Image retrieval by end-users and intermediaries in a journalistic work context
Stina Westman, Pirkko T. Oittinen · 2006
This paper describes a study on the image searching behavior of end-users (journalists) and intermediaries (archivists) in a newspaper editorial office. Image queries by end-users and requests to intermediaries were analyzed, compared and categorized according to typologies from literature. The process of image selection was modeled and selection criteria were studied based on interviews, observation and a survey. The results indicate that most image queries and requests dealt with specific entities, but that object types were also common. Thematic image needs seem to be fulfilled by end-user searching and browsing rather than by requests. Image retrieval tasks were highly influenced by contextual factors. Relevance assessments were made at situational level using several types of criteria, including abstract and affective factors. Several types of collaborative searches were observed. Richer research and analysis methods are needed to characterize journalists' image needs and searching behavior.