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Purls of wisdom: A collectivist study of human information behaviour in a public library knitting group

Elena Prigoda (Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada)
Pamela J. McKenzie (Faculty of Information and Media Studies, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada)

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 23 January 2007

3931

Abstract

Purpose

The authors aim to apply a collectivist theoretical framework to the study of human information behaviour and the construction of meaning in a knitting group held in a branch of a large Canadian (Ontario) public library.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was naturalistic and consisted of active participant observation of five knitting group sessions and semi‐structured interviews with 12 group members. Field notes were taken, and both observations and interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Field notes and transcripts were coded qualitatively.

Findings

Information practices and contextual factors are mutually constitutive. The location of the circle in a public library, the physical characteristics of the act of knitting, and the social meanings of the activities taking place within the group, including the significance of gender and caring, are integrally linked to HIB in this setting. Findings are described verbally and illustrated through a model.

Research limitations/implications

This study applies collectivist understandings to enrich concepts such as the “information ground” that have previously been studied largely from constructivist perspectives. As a small‐scale naturalistic study, results are context‐specific and must be applied tentatively.

Practical implications

This study provides an example of how programs in public libraries can provide opportunities for information behaviour and the construction of meaning for members of the community.

Originality/value

This study contributes a collectivist approach to research on everyday‐life information seeking and on the library as a place.

Keywords

Citation

Prigoda, E. and McKenzie, P.J. (2007), "Purls of wisdom: A collectivist study of human information behaviour in a public library knitting group", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 63 No. 1, pp. 90-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410710723902

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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