The Homeless in Our Community

Table of Contents

Literature Review — 3

Methodology — 5

Findings — 6

Summary — 8

Works Cited/Works Used — 9

Appendix: Survey Form — 11

LITERATURE REVIEW

In this information behavior study, our group examines the everyday information

resources, needs, and behaviors of the homeless. Literature research has led us to many

key resources. Important literature on our topic includes Everyday Information Needs

and Information Sources of Homeless Parents, The Homeless and Information Needs and

Services, and Are the economically poor information poor? Does the digital divide affect

the homeless and access to information? by Julie Hersberger, and The Impoverished LifeWorld

of Outsiders and Framing Social Life in Theory and Research by Elfreda

Chatman.

The fundamental concepts in the literature show that a study must have a

definition of homelessness and information poverty, address the everyday information

needs and services of the homeless, identify misconceptions about how the homeless

view and use information, and discuss information behaviors and barriers for the

homeless.

The homeless are a growing population in the United States. As the gap between

the wealthy and poor increases, more people find themselves overwhelmed and displaced

without a permanent residence, financial stability, or social networks, such as family,

friends, and/or public assistance. Generally, homelessness in America is a result of

unaffordable housing, family fragmentation, domestic violence, mental illness, health

problems, addictions, unemployment, or a combination of several of these issues1

(Hersberger, 2001, p. 119).

Research has concluded that homeless “people in their everyday lives are

assessing their information needs in...

... middle of paper ...

....What kinds of everyday information are you interested in

encountering here?

23.How useful is what you learn at this place

1) Not Applicable

2) Not Useful

3) Somewhat Useful

4) Very Useful

5) Can’t Do Without

24. Is the information you encounter mostly trivial or good for making

important or big decisions?

1) Trivial

2) Big Decision

3) Small Decision

4) All

5) Other

15

25.What would make it easier for you and others to share useful

information at this place?

26.What are the drawbacks to getting information at this place?

27.How important is this place as a means to get help for information

about everyday life?

1) Most important

2) Somewhat important

3) Not very important

4) Not important

28. What is your next best place for information?

29. Is there anything you’d like to add about what you’ve just told me?

30. Gender

31.Age

32.THANK YOU!