The information needs and behaviours of creative artists: a meta-ethnography of research, 2019-24

Abstract

Introduction. The literature of library and information sciences (LIS) is replete with research exploring the information behaviour and needs of representatives of or participants in specific scholarly, professional or serious leisure interest-related contexts. The body of research related to the information behaviour of those engaged in creative endeavours (visual and applied arts and design, the performing arts, creative writing, and music performance and composition) has not warranted similar work, perhaps due to its relatively smaller volume.

Method. This study uses a meta-ethnographic approach to analyse 23 studies of creative artists’ information behaviour published between 2019 and 2024.

Analysis. This project assesses the information behaviour of individuals involved in creative activity with the goal of illumination and establishing commonalities, themes and differences among them.

Results. Creative artists’ information behaviours share several common characteristics, some of which distinguish them from representatives of other fields.

Conclusions. This study presents an overview of creative artists’ information behaviours and needs, providing a basis for further study and comparison to the information behaviours and needs of representatives of other fields, such as scientists and social scientists. This paper also offers suggestions for information professionals who wish to provide services to creative artists.