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Chang (1989) observes that, with the exception of different emphases, the
situational contexts in all the above models are important in determining the
needs for information. For instance, while Taylor emphasises the
organisational context (work), Dervin is concerned with the individual
context (in daily life). On the other hand, Belkin underpins the importance of
users' interfaces with information retrieval systems (especially bibliographic
information systems). More specifically, Chang goes on to elaborate on
different information related dimensions. Firstly, in an academic
environment (i.e. work), the needs for information are cognitive in nature,
abstract, and formalised (Le. recorded knowledge). While information
seeking in this context is directly related to documents, information use is
directed towards knowledge creation or innovation. Secondly, within the
context of an individual (i.e. daily life), information needs are generated
from'affective needs. In this context, an information need is concrete in
nature, as it is directed towards getting answers for immediate use.
According to Chang, the information seeking process involves few, if any
documents. Chang observes that information in this context is used to make
sense of "life routine maintenance" and is more subjective.
All in all, (1989) Chang denotes that "needs for information are contextually
bound" and that the "need for information is better understood through the
users' problems or tasks at hand, the situations they encounter and the
environments they are in".
In order to get a better understanding of the type of information needs
based on "situational contexts" (i.e. work/occupation and the daily life
activities of rural women), this study paid attention to the information needs
and use of rural women in different categories (i.e. education, health,
business/trade, agriculture and social welfare). Additionally, in an attempt to
include principles from the "alternative paradigms" of Taylor and Dervin and
assess the problem areas or motivating factors of rural women in their
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