**Apologies for cross posting**

University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information Sciences
Collaborative ESRC PhD Studentship: Understanding the Information Needs of Visually Impaired Young People
The University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information Sciences, in partnership with Glasgow Life, is offering a fully funded (Home Fees and Maintenance) PhD studentship to investigate the everyday life information seeking (ELIS) behaviour of visually impaired young people (VIYP) aged 12-19, to better understand their information needs, preferences and challenges; and inform future public library (PL) service provision.

RNIB report VI people are three times more likely to experience depression, that almost half feel isolated from people and events around them, and that two thirds are unemployed. Against a backdrop of VI service reorganisation and reductions, VIYP face such future issues. Further, digital access barriers may be consigning many VIYP to a marginalised and impoverished life of information outsiders, compounded by internalised behavioural barriers.
With implications for effective PL service design, our understanding of young peoples' information needs and associated seeking behaviour is, in general, limited. ELIS VIYP studies are non-existent. The role of assistive technologies has been investigated (to a degree), but behavioural investigations which might provide insight into everyday information seeking processes, preferences and challenges are an acknowledged gap.

Two primary research methods will be employed: participant observation within public and school libraries, and semi-structured interviews (extending to gatekeepers). Information seeking trends, preferences, and challenges will be identified and typologically mapped to existing PL services, incorporating gap analysis.

Findings will advance our understanding of information poverty (and self-protective information behaviours); and assist information service providers in various fields beyond PLs (including health, social care and education) with evidence based intervention and development of information services which facilitate the independent engagement and development (and lifelong learning) of VIYP in the digital age.
Award Details
The studentship is available for Oct 1st 2013 start.  The award covers University Home Fees plus a student stipend for 3 years (£13,726 per year), and an additional partner contribution (£1000 per year).
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet EPSRC eligibility criteria:
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/guidance/postgraduates/prospective-students/eligibility/index.aspx
Eligible candidates will have a first class degree or equivalent (e.g. MSc with Distinction) in information or library studies.  However, consideration will also be given to applicants from a social science background with demonstrated interests.  Familiarity with qualitative research methods is essential, as is a strong command of the English language.  Previous experience working with young people is desirable.  Further desirable skills include: ability to work independently, excellent written and oral communications skills, and knowledge of the formal research process, including publishing and presentation of findings.
How to apply
Application deadline is Friday May 3rd.  To apply, you should send:

·         A covering letter outlining interests in this topic

·         A current CV

·         A transcript of your qualifications to date, and anticipated results if any are still pending.

·         Two letters of reference (a minimum of one academic).
Candidates may be called to interview week of May 27th with a decision week of Jun 3rd.
Applications to: Dr Steven Buchanan ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>).
The Department
The University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information Sciences is a multidisciplinary research led department, engaged in world class research rated at 3* or above.  The department is a member of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA), and supports a community of approximately 50 PhD students and postdoctoral research fellows.  The Department is the largest provider of postgraduate instructional and research training in Library and Information Studies in Scotland, and one of the largest (and longest standing) in the UK. Our iLab research group is an interdisciplinary information science research group investigating arising socio-techno phenomena and evolving information behaviour.   In pursuit of a literate and informed society, iLab work is societal in nature, investigating human information need and use (in particular amongst disengaged and/or disadvantaged groups and communities), and informing future interactive public information system service design.  iLab works closely with industry and the Library & Information Science profession, and has active research partnership agreements with a number of public sector organisations.