Understanding immigrant information acculturation: perspectives and recommendations for information behaviour research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65229Keywords:
immigrant information behavior, acculturation, information science, integrationAbstract
Introduction. The study explores the relationship between information and acculturation in the lives of immigrants living in the United States, with consideration given to immigrants’ information assets as well as bidirectional dimensions of acculturation whereby immigrants inform US-born neighbours.
Method. Initially intended as a mixed-method explanatory study, this preliminary insight is based on survey data. As the researchers discuss, recruitment was disrupted due to factors including sweeping US legislation that culminated in federal research defunding, punitive measures toward higher education, and especially threats to immigrant communities.
Analysis. The preliminary survey findings offer a glimpse into how immigrants adjust informationally. Respondents prefer speed and accuracy of resources and ranked educational/career, health/wellness, and entertainment as top information reasons, while friends and family are the premier information sources. Many respondents share cultural information with US-born neighbors. Yet barriers such as the lack of recent, accurate, or accessible information impact acculturation.
Results. Based on available data, immigrant information acculturation is hardly straightforward and reflects a myriad of decisions related to information seeking, finding, using, sources, problem-solving, and contributions.
Conclusion. Information decision-makers who partner with immigrant groups should account for how community members navigate US acculturation, information ecosystems, and their own self-perceptions. Knowledge of immigrant information acculturation can further both the study and provision of information, particularly in rapidly changing information and political landscapes.
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