Exploring the Information-Seeking Behavior of Black Mothers with MLIS Degrees: A Phenomenological Study Through the Lens of Small World Theory

Presenter Information

Kiera O'Shea, University of South CarolinaFollow

Presentation Type

Presentation

Location

Teams.

Start Date

7-4-2025 3:00 PM

End Date

7-4-2025 3:50 PM

Description

This presentation will introduce the conceptual framework for a phenomenological study exploring the life course information behavior of Black mothers with Master’s degrees in Library and Information Science (MLIS). Grounded in the Life Course Perspective, the study examines how these women’s experiences over time shape their interactions with information. The research will integrate Chatman’s Small World Theory to analyze how their social and professional networks influence their access to, use of, and interpretation of information across different life stages. This session will explore the dynamic interplay between lived experiences, social structures, and information behavior, highlighting the role of open access frameworks and inclusive information practices in addressing barriers to resource accessibility. The discussion will lay the foundation for future empirical research on the evolving information needs of Black mothers with MLIS degrees.

Author Bios

Kiera O'Shea is a doctoral candidate in Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina, where she is developing a phenomenological study on the life course information behavior of Black women with terminal degrees. Grounded in the Life Course Perspective, her research explores how social networks and lived experiences shape these women’s interactions with information over time. Kiera holds a JD and an MLIS from Drexel University and is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the LIS field.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.