What is the nature of real-world, recreational music information needs?

Abstract

Research studies have discovered that some Music Information Retrieval tools are being developed based on anecdotal evidence of user needs, intuitive feelings for user information seeking behaviour, and prior assumptions of typical usage scenarios. The primary goal of this study was to better understand contemporary, real-world music information needs and develop a clearer picture of typical usage scenarios. A qualitative observation was undertaken in order to gather and analyse 300 information requests posted to the Beginners Guitar Newsgroup, the 1960's Rock & Pop Newsgroup and the Tunes & Tracks electronic dance music forum. The study found that information requesters most commonly seek track identification, advice on guitar playing technique, historical information, and MP3 file(s). Information received was most commonly intended to be used for musical performance, research, or to locate musical documents. Music enquiries repeatedly contained social or extra-musical elements which requesters often expressed when describing their information needs.