Kirsty Williamson

Research in Constructivist Frameworks Using Ethnographic Techniques

This article discusses the undertaking of research using a constructivist philosophical framework and ethnographic techniques, which can include individual interviews, focus groups, observation, and questionnaires. It begins with a broad overview of social sciences research philosophy, discussing both positivism and interpretivism, before moving on to focus on the constructivist paradigm, which comes under the interpretivist umbrella. The section on ethnography follows and includes sampling, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Examples from the authors work are used to illustrate both philosophy and method. They are from the authors studies of the information-seeking behavior of, firstly, women with breast cancer and, secondly, online investors.

Where one size does not fit all: understanding the needs of potential users of a portal to breast cancer knowledge online.

ABSTRACT The article argues that, although the Internet has great potential for assisting people to find information on breast cancer, at present that potential is not being realised. The literature shows considerable dissatisfaction with information provision for breast cancer, including on the Internet where appropriate information suited to particular needs often cannot be found. An Australian project (Breast Cancer Knowledge Online [BCKOnline]), in its first stage, set out to explore the needs for breast cancer information using an ethnographic method and a purposive sample of 77 participants, most of them women with breast cancer. A portal, which will enable users to tailor information to their particular needs, is at present being developed based on the results of the needs analysis. The process includes user-selected profiles, enabled through “user-centric” resource descriptions, and a metadata repository that links the profiles with specific information resources. The article presents limited results from the needs analysis—those highlighting the differences between younger and older women and the problems with present Internet information provision as seen by the sample. The final section discusses how the portal will both tailor information to needs and assist with the problems with the Internet revealed in the literature.

The role of the internet for people with disabilities: issues of access and equity for public libraries

This article reports two studies, which, although separate, focus on related issues concerned with online access for people with disabilities in the context of information and library provision. The first project concerns the potentialities of online services for people who are blind and sight impaired and has a particular emphasis on information-seeking behaviour. The second project concerns online services for people with disabilities in Australian public libraries, and focuses on evaluation of adaptive equipment, associated training and strategies for improving access. Four research questions, relevant to one or both of the projects, are selected for discussion in the article: What are the information needs of people with disabilities, particularly people who are blind and sight impaired? What are the recreational interests of people with a diverse range of disabilities? What role can the internet play in meeting information needs and in serving recreational interests? How can public libraries assist people with disabilities to use the internet and thus address issues of access and equity for this group of people? The article reviews the literature in relation to the four questions, describes the interpretivist conceptual framework used for both studies, and outlines the research method used for each. The results of the two studies, relevant to each of the questions, is then presented. A major conclusion to the article is that the development of partnerships between public libraries and local disability groups is likely to result in significant benefits for people with disabilities.

The Crossover Generation: Baby Boomers and the Role of the Public Library

The article explores the concept of baby boomers as a ‘crossover’ generation, one that embodies characteristics of previous and later generations. The context is the retirement of the baby boomers and its potential impact on the public library. Ethnographic method within a constructivist framework was used, employing the techniques of focus groups and individual interviews. The findings focus on four principal areas: baby boomer characteristics; information needs and resource use; social needs; and the role of volunteering. Comparisons are made with other generations, as appropriate. The conclusion is that, despite some shared characteristics, differences require innovative responses from public libraries.

The Internet for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A qualitative study of fifteen blind or visually impaired persons and sixteen professionals who work with blind and visually impaired persons sought to explore the potential role of the Internet in information provision for this group of people. Traditional forms of access to information such as print have meant that people who are blind and visually impaired have more difficulty in accessing the same range of information that people who are sighted take for granted. Increasingly, computers are being viewed as the solution to the problem of access to the printed word. This study sought to understand the role of the Internet in information provision, within the context of other sources of information and everyday information needs. The article presents findings about the current ways in which people who are blind and visually impaired find information for their everyday lives; the role of the Internet in this process; barriers to using computers and the Internet; and three case studies in information seeking.

Seniors extend understanding of what constitutes universal values

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to add one further value to the previously articulated “universal values” and to describe the constituent components of three universal values.Design/methodology/approach – This interpretive/constructivist study of Australias largest online community of seniors involved a 30‐month ethnographic investigation. After an initial period of 11 months of observing social interaction on the entire site, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants, selected according to criterion sampling, a form of purposive sampling.Findings – Four key moral values were identified: equality, freedom, respect and trust. All of them had been found in other studies, with equality and respect (as human dignity) identified as universal values. The findings from this study suggest that freedom is another universal value.Originality/value – This study extends the understanding of universal values to include freedom. Further, it demonstrates the constituent components ...

Choice and Constraint in Academic Work on Campus and at Home

Abstract While new technologies increasingly enable the dislocation of a wide range of work-related activities from those spaces in which they have been traditionally performed, gender and the organisation of domestic space all bear upon academics ‘parameters of choice when contemplating where and when they might perform certain of their work-related tasks. Beyond this, job-related constraints concerning home working were found to be greatest at either end of the academic hierarchy. If many managerial staffonly worked at home ‘in their own time ‘, casual academic staff were often ‘homeworkers by default ‘, in that the nature of their working conditions on campus typically obliged them to perform much of their work at home, whatever their personal preference. In conclusion, it is argued that future discussions around academic homeworking must be conducted within the broader context of the length and intensity of the working day.

Extending universal service: social and economic issues

Argues social issues should play an important role in debates surrounding telecommunications services, looking particular at Australia’s universals service. Concludes each country needs to look at the specific issues affecting it population to enable use of the most appropriate policies. Stresses debates about telecoms services should not take place, just in economic terms, as social policy is just as important.

To choose or not to choose: exploring Australians` views about internet banking

This paper explores Australian domestic customers’ choices with regard to Internet banking, examining why it is taken up by some Australians and not others. The constructivist conceptual framework and the grounded nature of the method enabled in-depth exploration of key issues not undertaken before by the mainly positivist studies. The purposeful sample of 32 participants was selected to represent the major categories of people relevant to the research. Everett Rogers’ famous analysis of ‘diffusion of innovations’ was one theoretical framework used to illuminate the findings; the other was digital divide factors in relation to banking choices. The findings include 1) that the major motivation for people to adopt Internet banking is convenience, closely linked to time savings and ease of accessibility, as well as confidence and skill in Internet use; and 2) that, at the time of the study, digital divide factors were playing an important part in banking choices.

Through the Looking Glass for Librarians: A Training Lens to Improve and Fast Track Learning of Databases.

Reports a research project funded by the State Library of NSW and the National Library of Australia which focuses on the training needs of public librarians for using electronic databases, and the subsequent development of training modules to address them. Increased levels of confidence and training have been identified in the literature as key needs for librarians.