An interdisciplinary platform for information behavior research in the liberal arts hobby. Issue 5 (19th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartel, Jenna
• Editors: Bawden, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of documentation. Volume 70:Issue 5(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-08-19
• Subjects: Documentation -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 025
• DOI: 10.1108/JD-08-2013-0110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0418

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The liberal arts hobby is a leisure pursuit that entails the systematic and fervent pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. This general review paper introduces the liberal arts hobby as a setting for information behavior research. Design/methodology/approach: The method of interdisciplinary translation work is used to relate existing research from the specialties of leisure studies, adult education, and information behavior. Drawing from leisure studies, the liberal arts hobby is presented within the context of the serious leisure perspective, a theoretical framework of leisure. Also, relevant research from the specialty of adult education and the concept of the adult learning project are applied. Findings: The basic informational features of the liberal arts hobby and adult learning project are discussed in terms of three issues of current interest within information behavior scholarship. The issues are: 1) Social metatheory and the ideal level of analysis; 2) Time and information behavior; and 3) Information behavior in pleasurable and profound contexts. Research limitations/implications: Research into everyday life, serious leisure and hobbies is extended and methodological tools are provided. Practical implications: Information professionals, such as public librarians or systems designers, will have a better understanding of the information experience of a popular hobby group and be better able to meet their information needs. Originality/value: The paper is the first to establish an interdisciplinary starting point for information behavior research in the liberal arts hobby.