Abstract:

This article reviews studies on information behavior based on transaction log analysis to address information behavior research in big data era, that is, data-driven information behavior. The article first analyzes the literature by a clustering analysis to identify the main topics in the field. Then, it reviews the literature from three aspects, such as information behavior in digital libraries, in Web search engines, and in social media. The review indicates that the studies focus on information searching behavior in digital libraries and the Web, information-need identification, and the organization and presentation of search results; general information usage behavior, information acquirement, and user interaction in social media, etc. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of transaction log analysis. It also addresses the trend of data-driven information behavior research, including research in mobile context and social media, the integration of transaction log analysis and traditional social research methods, and the application of big data and data mining technology to promote the exploration of human information behavior. 

Key words: Data-driven, Information behavior, Unobstrusive research method, Information searching behavior