Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Extensive conceptualisations of context in information behaviour
research do not extend to all contexts revealed in the use of electronic (e)-
dictionary and similar e-sources. Information behaviour emphasises users’ contexts
and their situations. As intermediaries, examples of using e-dictionaries reveal
additional contexts. E-dictionary research and lexicographical insight add
additional conceptualisations of information behaviour contexts.
METHOD: Conceptual paper drawing on literature reviews of research on e-dictionaries
and conceptualisations of information behaviour contexts, and an exemplar approach
to e-dictionary use.
ANALYSIS: The literature and dictionary use examples are analysed through an
information behaviour lens with added lexicographic insight.
RESULTS: Conceptualisations of context in information behaviour research strongly
focus on the user (e.g. the need, problem) and specific situations in such contexts,
sometimes extending to temporality and spatiality. Information retrieval literature
also notes the context of the person who created information and of an
intermediary (person or system). Three contexts are evident from e-dictionary use
and lexicography: user, information intermediary (dictionary), and word, phrase or
text (information source). These contexts might influence information behaviour.
CONCLUSION: The use of e-dictionaries and similar intermediaries, observed with
lexicographic insight, can enhance conceptualisations of context in information
behaviour, which is of value in the use of information sources and information
evaluation.
