I’m Gillian Siddall, an Academic Librarian working at the University of Northampton, supporting students on the professional health programmes. I am doing a research project looking at the experience of international postgraduate students coming to the University of Northampton to study on the MSc Public Health course. I’m interested in how postgraduate international students find and use information (in everyday life and as a student for academic work).
To investigate their experience, I’m going to use a qualitative research method called participatory photography, or photovoice. This will involve participants taking photos of the tools, objects or things that represent how they feel coming to study in the UK and how they find information. Participants will gain experience using a visual research method, photovoice which is popular within public health research. I’ll offer guidance on how to take the photographs so everyone is aware of the ethical principles and safety advice they need to follow.
Together with me, the participants will select the photographs that best represent their experience and discuss this with others in a focus group or interview. The photographs selected by the group will be exhibited at the University and used in academic publications to represent their experience as an international student. This will help us to understand and improve the support we offer.
The project is nearing completion, this website includes further information about the project, and my reflective blog which will be updated throughout the process.
This project is funded by the AHRC-RLUK Professional Practice Fellowship Scheme for research and academic libraries.