Information Retrieval and Access Behaviors Related to Tham Khwan Nak Ceremony in Central Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to explore information retrieval and access behaviors related to Tham Khwan Nak ceremony (a traditional Thai pre-ordination ritual) in Central Thailand. A total of 40 key informants were recruited selected using snowball sampling and classified into two groups: 25 of the ceremony’s participants (four mothers of the ordinands, 15 relatives, and six colleagues) and 15 Tham Khwan Nak chanters. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed three main aspects of information behavior. With regard to information retrieval behaviors, the informants retrieved information differently. The ceremony participants focused on morals, grace (especially for parents), and entertainment, whereas the chanters paid attention to ritual content such as chanting techniques, rhythm, and chanting prayers. The two groups also showed different information retrieval frequencies; for example, the participants only retrieved the information when there was the ceremony, yet the chanters searched for the information more than once a month. In terms of information access behaviors the participants accessed the information through websites, but the chanters accessed it through various channels such as websites, the ceremony’s experts, self-learning, chanter communities, or related ceremonies. Keywording was the most frequently used method to access information through websites. The searched information was in videos, prayers, and contemporary lyrics, respectively. To evaluate the information, the users paid attention to up-to-date and easy-to-access information. To evaluate content after searching for the information, the participants considered using content based on chanters’ popularity, whereas the chanters would retrieve the information in response to their needs, up-to-date content, and titles. Regarding issues related to information retrieval and access behaviors, there were problems with reliability, duplication, references, and copyright infringement.