Five A's by Jukes

In information inquiry, Jukes says there are five A's of inquiry: asking, accessing, analyzing, applying and assessing (Lamb, 2015). This model is very similar to the Big6 model by Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz (Lamb, 2015). Their model lists these steps: task definition, information seeking strategies, location and access, use of information, synthesis, and evaluation (Lamb, 2015). Both models are equally useful, the type of inquiry should determine the type of model used. The Big6 model really just adds an extra step information seeking strategies. If you were working on a research paper determining your information strategies may be a step that is required. In this case I am going to inquire about the castle used in the BBC TV show Downton Abbey, the Five As will suffice.

In an inquiry, asking, is the first step that may seem simple but many times by the end of the inquiry, this step will become more important. As a reference librarian I can appreciate this step. Many times patrons come to the desk to inquire about a topic but they typically start off very vague. In the inquire process it is okay to start off vague because during your search you can determine a more narrow topic. As a patron asking for assistance it is important to be as specific as possible. The librarian will have to perform a reference interview to determine the precise topic the patron is looking for.

Accessing information is the next step in the process that will also be affected based on how the information will be used. If the student knows they need a variety of sources such as print materials as well as electronic materials this needs to be determined before the search begins. On an everyday basis a librarian will access information only to realize that the patron really needed something else. This step may require the most time since using the Internet has opened up the world to an unlimited amount of information. This leads us to the next step.

Analyzing the information, has become more and more important in this digital age. Many times the information retrieved is not really what you were looking for. Each result in your search will have to be analyzed to determine if the information is about the topic you are searching. Searching strategies suddenly become very helpful, such as using Boolean searches with specific keywords. This is the point where you determine which sources you will use and which you will discard.

Applying the information comes next, whether you are writing a report or just interested in a topic the information will require you to take action.

The final step is Assessing the information. Did the information answer the questions you asked in the first step? Do you require more research? Do you have more questions to lead you to another search? You may not think you assess your information inquiry but in the end everyone does. A librarian may ask the patron, “Does that answer your question?” Information inquiry is a cycle and some steps you may revisit throughout the search.

For this assignment I will inquire about the Downton Abbey Castle, in each step of the process I will note how my search progresses using the Five As model. After each step I will also include a comparison to the 8Ws model by professor Lamb.

References
Lamb, A. (2015). Inquiry & Analysis. Information Instruction: Strategies for Library & Information Professionals. Retrieved from: http://eduscapes.com/instruction/5.htm