Religare

information behavior in light of the Ellis model

Abstract

This paper analyzes the information seeking and use behavior among students of the Master’s Degree Program in Religion Sciences offered by the Postgraduate Studies Division at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, given the importance of religion in the present time. Such analysis is carried out based on the behavioral model of information seeking and use developed by David Ellis, later expanded by the author in conjunction with Cox and Hall. From an environment of 40 students, a sample of 23 (57%) students was studied. Through the description of information sources and media used, and barriers in the face of the students’ information needs, the analysis shows that the students’ information seeking and use behavior is based on the eight categories set out in Ellis model. The analysis also shows that there is a logical sequence between the different stages of the process, favoring the use of information and communication technologies associated with traditional references.