Dissertation Information for Nancy Ruth Burns NAME: - Nancy Ruth Burns
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Southern California (USA) (1986)
ADVISORS: - Bruce Bennion
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Martha Hale - Robert Alan Stallings
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE INTERACTION THEORY UTILIZING OBSERVATION OF THE REFERENCE ENCOUNTER
Abstract: This study looks at the nature of reference work by observing 300 face-to-face knowledge interactions in the reference areas of special, academic, and public libraries. Implications for a theory of knowledge interaction are drawn out of the philosophical framework of symbolic interactionism. Although the activity of reference is not strictly the domain of libraries, reference work is one of the primary human interaction functions of librarians. Symbolic interactionism is an appropriate framework because it demands that focus be placed on human interaction rather than on inanimate objects like buildings and books. The reference source plays a part in a reference encounter but the act of reference is among human beings who interact.
Symbolic interactionism was suggested by Jesse Shera as a foundation for theory building for librarianship as a whole. This study examines reference work which is only one part of librarianship, but the implications of the theory constructed are for knowledge interaction no matter where it takes place. Knowledge interaction is used to describe the breadth and depth of the social act involved in information transfer; the study focuses on this act within librarianship, the face-to-face reference encounter.
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