Investigating the influences of everyday life and academic contexts on the person-in-context’s information-seeking behaviour: First-generation student

ISIC 2022 Conference Berlin (Information Behaviour)

Title: Investigating the influences of everyday life and academic contexts on the person-in-context’s information-seeking behaviour: First-generation students.

This paper reported on a qualitative study investigating the information-seeking behaviour of first-generation students enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Humanities’ Mastering Academic and Professional Skills programme. The purpose is to determine how their socio-economic situations influenced their ability to solve information problems. The target population come from low-income families with low social and cultural capacity in their home environment. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was followed. A purposive convenience sample was drawn from the target population. A total of 17 students participated in the study. Qualitative data analysis procedures were used with inductive reasoning as an open-ended approach. The data were collected using interviews with an open- and close-ended interview schedule. Both contextual (environmental) and personal experiences influence the information-seeking behaviour of first-generation students. Information literacy as an intervention served as a catalyst to change the students’ information-seeking behaviour. An understanding of first-generation students’ information-seeking behaviour can provide insights for librarians on the way in which to meet these students’ information needs.

By?Dr. Elize Du Toit Specialist Librarian: Teaching and Learning, UJ Library