Information behaviours in disadvantaged and dependent circumstances and the role of information intermediaries
- Buchanan, Steven
- Jardine, Cara
- Ruthven, Ian
DOIAbstract
The first empirical study focused exclusively on the information intermediary role in disadvantaged (socioeconomic) and dependent (support) circumstances. We report findings from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 49 UK state and voluntary sector professionals providing support to young (<21) mothers from areas of multiple deprivations. We evidence an important information intermediary role with three key contributions to information behaviours in disadvantaged and dependent circumstances. Intermediaries: facilitate information needs recognition, and considered purposeful action within problematic situations; are a key source of information in themselves, and a key integrative connection to other external sources not otherwise...
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