The Information Work of Interdisciplinary Humanities Scholars: Exploration and Translation

• Published in: The Library quarterly (Chicago) 2002-01, Vol.72 (1), p.85-117
• Main Authors: Palmer, Carole L, Neumann, Laura J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Citation Analysis; Comparative Analysis; Digital libraries; Environment; Exact sciences and technology; Humanism; Humanities; Information and communication sciences; Information literacy; Information resources; Information science; Information science. Documentation; Information Seeking; Information seeking behaviour; Information technology; Interdisciplinary Approach; Interdisciplinary aspects; Interdisciplinary research; Knowledge Level; Libraries; Library and information science. General aspects; Library collections; Literature; Networks; Online searching; Researchers; Resource Materials; Scholarly Communication; Scholarly Writing; Scholars; Scholarship; Sciences and techniques of general use; Scientists; Social Sciences; Social Scientists; Social Studies; Study; Teaching Methods; Translation; Use and user studies. Information needs; Users
• ISSN: 0024-2519; 1549-652X
• DOI: 10.1086/603337

Interdisciplinary inquiry has become more pervasive in recent decades, yet we still know little about the conduct of this type of research or the information problems associated with it. Through a qualitative study of the work practices of interdisciplinary humanities scholars, we examined the activities and resources involved in scholarship that crosses disciplinary boundaries. The results highlight fundamental features of work in the humanities in relation to the interdisciplinary processes scholars use to extend their knowledge base and craft texts for new audiences. Relying heavily on informal collaborative relationships, scholars manage their interdisciplinary information work by developing strategies for exploring and translating information from unfamiliar domains. The networks of activities and resources built by interdisciplinary humanities scholars offer a working framework for developing digital research libraries to support complex and integrative scholarly work.