How do students think? Students in Environmental Sciences describe their search for information through reflections at first year level

The object of this master's thesis is to study students writtenappendixes for their first-year-essay, (A-uppsats). In theappendixes the students are asked to describe their search forinformation within five areas; strategy, resources, terminology,analysis and usefulness. The appendixes for the years 2006-2009are studied, 184 appendixes consisting of one A4 page each.This thesis focuses upon the study of resources, processes andfeelings displayed in the appendixes. The theories of Tom Wilson,Carol Collier Kuhlthau and Louise Limberg are used, as results ofother studies within the area. Connections with theories oninformation literacy are also made.The results show that students usually do as they are instructed bylibrarians if it is profitable for their studies. They use theappropriate sources for their assignment but are confused in theirprocesses upon searching for information. The confusion alsoshows in the feelings displayed in the appendixes.The results also show a merge from the use of more specializedarticle databases to more general.The students are in the beginning of their road towards informationliteracy, which is a learning process. The thesis also discusses howlibrarians can meet the students need for training within the area ofinformation searching and information literacy.Program: Bibliotekari