Efficient and effective retrieval techniques of images are desired because of the explosive growth of digital images. Content-based image retrieval is a promising approach because of its automatic indexing and retrieval based on their semantic features and visual appearance. The similarity of images depends on the feature representation and feature dissimilarity function. However, users have difficulties in representing their information needs in queries to content-based image retrieval systems. In this paper, we investigate two approaches, query by example and image browsing map. Activities to support the information seeking behavior are analyzed. The performance of these approaches is measured by a user evaluation. It is found that the image browsing map provides more functionalities and capabilities to support the features of information seeking behavior and produces better performance in searching images.