Information Seeking, Information Retrieval: Philosophical Points

Abstract

In this article the author argues the significance of Information retrieval (IR) against information seeking (IS). His argument is that for finding a theoretical basis information retrieval is much more effective and relevant than information seeking. In IS we either know what we want, therefore we ask for the place, quantity or quality of it. Or we do not know something exist; therefore, asking and seeking are useless. While in IR, we are aware of information and want to capture it. In fact it may be a kind of answer to the theory of "Information seeking; theory and practice" of John Budd, 2001.