‘Bonnetheads’ fandom: information experiences of Little House on the Prairie cast members
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65280Keywords:
information behavior, fandom, fan communities, Little House on the Prairie, nostalgiaAbstract
Introduction. Fandom has been explored extensively in LIS research, but a gap exists in the study of information behaviour from the perspectives of fandom subjects. This research explored what motivates former cast members of the Little House on the Prairie television series to engage with their fans, as well as the extent to which nostalgia serves as a catalyst for information sharing within the within the Little House on the Prairie fandom community.
Method. Using a qualitative approach, six former Little House on the Prairie cast members were selected through purposive sampling for a survey with both open- and closed-ended questions.
Analysis. Survey responses were organized and coded inductively, line-by-line, using NVivo 12.
Results. Initial results revealed the prevalence of nostalgia for both fans and cast members. Loyalty, gratitude, and community also emerged as motivators for engagement with members of the fandom.
Conclusion. The study of cast members’ information behaviour within fandom may provide insight into the affective dimensions of reliving the past through media and shared experience.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amy Lanier, Tara Zimmerman, Priya Kizhakkethil
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