Resumo

FOURIE, Ina. Information behavior research in Africa: past, potential and a “cry” for impactful research. Infor [online]. 2023, vol.28, n.1, pp.147-173.  Epub 01-Jun-2023. ISSN 2301-1378.  https://doi.org/10.35643/info.28.1.6.

Africa is a vast continent with 54 (arguably 56 or even 59) countries differing in culture, political ideologies, languages, financial status and technological infrastructures. All are developing countries; some, e.g., Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa being more progressive. Deep poverty, political instability (sometimes civil wars), and poor healthcare are prominent. African information behavior research developed over several decades. Some researchers are associated with African institutions while many others study and work abroad. African journals and journals indexed by Library and Information Science databases and Web of Science were searched. Theses and dissertations are not included. African research follows international trends, e.g., information behavior in educational, professional and health contexts and business enterprises. Less traditional topics include religion, agriculture, crafts and vulnerable contexts e.g., orphanage. A few authors have reflected on fundamental issues, progress in information behavior research, theories and frameworks per se. Wilson’s interpretations of information behavior and his models often guide research. Acknowledgement of his differentiation between primary and secondary information needs and dormant needs are less prominent. Societal issues such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) and the deep challenges faced by African countries are seldom explicitly addressed. Suggestions are offered on expanding African information behavior research agendas.

Palavras-chave : Africa; Contexts; Information behavior; Information seeking; Wilson, T.D..

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