Analysis of the information needs and information seeking behaviour of New Zealand home educators

Abstract

This study explores the information needs and information seeking behaviour of New Zealand parents who recently investigated the option of home educating their child. No studies have previously been conducted in New Zealand that examine this issue. A sample of eight parents was interviewed for the study. The parents were asked questions relating to their information needs, the sources they used, and their search process. The theoretical framework for the study draws on a revised general model of information behaviour proposed by Wilson and Walsh (1996), and the information search process model developed by Kuhlthau (2004). It was found in this study that parents had three main information needs. On the whole, parents' needs were met by existing sources of information, however there were some issues for which parents had difficulty finding information. Recommendations for improvements to sources and services have been made as a result of this finding. The role of the public library in meeting home educators' needs is also discussed. One of the key findings of this study is that there is no common information search process demonstrated by home educators.