The study of users’ information needs has a long history (Urquhart, 1948;
Fishenden, 1965; Wilson, 1994). By 1980, the field was burgeoning in interest and
publication, but lacking clear foundations of method and conceptual framework.
Wilson’s article must be seen against that background. (As is usually the case, the
ideas were formed some time before; Wilson (2005) notes that the 1981 paper had its
origin in a seminar presentation at the University of Maryland in 1971.)