PhD Proposal Presentation - Safirotu Khoir

[Elyse Perin]

Dear Colleagues

 

You are invited to attend a PhD Proposal Presentation by Safirotu (Safira) Khoir

 

Date: Friday. 8^th Feb 2013

Time: 10.30am

Location: D1-05 Mawson Lakes

 

Safirotu Khoir, PhD Candidate

SIM LAB

Principal Supervisor: Dr Tina Du

Associate Supervisor: Professor Andy Koronios

 

~A light morning tea will be provided~

 

Title:

Exploring factors affecting immigrants’ information behaviour, understanding their information environment, and making recommendations for public library services support

 

Abstract:

Almost one third of the world’s population today are immigrants, making the complex process of settlement an issue affecting several fields. For nations with a large number of immigrants, their well-being becomes an essential component of the nations’ agenda. Related studies confirm that the information needs of immigrants during their settlement may vary and relate to the specific contexts. From an information behaviour perspective, among its first attempts, this study aims to systematically explore factors affecting immigrants’ information behaviour, particularly, to identify their information needs, barriers that emerge in information seeking process, their information ground, and to understand their attempts to access information through the use of public library services during their settlement. The proposed research is critical to better understand immigrants’ information needs and everyday life information seeking behaviour in every stage of their settlement. It is also significant for multicultural nations with a large proportion of immigrants to develop policies to promote the integration of immigrants during the settlement process in a new country. Moreover, examining the existing public library services for immigrants will help identify what and how to improve service provision. The study will apply the combination of shadow observations, photovoice technique and interviews as in gathering data. An information behaviour model will be developed based on empirical findings. Recommendations will be also made to public libraries, as one type of the information institutions, to provide better services in supporting immigrants in the development of their lives in an adopted country.