Information and Learning Science
Volume 119, Issue 5-6, 2018, Pages 317-329

The information needs of the Ghanaian immigrant (Article)

Atiso K.* , Kammer J. , Adkins D.
  • a School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
  • b Department of Educational Leadership and Human Development, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, United States
  • c School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the information needs of Ghanaian immigrants who have settled in Maryland in the USA. Design/methodology/approach: Using an ethnographic approach, immigrants from Ghana shared their information needs, challenges and sources they rely upon for information. In total, 50 Ghanaian immigrants participated in this study. Findings: Findings indicate that like many immigrant populations, Ghanaians who have immigrated to the USA primarily rely on personal networks, mediated through social media, as their primary sources of information. Despite the availability of immigration resources in the library, Ghanaian immigrants may not view it as a useful resource. Social implications: While this study examines a single immigrant population, its social implications are important to libraries who aim to serve immigrant populations in their community. Originality/value: This study provides new information about African immigrant population, a population whose information needs have rarely been covered in the literature. © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Author Keywords

Social media Library Immigrant population Immigration Ghana Information needs

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85047129055&doi=10.1108%2fILS-02-2018-0013&partnerID=40&md5=7af0a372863671e60416d6941b91c7fe

DOI: 10.1108/ILS-02-2018-0013
ISSN: 23985348
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English