Research Conversations

We provide an informal and intellectually engaging forum to discuss new projects and current debates, resolve interdisciplinary conundrums and imagine the future of Information Science.

The discussions are approximately 90 minutes in length. All doctoral students are expected to attend.

Visit the research conversation blog for talk summaries and online discussion at http://iresearch.wordpress.com

Archived conversations

  You must always give more than you get!: Research in Maori Environment

Abstract:
This presentation looks at the dynamics involved in conducting research with Maori communities in New Zealand.  It considers the social, cultural and political relationships that develop within a research framework that encompasses Maori values.

Bio:
Spencer Liley is the Kaihautu Maori (Maori Services Manager) for the Massey University Library system. He has twenty years of professional library experience in a range of academic and special libraries, and lectured in library and information science at Wellington College of Education (now part of Victoria University of Wellington). Spencer is his fifth year of study for his Doctor of Philosophy degree in the School of Maori and Multicultural Education at Massey University's College of Education.  His doctoral thesis focuses on the information seeking behaviours of Maori secondary school students, particularly how these vary according to the cultural context they are searching in.  His thesis is due for completion in 2009. Spencer is of Maori, Samoan and European descent and his iwi (tribal) affiliations are to Te Atiawa, Muaupoko and Ngapuhi.  Spencer's professional interests include information literacy; information services delivery; indigenous knowledge systems and collection development; recruitment, retention and workforce planning strategies. Spencer has been a member of the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa for over 20 years, including a year as the national President in 2001-2002.  He is also an Honorary Life Member of Te Ropu Whakahau (Maori in Libraries and Information Management) and a foundation member of the Pasifika Information Management Network.