Promoting the Expression of Information Needs： A Study on Information Search Assistance Strategies for Elementary School Students

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to explore how to effectively facilitate elementary school students' expression of information needs and assist them in information search. The ultimate goal is to optimize their learning process and task completion effectiveness. This study employs participatory observation to document the types of questions and search processes when assistants help elementary school students conduct information searches in a library setting. The data were coded based on theories of information need expression and the Decision Ladder Model. The findings reveal that elementary school students' questions are mainly open-ended; however, support personnel should rely more heavily on closed-ended questions to gradually guide students in articulating their information needs. Elementary school students need the most support during the stages of information-need identification and content interpretation within the information search process. Based on these findings, the study proposes a three-stage support framework for information need expression, including task analysis, result evaluation, and response generation. It also provides specific recommendations for task design, support strategies for assistants, system optimization measures, and directions for information literacy education.

Lin Bo, Wang Wenbo, Zhang Mengyi, Xie Yi, Zhang Jinghan, Ma Junyang, Wang Xinyue, Liu Xiaohui, Liu Chang. Promoting the Expression of Information Needs： A Study on Information Search Assistance Strategies for Elementary School Students[J]. Libraly Journal, 2026, 45(7): 89-103.

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