The Information Seeking Behavior of Koreans in the United States

미국 로스앤젤레스 지역 한인의 정보 추구 행태

This study was inspired by the growing importance of information as a resource for improving the quality of life, the lack of systematic research about the information environment of Koreans in the United States and the lack of understanding of the relationships between individual characteristics and information seeking behavior. During 1990 and 1991, 204 Koreans, 18 years old and more, residing in the City of Los Angeles, were interviewed. Generally the information seeking behavior of Koreans appeared to be similar to that of the socioeconomically advantaged segment of the general public. They are relatively well aware of their information needs. capable of articulating them, and willing to pursue information to meet their needs. Major findings include: (1) the dominance of educational information needs: (2) positive feelings of hope, curiosity. and interest associated with information needs: (3) the tendency to pursue information with the expectation of potential rather than immediate rewards: (4) the expertise of information sources and their ability to provide information directly relevant to a need as criteria for selecting an information source: (5) the generally heavy reliance on informal interpersonal information sources and the high ranking of professionals as the starting point for information seeking and in judgements of usefulness: and (6) the dominant use of Korean ethnic information sources. Statistically significant correlations found at the 0.05 level relate (1) level of education, age, and gender with type of information need, the feelings associated with an information need, motivations to seek information, and the use of information sources, (2) proficiency in English and length of residence in the United States with the extent to which ethnic information sources are used, and (3) pattern of daily use of media with the use of media in seeking information.