scholarly journals Disadvantaged Youth in Southern Scotland Experience Greater Barriers to Information Access Resulting from Poor Technology Skills, Information Literacy, and Social Structures and Norms

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather L Coates
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Television News ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Public Agency ◽  
Agency Support ◽  
And Training

A Review of: Buchanan, S., & Tuckerman, L. (2016). The information behaviours of disadvantaged and disengaged adolescents. Journal of Documentation, 72(3), 527-548. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2015-0060 Objective – To describe the information behaviours of adolescents living in disadvantaged and disengaged circumstances in relation to social integration and self-efficacy. Design – Mixed methods design using observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Setting – Public agencies offering drop-in support services for employment and training at three locations in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Subjects – Adolescents aged 16-20 not in education, employment, or training (NEET status) seeking public agency support services in South Ayrshire, Scotland; and public agency support workers. Methods – The South Ayrshire region was identified using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (2012) and selected because nearly 20% of the region fell into the most deprived decile. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling of NEET youth attending drop-in support groups. Over a period of 4 weeks, the 36 NEET youth attending these sessions were observed regarding their information behaviours, social interactions, and experiences with support workers. Following observation, the investigator used the critical incident technique during interviews to discuss real life scenarios and needs with 15 participants. One focus group of four interview participants was held to explore how groups discuss information behaviours. An information resource sorting activity was used as a discussion prompt. To gain further insight into the information needs, sources used, and barriers experienced by the adolescents who sought support, six support workers were also interviewed. These data were analyzed using iterative deductive coding and thematic analysis. Main Results – Internet usage of participants is similar to general population peers, with general browsing, social networking, and music and gaming usage as the most popular activities. Information needs included employment, education, and training such as finding appropriate job vacancies, identifying employer addresses and contact details, and accessing public transportation schedules. Other personal needs such as financial, health, and housing were identified. Some of these information needs were unmet, which could have implications for their wellbeing. Approximately one third of the interview participants described challenges identifying or meeting needs. Teens frequently rely on people as sources of information, preferring face-to-face interactions. They turn to family, friends, and support workers for information as important members of their social network who listen and “usually have the answer.” Other frequently used sources include the Internet and television news. A third of the interview participants described scenarios in which they used multiple sources – the Internet, family and friends, books and leaflets, and local youth clubs and health clinics. A majority of interview participants (73%) did not use the public library because they were not interested (“I don’t read books”) or thought there was nothing there for them. Of the four who used public libraries, none considered themselves regular users. Focus group participants rated support workers and television news as having high credibility, friends and family as having low credibility, and the Internet as having medium credibility. The information seeking behaviours of NEET teens are often passive and non-motivated, with abandonment and incompletion occurring frequently. Many observation participants appeared visibly withdrawn and were reluctant or unable to engage in discussion with support workers. Throughout the study, participants demonstrated an unwillingness to engage in lengthy discussions. Support workers noted that attendees rely on them to find the information, evaluate it, and give the teens advice about what to do next. Participants exhibited bonding social capital with family and friends, though evidence for bridging social capital was found only with support workers. These adolescents appear to be relatively isolated and have more inward-facing social capital, which puts them at risk for social exclusion. Though nearly two thirds of interview participants reported no barriers to finding information, evidence from observations and support worker interviews suggest that deficits in technology and literacy skills are substantial. Despite assistance from support workers, NEET youth often abandoned tasks before completing them due to literacy and technological barriers. Support workers described a variety of barriers to meeting information needs: home life, isolation, literacy and access, institutional regulations, motivation, lack of confidence, and poor social skills. Common circumstances relating to motivation are familial unemployment, substance abuse issues, and inability to focus. Conclusion – NEET youth faced increased access and behavioural barriers beyond those of typical adolescents. Access barriers are influenced by technology and literacy skills deficits, while behavioural barriers are influenced by social structures. Considering the range of personal needs expressed to support workers in combination with pervasive barriers to information, further study of everyday information needs is warranted. Public and third sector (e.g., typically voluntary and community organizations, associations, etc.) agencies should make remedial literacy education a priority. Since the perception of public libraries is poor, librarians should collaborate with third sector agencies to develop tailored outreach and services to build sustained relationships with these disengaged adolescents. Generally, these adolescents exhibit self-protective behaviours (e.g., deception, risk-taking, secrecy) in seeking out information as well as situation relevance of information sources and inward-facing social networks, all of which suggest they live in an impoverished information environment.

scholarly journals Organization of communicative events in public libraries of Ukraine (on the example of CMB named after V.G. Korolenko)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Elena Manyakina ◽  
◽  
Victoria Naumenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Central City ◽  
External Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Communication Links ◽  
Communicative Activities ◽  
The City

The publication defines the role of public libraries in modern information space. Noted that modern libraries need a model of governance that would provide the opportunity to meet the information needs of consumers. The fulfilment of these conditions will not only solve the problem of the reform of the library but also create a basis for the development and implementation of systemic innovations in library institutions of the country. A comprehensive study of outreach activities in public libraries of Ukraine becomes in modern conditions is important and necessary, because it affects the search for new forms and methods that will identify the most promising measures that would meet the new needs and requirements. The communicative event is the leading direction of the modern library and is perceived as an important component of their social and cultural activities. The organization and carrying out communication activities in the library is an effective tool for overcoming communication problems and aimed at the establishment and the establishment of communication links between the "librarian - user", "user - information", "user - user", with the aim to developing means of internal and external information relations; the formation instituting and application not instituting channels of interpersonal communication and knowledge sharing. The peculiarities of organization of communicative activities as public libraries, in particular on the example of Central city. V. G. Korolenko, doctor of Mariupol in the conditions of reforming librarianship. Stressed that the Central city. V. G. Korolenko is a modern informational, recreational centre for the local community, as well as a methodological centre for all libraries of the city. Considered the basis of the types of communicative activities in Central city. V. G. Korolenko based on analytical materials and the official website of the library, namely the opening of the city Museum of literature, the Internet centre, the Point of the European information, club activities of interest for various category and the population of miles. Noted that along with the official site in a network the Internet the library staff to inform users actively use social networking and Internet blog. This type of communication allows you to establish informal contact with users and promote libraries as information, cultural, educational, recreational, public agencies in providing required information to various segments of the population. Outlined perspective directions of development of communicative vectors in library-information activities on the principle of users ' information needs in the information society.

scholarly journals Training Of Information Technology In West Java Sumedang-Regional Library As An Effort On Digital Literacy Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Neneng Komariah ◽  
Encang Saepudin
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Literacy Education ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
West Java

Background of the study: The Internet has become part of society's daily life. But the phenomenon shows that not all people are Able to use information technology and the Internet efficiently, and the information disseminated through the internet is not entirely quality information. Therefore, Internet users need digital literacy skills, that is the ability to use information technology efficiently and the ability to find, Evaluate, use, make information, and use it wisely, and lawfully. The problem is who should be held responsible to digital literacy education for the community. Public libraries can play a role in the digital literacy education for the community.Purpose: This study aims to find out how the management of ICT education in the Regional Public Library (PUSDA) of Sumedang Regency, West Java, as an effort for digital literacy education community.Method: The research method used is a qualitative method with descriptive analysis, and the data collection techniques with observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and literature study.Findings: The result shows the subject taught in ICT with the relevant training on participants' needs. The participants are students and jobless. Most of of participants did not have Reviews their own computer, they were very happy to take part in the ICT training in the library because it was free. Teachers are library staff and outside personnel assistance. Computer used are owned by the library and donations from industry. The way of teaching was easy to understand and the participants could practice using computers and search the internet. The PUSDA staff organized the training with enthusiasm.Conclusion: There are some aspects that are already owned by the public library which will support the implementation of digital literacy education effectively and efficiently. Among them is the library already has computer facilities, has a staff of professionals, and already has access to sources of digital information online

scholarly journals Strengthening Social Inclusion in Multicultural Societies Through Information Literacy

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-290
Author(s):  
Esin Sultan Oğuz ◽  
Serap KURBANOĞLU
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Literacy Programs ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

We live in an increasingly heterogeneous society. The rate of international migration has contributed to cultural diversity in many nations. Libraries of all types have started to address cultural and linguistic diversity while providing information sources and services. According to The IFLA Multicultural Library Manifesto (2008), each individual has the right to a full range of library and information services, and libraries should serve all members of the community without discrimination. Special attention should be paid to cultural and linguistic groups which are underserved such as minorities, refugees, immigrants, including those with temporary residence permits. Public libraries are considered useful social instruments in the democratization of information. They are agents for social change and excellent tools for the integration of immigrants. They prepare immigrants for citizenship by introducing them to the values of their new nation, and frequently sustain them through the initial period of adaptation. They are spaces where patrons can readily access information, not only to increase their knowledge, but also to improve their abilities and skills in order to participate in society. As the key for life-long learning and success not only in school and the work place but also in daily life, information literacy skills must be developed by immigrants, refugees and foreign residents in order for them to integrate into their adopted country. Knowing how to access, use and communicate information effectively will enable the social inclusion of newcomers. Therefore, developing special information literacy programs to equip such groups with information literacy skills should be among the priorities of public libraries. In this study, the importance of information literacy skills in multicultural societies in terms of the social inclusion of immigrants will be underlined. Findings of a survey which has been conducted to ascertain information needs of foreign residents in Turkey and the level of fulfillment of their information needs will be presented. The findings of the research will also be used to make suggestions for developing information literacy programs which address the specific information needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Challenges for Libraries in the Information Age

2011 ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Gould ◽  
Ricardo Gomez
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Types Of Information

Libraries play a central role as venues that offer public access to information. Increasingly, libraries in developing countries are offering access to computers and the Internet, as well as to books and other types of information services and resources. Given the relatively scant literature on public access to ICT in libraries in many countries, we explore in this chapter the specific challenges libraries face in the countries we studied in the Landscape Study. How are public libraries serving the information needs of marginalized communities in developing countries? How is access to new information and communication technologies (ICT) changing the landscape of public access to information? How can libraries better collaborate with other types of venues (such as telecenters and cybercafés) that offer public access to computers and the Internet? These are some of the questions that we seek to answer in this chapter.

Hispanics and public libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
EunYoung Yoo-Lee ◽  
Tamara Rhodes ◽  
Gabriel M. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Consumer Health Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Health Literacy

Purpose The fastest-growing and the largest minority group in the USA, Hispanics are known to have low health literacy because of their limited English proficiency (LEP) and other socio-economic and cultural factors. This paper aims to examine the health information-seeking behaviors of Hispanics in the e-health environment and their use of public libraries as a health information source/service. Design/methodology/approach An interviewer-administered survey was conducted using a semi-structured instrument. The questionnaires inquired about Hispanics’ health information needs, source use and source preference; use of the library for health information needs; and their perceptions and satisfaction about the library’s consumer health information services. A total of 26 Hispanics were recruited from a Hispanic community organization, a public library and an ethnic grocery store in North Carolina. Findings The majority of the participants are foreign born (92.3 per cent) and non-English speakers (84.6 per cent). The internet was the most frequently used source, followed by friends/family, doctors and TV. Eighty-one per cent of the participants were internet users, and most of them (71 per cent) used the internet at home. Only 23 per cent visited a public library to search the internet for health information. Some barriers to using a public library mentioned by the participants include lack of time to visit a library, lack of skills in using the library materials, transportation, LEP, lack of eligibility for a library card, etc. Social implications The findings will be useful for libraries and state/federal health services to evaluate and develop library services suitable for the Hispanics’ consumer health information needs. Originality/value This study is one of a few studies that use an empirical study of a low health literacy ethnic population to examine the possible roles of public libraries in enhancing health literacy.

Public libraries and the Internet 2008-2009: Issues, implications, and challenges

First Monday ◽  
2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Carlo Bertot ◽  
Paul T. Jaeger ◽  
Charles R. McClure ◽  
Carla B. Wright ◽  
Elise Jensen
Keyword(s):  
National Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Services ◽  
Library Service ◽  
Global Recession ◽  
The Many ◽  
And Training

This paper presents an overview of methods, findings, issues, and implications from the 2008 Public Libraries and the Internet national survey, including comparisons to data from previous studies. Since 1994, these surveys have chronicled the expansion of the Internet as a primary library service. The 2008 survey includes key data about the many facets of public libraries as community Internet access, training, and service centers, from the number of workstations and connection speeds available to the most common Internet services and training. The findings from the 2008 survey reveal impacts of the global recession on public libraries and their ability to meet the needs and expectations of patrons, communities, and all levels of government.

scholarly journals The development of young people's information-seeking behaviour

2009 ◽  
Vol 28 (90) ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
Shenton Andrew ◽  
Pat Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cd Rom ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
High Schoolers

This article uses the results of a recent research project to explore young people's information-seeking behaviour and how it develops during childhood. Young first schoolers learn much through practical experience and conversation with adults but, in the later stages of this school phase, books, CD-ROM and the Internet assume increasing importance. In the middle school, the Internet is used more frequently and CD-ROM exploitation gradually diminishes. Books from departmental libraries and textbooks provided by teachers play key roles in satisfying the academic information needs of high schoolers. It is in this phase that use of the Internet is greatest, although many teenagers are highly critical of it. Whilst the information-seeking behaviour of high schoolers is markedly more sophisticated than that of young children, some essential similarities remain. The article closes by discussing how the overall findings of the research have implications for practice, especially within schools and public libraries.

scholarly journals Contribution of Public Libraries in Germany and the Nordic Countries towards Digital Education and Training

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Ratzek
Keyword(s):  
Media Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Digital Education ◽  
German School ◽  
E Learning ◽  
And Training

German school libraries, in contrary to the Nordic Countries, are few and far between. The number varies from region to region. IT tools and applications rule our daily life and the library world too, “E-learning”, “Teaching Libraries", "Digital Library", and "Information & Media Literacy" are of importance in Germany and the Nordic Countries. The Internet lay ground for cooperation between schools and public libraries. IT in general and the Internet in particular lay ground for cooperation between schools and public libraries. Library services, then, help students to perform better, e.g. by offering a multimedia based environment.

Influence of Information Literacy Competencies on Users of the Saulsville Public Library, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rexwhite Tega Enakrire ◽  
Isaac Mpho Mothiba
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Information Discovery ◽  
Information Literacy Competencies

Information literacy competencies indicate the ability of an individual to apply a certain search strategy of information discovery, to understand its design, to value judgement, and to use it in various contents and contexts. The influence of information literacy competencies plays an important role in enabling information users to meet their information needs and prepares them for lifelong learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of information literacy competencies of users in the Saulsville public library, South Africa. The rationale was a lack of awareness and the inability of the users to find their information needs based on the task and decision at hand. The descriptive survey design adopted for this study made use of a questionnaire to collect data from 1 120 registered members of the Saulsville library. Of the 1 120 registered users being the population for the study, the authors purposively used 10 per cent (112 members) of the population as sample size. The findings revealed that users of the Saulsville public library had limited awareness and competencies of information literacy. The users were exposed to some form of library orientation and the use of library resources during their visit to the library. The findings further indicated that the users’ information literacy competencies were affirmed through the quality of information obtained and the satisfaction of library services rendered by library staff. The study recommends the acquisition of new technologies that could enhance users’ interactive information literacy training in public libraries and formal education settings.  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document