ABSTRACT

Diaspora, which refers to the global and transnational spread of certain ethnic and religious groups, has been a reality for a long time. However, the increasing spread and ubiquity of new media technologies has in many instances accelerated the diasporic reality for many immigrant communities, facilitating transnational connections and senses of identity. In particular, the context of diaspora is affecting ways of approaching immigrant information behavior research. Specifically, diasporic information needs and behavior research takes account of the transnational information environments of these populations. Thus, immigrant communities are often part of rich, global information networks. New research is emerging which frames immigrant information research within a diasporic context, bridging local and global information needs and behaviors. Implications exist for rethinking concepts of assimilation, fostering cultural preservation and growth, and the development of enhanced social capital.