Uses and Gratification Theory in Connection with Knowledge and Information Science: A Proposed Conceptual Model

Abstract

This paper was aimed at clarifying the links between Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) and Knowledge and Information Science in both traditional and modern contexts. Uses and Gratification conceptual model were also proposed both for library and information centers, and for interactive information retrieval systems. Review and analysis of published resources were used as the methodology of the article. Findings showed that UGT is in close connection with five laws of library science and their web version on one hand, and the user-oriented paradigm on the other hand. Therefore, the components of uses and gratification conceptual model of knowledge and information science in traditional and modern contexts consist of vast types of information needs, society, end users' features, information gratification sought, information gratification obtained, relevance gratification, library and information centers, and interactive information retrieval system uses. Applying UGT to knowledge and information science makes it possible to identify active and inactive users based on cognitive-cultural patterns. Moreover, automatic personalized interactive information retrieval systems were improved.