The experienced worker, the student, and the information gap: What are the information needs of vocational trades students while on work experience?

Abstract

Research question – What are the information needs of vocational students while on work experience.

Research justification – Very little research that has been published on the topic of workplace information literacy, within the library information science discipline. Even less research has been published from the perspective of the information needs of young adults during work experience.

Methodology – This qualitative study uses the in-depth interview combined with the critical incident technique. Data was gathered by interviewing three plumbing students and four electrical students.

Findings– The information practice of the workplace is a two-way process, where the information literacy of the more experienced workers identify the information needs of the students, and the student use of mobile phone technology for making a visual literacy record of everyday workplace solutions, adds to the information landscape of the workplace.

Research implications – This study is based on a small sample that may limit generalisation. This research contributes to understanding student information needs in the context of the workplace. The key findings suggest a way for academic libraries to align their services with the learning goals and priorities of the students, though facilitating resources that support student competency with the technical and jargon language of the workplace, and their visual literacy of work tools through image resourcing.

Originality/value – This study contributes to understanding the New Zealand workplace information landscape from a student’s perspective. The student voice describes the workplace: culture, context, members, activities, and tools that are the resources that help trades students meet their information needs.