IBEC researchers address how people experience information as part of everyday living. Specializing in naturalistic inquiry, IBEC studies how information needs are created and how information is sought, managed, shared and used in social contexts, particularly in ways that address people's affective, cognitive and physical needs. In addition to conducting outcome-based evaluation of information services, IBEC researchers specialize in understanding the role of place (aka “information grounds”) and other contextual factors in information flow and interpersonal information seeking.