Open AccessThe relationship between culture and public library use: non-Western students in Scotland
Author(s) -
Rachel Salzano,
Hazel Hall,
Gemma Webster
Publication year - 2020
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.47989/irisic2035
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , immigration , value (mathematics) , public relations , cultural diversity , political science , sociology , library science , qualitative research , social science , computer science , machine learning , law
Individuals’ cultural backgrounds influence their use of societal resources, including those offered in public libraries. Well-established in library research are explorations of the benefits of public library use to new-comer communities, including migrant workers, immigrants, forced migrants, and international students. However, to date no research has been completed on why these communities use particular resources.Methods: The project outlined in this poster concerns international students from non-Western countries in Scotland. Using a mixed methods approach, the study presented will explore why international students from non-Western countries use specific public library resources, and the cultural factors that influence this use.Analyses: Findings will derive from thematic analysis of participant responses in interview and questionnaire data.Conclusion: An understanding of the perceived value of certain resources can assist in the effective tailoring of resources to serve new community members.