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Apologies for cross-posting: Fully Funded PhD Studentship Available Information Seeking Behavior of Adolescents The University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information Sciences is offering a fully funded (Home Fees and Maintenance) PhD studentship to investigate information seeking behavior of adolescents, to: better understand what information they seek, from where, and why; what shapes and influences behavior; and how behavior differs across sub groups. Improved understanding will assist information professionals across a range of disciplines (from librarians to teachers) across a range of sectors (from education to the arts) in understanding how to meet the information needs of adolescents, and in particular, distinguish between different needs across different sub groups (a relatively under researched area). Findings will contribute to our understanding of adolescent information seeking behavior, and potentially influence future digital services and associated information architectures in the digital domain. The successful applicant will work closely with one or more secondary schools (most probably within the local Glasgow area), gathering data via a combination of approaches such as questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and diaries, potentially extending to micro-ethnographic research. It is anticipated that participants will be drawn from the fourth year of secondary school, facilitating comparison of behavior of participants planning to continue studies into fifth and sixth years, with those planning to exit at end of fourth year. Award Details The studentship will start in October 2011 and covers University Home Fees plus a student stipend for 3 years (stipend level of c. £13,569 in 2010/11). Eligibility Requirements This studentship covers home fees for UK and EU nationals only. Eligible candidates will have a first class degree or equivalent (e.g. MSc with Distinction) in library and information science or closely related discipline (such as information retrieval or information architecture). However, consideration will also be given to applicants from a social science background with demonstrated interests. Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential, with experience of eliciting and analysing users’ information needs desirable. A strong command of the English language is essential. 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 To apply, you should send: · A covering letter · 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). Application deadline is June 24th, 2011. Candidates may be called to interview in the week commencing July 25th, 2011. Applications to: Dr Steven Buchanan ( <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [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. Several staff members are prominent researchers in information retrieval and access, and related fields such as digital libraries, and the department is a member of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA). The department has delivered postgraduate courses in information and library science for more than thirty years, and supports a community of approximately 50 PhD students and postdoctoral research fellows. The student would join the Departments’ i-Lab research group ( <http://www.ilab.cis.strath.ac.uk/> http://www.ilab.cis.strath.ac.uk/), consisting of approximately 28 academic and research student members researching various aspects of information use and access.