Journal of Documentation | 2021
Contextualising risk: the unfolding information work and practices of people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate people s information practices as the SARS-CoV-2 virus took hold in the UK Of particular interest is how people transition into newly created pandemic information environments and the ways information literacy practices come into view Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative research design comprised one-to-one in-depth interviews conducted virtually towards the end of the UK s first lockdown phase in May–July 2020 Data were coded and analysed by the researchers using constant comparative and situated analysis techniques Findings: Transition into new pandemic information environments was shaped by an unfolding phase, an intensification phase and a stable phase Information literacy emerged as a form of safeguarding as participants engaged in information activities designed to mitigate health, legal, financial and well-being risks produced by the pandemic Research limitations/implications: Time constraints meant that the sample from the first phase of this study skewed female Practical implications: Findings establish foundational knowledge for public health and information professionals tasked with shaping public communication during times of crisis Social implications: This paper contributes to understandings of the role that information and information literacy play within global and long-term crises Originality/value: This is one of the first studies to explore information practices during the COVID-19 pandemic © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited