The purpose of this research is threefold:

1. to describe the information-seeking behavior of marginalized youth
2. to describe social capital in marginalized and assimilating youth
3. to describe the way information-seeking behavior shapes social capital in marginalized and assimilating youth

The goal of the research is to contribute to the understanding of the information-seeking behavior of diverse communities - in this case, the marginalized and assimilating youth - so that members of the library and information science community are better poised to provide relevant information services to this particular community. Many members of our diverse society are faced with challenges that at times seem insurmountable; they have pressing, basic needs, which potentially hinder their participation in building healthy communities.

This research proceeds with the framework in which I ask the question:

The methodologies for this research include analysis of discourse, ethnographic participant observation, focus group sessions, and ethnographic interviews. The locus of the research is a Midwestern city in the United States. This city or research community is a fruitful locus of research for two primary reasons. In the first place, the segmentation of people of color and new immigrants is articulated in the concentration of these residents in one geographic boundary. In the second place, the levels of economic development differ between the two geographic sections. Much economic development occurs in the section of the city with a majority concentration of White residents, while rapid economic decline is seen in the section of the city with a majority concentration of people of color and new, Hispanic immigrants.

Analysis of discourse - I will analyze discourse about youth society and about social capital in youth in the city through issues of the local newspaper from - at minimum - the past year. Other publications regarding social capital in youth (and specifically youth in this Midwestern city) will be analyzed. Furthermore, I will analyze reports and narratives from governmental and social agencies in the city to identify themes that emerge in descriptions of marginalized and assimilating youth. Reports and narratives put out by youth themselves will also be analyzed and juxtaposed with the other reports and narratives.

Ethnographic observation - I will be an observer of social behavior of the youth in this Midwestern city. Systematic observation - i.e., defining the times and places to conduct the observation - will take place at places where youth gather, such as community centers, movie theaters, youth social events, etc.

Focus group sessions - I will conduct two focus group sessions of marginalized and assimilating young adults in which these young adults describe issues that are important in their everyday lives and the people, agencies, and institutions that they feel help them the most to resolve and address these issues. In these sessions, youth will also be asked about their community (see Interview Guide). Each focus group will have around 10-12 participants.

Ethnographic interviews - I will also conduct in-depth ethnographic interviews of four young adults, as well as three adults who provide services, establish policies, or who are in another way closely involved with young adults. The interview guide will be used to conduct the ethnographic interviews.