. The interview data helped enhance the draft model. Survey data served to confirm and update the model: the student, called Amar, has an assignment requiring archival research. Although he prefers digital sources he works with finding aids and primary sources. He has difficulties understanding hierarchy of archival records, context of primary sources and archival jargon. He is able to reach the goal only by extensive help of the archivist and his professor. Conclusion. We show the convergence of both approaches: literature review and research of archivists, indicating that students have similar needs and habits in BH, SI and the Anglo-American countries.