Interactive information systems: information access and retrieval

The increasing use of computers as information storage devices is leading more and more publishers, data and information providers to use electronic interactive information systems (IIS) as the delivery medium for their information. These new technologies are being used in place of conventional sources such as paper and books. Further developments in the information field, such as the availability of information through telecommunications technologies and the information superhighway, are destined to increase the application and use of IIS as standard information services. Electronic and interactive information systems differ considerably from their conventional counterparts. There are many new and unique features with which the naive IIS user must contend. This paper reports on research conducted among naive users of IIS which has found significant limitations in the ways in which these users are able to access and retrieve information from electronic sources. Despite skills and knowledge in use of conventional information sources, and guided instruction, naive users of IIS were found to experience many difficulties when interacting with IIS. This paper discusses some of the problems facing naive users and suggests the need for teaching and learning within schools to address specifically information retrieval and access from electronic systems. The paper indicates key content areas that need to be considered and covered.