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

Presenter Information

Kiera OSheaFollow

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 information-seeking behavior of Black mothers with Master’s degrees in Library and Information Science (MLIS). Grounded in phenomenology, the study aims to explore how Black mothers with MLIS degrees experience and interpret their interactions with information. The research will utilize Chatman’s Small World Theory to examine how the social and professional networks within their "small world" influence their access to, use of, and understanding of information. This session will discuss the interplay of individual lived experiences and social networks in shaping their information behaviors. It will also explore how the open access framework and inclusive information practices can be pivotal in addressing the barriers these women face in accessing resources, setting the stage for future empirical research.

Author Bios

Kiera O'Shea is a doctoral candidate in Library and Information Science at University of South Carolina, where she is developing a phenomenological study on the information-seeking behavior of Black women with terminal degrees. Her research is framed through Chatman’s Small World Theory, with an emphasis on understanding how social networks influence these women’s interactions with information. Kiera holds a JD. She also holds 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.