Autoethnography in Information Science Research

Abstract

This chapter examines the concept of autoethnography as a qualitative research method. It aimed to investigate the critical question of the importance of autoethnography as a transformative scientific research method for the purpose of generating and sharing knowledge to advance research in information science. The chapter is an exploratory study investigating the current context of autoethnography in information science, its applicability to the field for transformative learning and knowledge sharing, and possible challenges to be experienced. Findings indicate the potential of the autoethnographic method to provide the opportunity for information professionals to study experiences of information use in diverse contexts of information science. Recommendations highlight the viability of the application of sense making theory and the information search process (ISP) model to research practices in autoethnography by information scientists.