Information user study: the context and features of the work of academic managers

Abstract

Presents a theoretical and methodological research of the different work contexts that describe the information behavior of academic managers, considering the informational activity intrinsically linked to social circumstances of the user, especially the context of the regulation of higher education. The empirical object of this research has extended its share in the information environment of academic managers of a federal university department, described in three work contexts, in which it participates in seeking, producing and using information. Although the work of a manager it manifest differently in each situation and context, it is characterized by interruptions and the complexity, variety and discontinuity of tasks. As for the fundamental role played by regulatory agencies, the research found that managers take responsibility for results, but, paradoxically, have little control over the process.