معرفی
Dr Gemma Webster is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment. Her research focuses on information science with particular emphasis on cultural influences on information behavior, public library services, and digital youth work.
Her research interests center on understanding how cultural factors influence information behavior and access to information resources. She has conducted significant research on the relationship between culture and public library use, particularly focusing on forced migrants and non-Western students in Scotland. Her work examines how cultural backgrounds shape conceptualizations of public library services and impact service adoption. Additionally, she investigates digital youth work and the social impact of digital literacy initiatives for young people. Her diabetes research explores information avoidance behaviors among people with diabetes.
Dr Webster's publications reveal a strong focus on social informatics, with consistent exploration of how cultural contexts shape information practices. Her work often employs qualitative methodologies including thematic analysis of interview data. She frequently collaborates with colleagues from the Centre for Social Informatics, particularly with Hazel Hall, Rachel Salzano, and David Brazier.
Her scientific contributions include:
- Research on cultural determinants of public library use among forced migrants
- Studies on the relationship between culture and information behavior
- Investigations into digital youth work and social impact evaluation
- Exploration of information avoidance in health contexts
Dr Webster actively supervises PhD students, including Dr Rachel Salzano who completed research on 'The influence of culture on perceived use of public libraries by forced migrants in Scotland and England.' She has secured research funding for projects including the dot.rural Portrait KE project. Her work is primarily conducted through the Centre for Social Informatics at Edinburgh Napier University.
