Study of Asian Immigrants’ Information Behaviour in South Australia: Preliminary Results

The study reported in this paper is part of an ongoing research project examining Asian immigrants’ information behaviour in South Australia. Involving eight Asian participants, the pilot study was conducted from March to April 2013. The study used questionnaires, photovoice, and interviews to collect data relating to participants’ information needs, information sources, and information grounds, attempting to capture both everyday and formal requirements for settling in South Australia. The preliminary results indicate that these immigrants have a diverse range of information needs, with various preferred information sources from multiple information grounds. Use of the Internet and strong virtual and real social networks are both important sources and grounds. The results indicate both the participants’ competencies and the challenges they have faced. The photographic images provide a further dimension to the analysis.