This was my final paper for the course People in the Information Ecology. For this assignment, we were tasked with finding and synthesizing research on the information needs of a particular user group. I chose autistic university students. This assignment gave me a chance to explore research in the field of library science, which aligns with PLO 2. It also helped to familiarize me with different theories around information needs. This will help me to understand the varying information needs of users in whatever institution I work at in the future, which aligns with PLO 5. One of the things I learned from writing this paper is that this is a topic which could use more research. Researching topics like this can help increase accessibility in our libraries and other institutions. This assignment also aligns with III.H.8 from the Competencies for Special Collections Professionals by assessing needs and advocating for user communities.
Engages with user populations and assess those populations’ needs and usage; advocates for user communities within their department and institution.
Competencies for Special Collections Professionals
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III.H.8
Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the field.
PLO 2
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Identify needs and connect individuals and communities with information that engages and empowers them.
PLO 5
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