Examining young children's information practices and experiences: A child-centered methodological approach

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12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Researchers interested in children and youth's engagement with information have developed participatory, multi-method approaches of collecting and analyzing data directly with children and youth. However, examples of this approach in studies specifically focused on young children in library and information science are scarce. This article describes the methodological approach used in a study of 5- to 7-year-old children's information practices and experiences related to their individual interests. Drawing on conceptual frameworks from both library and information science and childhood studies, this study used multiple methods of data collection in understanding young children's own perspectives of their information activities. Namely, data was collected through parent surveys, book discussions, poster activities, participant-generated photography using the mobile app PixStori, and photo-elicitation conversations. Participants also contributed to a child-driven content analysis of their photographs. Recommendations for researchers working with young children are provided.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101106
JournalLibrary and Information Science Research
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Inc.

Funding

This study was supported by a dissertation support grant from the Department of Library & Information Science at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey .

FundersFunder number
Department of Library and Information Science at Rutgers
Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick

    Keywords

    • Information experience
    • Information practices
    • Participatory methods
    • Qualitative methods
    • Young children

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Information Systems
    • Library and Information Sciences

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