Finding wellbeing and lifestyle information: Information seeking in an Urban-rural setting

Abstract

Research problem: Access to information is crucial to increase and support the wellbeing and lifestyle choices of the population living in this region. The objective of this research is to discover the methods used by, and information seeking barriers for, people living in the Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes area when accessing information.

Methodology: A survey of the population was undertaken which asked nine questions regarding socio-economic and information retrieval behaviour undertaken in the six months prior to the start of research.

Results: Responses were received from .22% of the population in the area of study. Results indicate that respondents could access information online or from non-expert sources face to face. The information available from the internet was found to be accessible for groups with an under-graduate education or higher and a barrier a group with a lower level of education group. Social media was a frequently accessed source however information retrieved there was not satisfactorily useful.

Implications: Information providers should be aware that it is necessary to continue to provide information in print and face to face until semi-interpersonal channels are seen as providing information that is satisfactorily useful across all groups.