Introduction. Library researchers are often concerned with the factors that affect individual use of public library resources. To date, culture as a determinant of public library use has not been fully explored across all public library populations. Method. As preparation for a larger study, a literature review on the information behaviours, and the use of public library resources, by newcomer populations was completed. This output was based on a literature search on commercial databases and Google Scholar. Thematic concept mapping surfaced relevant seams of extant literature of interest to the broader study. Results. Much of the literature cites socio-cultural/cultural factors as important influences on resource use in public libraries. However, few articulate these factors in detail, nor define their relationship to information behaviour and use. In addition, consideration of newcomer populations is often absent in these analyses. Conclusion. There is a case for further investigation on the influence of culture on newcomer populations’ use of public libraries. It is anticipated that improved understanding in this domain will help determine improved public library provision for newcomer populations.

Library and information science researchers identify public library roles in the integration of forced migrants into local communities. Here an analysis of formal documentation issued by local authorities allowed for an exploration of public libraries as services to aid the integration of forced migrants in Scotland. In 2021, 23 Scottish local authorities responded to Freedom of Information requests to supply documentation on the integration of forced migrants. Analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted on 141 files. Complete coding resulted in 44 consolidated codes and 4 candidate themes. Scottish local authority documentation primarily records provision for the integration of forced migrants, rather than advocates policy or guidance. The local authorities focus mainly on housing, education, and health, with close attention to the legal context, in efforts to address forced migrant integration needs. Public libraries feature only occasionally in the documentation: as services that support orientation and/or provide leisure facilities. Their potential to contribute to meeting information needs, or supporting literacy and learning, is not considered. The integration of forced migrants is an important priority of Scottish local authorities, but one that does not currently acknowledge the roles that public libraries play in such endeavours.

Public libraries offer important services for newcomer populations, including forced migrants. They help facilitate the integration of forced migrants into the host country, increase their levels of trust within new communities, and build social capital. To date, however, the determinants of forced migrant engagement with public library services has been left unexplored. Here the impact of culture on conceptualizations of public library services, and the role of this on the adoption and use of public library services, is investigated using the Theory of information worlds. The analysis is based on data collected in semi‐structured interviews with 30 UK service gatekeepers for forced migrants. Thematic analysis identified three conceptualizations of public library services as: (1) leisure services, that (2) offer information services, (3) as part of a larger system that includes other functions such as immigration and policing. These conceptualizations impact service use and, importantly, non‐use. Further contributions of the work include the proposal that Maslow's (1943) Hierarchy of needs may serve as a moderating variable for the five societal elements of the Theory of information worlds, and practical recommendations for public library staff keen to increase forced migrant engagement with the services that they offer.

Introduction: Individuals’ cultural backgrounds influence their use of societal resources, including those offered in public libraries. Well-established in library research are explorations of the benefits of public library use to new-comer communities, including migrant workers, immigrants, forced migrants, and international students. However, to date no research has been completed on why these communities use particular resources. Methods: The project outlined in this poster concerns international students from non-Western countries in Scotland. Using a mixed methods approach, the study presented will explore why international students from non-Western countries use specific public library resources, and the cultural factors that influence this use. Analyses: Findings will derive from thematic analysis of participant responses in interview and questionnaire data. Conclusion: An understanding of the perceived value of certain resources can assist in the effective tailoring of resources to serve new community members.

The Ageing experience and increased longevity presents innovation opportunity for emergent technology, e.g., mobile and wearable. In turn, these technologies can enhance quality of life and independence as we age; however, they can also increase social inequalities and exclusion. The Covid-19 pandemic affected how we interact, communicate engage and interact with people and also technologies. Peopleacross the generations were impacted and disrupted, motivating new behaviours in how they conducted everyday tasks and activities. Co-Design approaches have previously revealed successful collaborations between older adults, students, researchers, designers and other disciplines as a means to define unmet needs. Edinburgh Napier University provided funding to the PI (Principal Investigator) as a means to mobilise a 'Creative Cross-Education Team' (CCET) consisting of undergraduate students, research assistants (post-graduate researchers) and other staff colleagues of the University. The CCET worked with members from 'Tap into IT' (a local charity based in Edinburgh with a remit and focus on enhancing and enabling digital technology access for older adults). Two Co-Design workshops were conducted online titled 'Express' & 'Create.' The aim of these workshops was to explore, identify and define unmet needs/gaps expressed by older adult participants as a catalyst to create and generate future conceptual technology opportunities. The workshops were framed around Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The team were broken into groups whereby they were encouraged to collectively collaborate, Express and Create with the participants. This multi-generational and transdisciplinary approach created a democratized outlook where each contributor added value through expression, commentary and creativity. The findings have generated themes which are the basis for new opportunity through education and research with a focus on future technology opportunities.