Dissertation Information for Daniel F. Duran NAME: - Daniel F. Duran
- (Alias) Daniel Flores Duran
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Wisconsin, Madison (USA) (1977)
ADVISORS: - Margaret Monroe
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - James Krikelas - Helen Lyman - Jack Donald McLeod - Mary Louise Wylie
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: LATINO COMMUNICATION PATTERNS: AN INVESTIGATION OF MEDIA USE AND ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITY AMONG MEXICAN, CUBAN, AND PUERTO RICAN RESIDENTS OF CHICAGO
Abstract: Limited knowledge of communication patterns in the Latino population and the contexts suitable for service to this group that has limited the significance of U.S. public libraries' service to Latino needs. This exploratory study gathered data on the communication behavior, resource utilization, and organizational activity of Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican residents of Chicago, Illinois. Two sets of hypotheses were tested to discover relationships between Latino participation in formal voluntary associations and use of informational media resources, and between Latino interpersonal communication and use of primary group resources and information agencies.
A stratified cluster probability sample was used to select 400 Latinos who were interviewed by trained bilingual interviewers using a structured schedule. Data were gathered on demographic characteristics, patterns of language use, extent of reading activity, use of the mass media, friendship networks, culture orientation, organizational activity, and use of formal agencies, including the public library. Descriptive and analytical profiles presenting the communication patterns for each of the three groups were developed and compared, controlling for several demographic factors. The hypotheses were analyzed by the use of indices. Chi-square and simple correlation coefficient procedures were applied to the hypotheses and profile comparisons with a significance level.
The data support the hypothesis that there is a positive and significant association between organizational activity and the two communication patterns of reading activity and public library use; no significant relationship between organizational activity and the use of the mass media was found. In the second set of hypotheses, the data indicate that Latinos would turn more frequently to fellow Latinos than to non-Latinos for help in the three hypothetical problem areas. The corollary hypothesis that Latinos will more frequently identify primary group resources over formal sources of information is not supported by the data.
Two important elements in the profile of Latino communication behavior were found: the predominant use Spanish language for personal, mass media, and reading activity common to each of the three groups; 50% sample participation in English as a Second Language and other Adult Education programs, with high correlation between such activity and use of the public library. Thirty-five percent of the sample reported organizational memberships, primarily in religious associations and unions. Frequent communication with relatives and friends was reported by each group, and such communication was not significantly reduced by increasing urbanization or geographical distance within Chicago.
Major implications for library service based on this study include: public library contact with the unaffiliated who rely on local resources; development of material collections that represent the local Spanish language orientation f Latino neighborhoods; integration with neighborhood networks of Latino groups and individuals; and necessity for Latino professional library staff who share the cultural background and language skills of the Latino public.
The wealth of data gathered in this study awaits more detailed analysis by library researchers and those of related disciplines. Replications of this study in other Latino areas are also recommended.
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MPACT Scores for Daniel F. Duran A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-07-25 20:17:22
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