TY - JOUR TI - The process of organizing personal information DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T31N7Z5F PY - 2013 AB - The purpose of this study is to explore the process of organizing personal information in digital forms from a cognitive sociological perspective. This study also aims to develop a model that explains the personal information organization process. Participants of this study were 18 academics in three different professional age groups. To collect data, a background questionnaire, a diary study, and two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants. After completing the background questionnaire, participants were asked to keep diary entries over a week whenever they decided to save or organize their personal information items in digital forms. Then, the first interview was conducted to ask how and why they organized their information in certain ways. About 2-4 weeks after the first interview, the second interview examined whether participants made any changes to the information items and categories discussed in the first interview. To analyze data, all the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded with a set of categories, which were developed based on the analysis of the literature. Then, the researcher confirmed, modified, or extended the initial categories while analyzing the empirical data. Additionally, each of the diary entries then underwent content analysis. The findings show that the process of organizing personal information consists of six stages: (1) Initiation; (2) Identification; (3) Temporary Categorization; (4) Examination/Comparison; (5) Selection/Modification/Creation; and (6) Categorization. These stages involve different actions, thoughts, and decisions, and various factors influence the process. The findings indicate that the organizing process is heavily influenced by participants’ social environments. In this study, the personal information organization process (PIOP) model, which holistically shows the ranges of behaviors that are involved during the personal information organization process, has been developed. This study deepens our understanding about people’s information organization process by providing an integrated view of the process. In particular, by providing an explanation of the social aspects of personal information organization, this study makes a unique contribution to the field. This study also contributes to the development and design of various personal information devices, interfaces, and applications that support individuals’ organization of their information. KW - Communication, Information and Library Studies KW - Information organization KW - College teachers--Interviews KW - Personal information management LA - eng ER -