Students’ conceptions of information retrieval: Implications for the design of learning environments

In order to design information retrieval (IR) learning environments and instruction, it is important to explore learners' conceptions of the domain to be examined. This study addresses the issue by investigating students' conceptions of IR know-how and its implications for designing learning environments for information retrieval. The focus of this study is the integration of research on IR instruction and constructivist learning environments. The study of conceptions and constructivist instructional design is a novel approach in library and information science. The results present five qualitatively different conceptions of IR know-how, and explore the connections between these conceptions and learning style, enrollment type and major subject. The implications for learning environment design are further discussed.