Abstract

This study aims to analyze the information needs and information-seeking behavior of foreign faculty members at Korean universities across different settlement stages. The research employed semi-structured interviews using the Critical Incident Technique(CIT) with eight foreign faculty members. Through interviews, the researcher examined information needs and information source utilization by dividing the settlement process into three stages: pre-departure, initial settlement, and current stage focusing on significant or challenging incidents at each stage. The findings revealed three key points. First, participants’ information needs evolved from general information about Korean culture, workplace, and daily life during pre-departure to more specific and personal needs based on individual interests in the current stage. Second, while foreign friends and colleagues served as crucial information sources, Korean experiences were necessary for specific matters such as children’s education and research grant applications. The presence of foreign networks also influenced the length of settlement periods. Third, language barriers, website accessibility issues, and workplace culture emerged as major obstacles in information seeking. This study is significant as it provides an in-depth analysis of foreign faculty members’ information needs and information-seeking behavior, suggesting improvements for information services dedicated to this group.