Information search behaviour of European forest policy decision-makers

Abstract This study aims at assessing the current search for and use of scientific information by decision-makers in European forest policy and to identify their information needs. A theoretical framework describes the influence of various factors (e.g., values, interests and assumptions) on information search and use. A model, based on the notion that, besides scientific information, also other types of information are important, was developed and used as the basis for a survey. This survey was carried out among people involved in European forest policy-processes (i.e., attendants to the MCPFE 2003, Vienna). The outcomes indicate: information on ongoing policy processes and legal instruments as the most important information types; internal sources (colleagues) as the most important sources of information; Internet as the source with the highest use-frequency and fees for online access of journals and databases as one of the main access constraints. The paper is concluded with a number of recommendations for improving the information supply and access situation based on the experiences of the people interviewed.