FIMS Profile

Kevin Oswald

  • About Me

  • Publications

I am a PhD student in Library and Information Science in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University. I am originally from and currently live with my partner in London, Ontario, the traditional lands of Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations and I give thanks to those communities and all Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island for allowing me to conduct my research on their land.

While studying for my MLIS and completing my co-op, my research focused on the precarity of early career librarianship and the potential proliferation of job scarcity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I was privileged to be involved in the early stages of Western Libraries commitment to decolonize research guides, particularly the Indigenous Collections Highlights Page.

My current research focuses on the information practices of those with invisible illnesses, particularly fibromyalgia. This health condition is very close to me as my partner manages it every day of her life. I have witnessed first-hand the devasting physical and mental impacts it can have on a person. As such, I am interested in exploring the ways in which chronic pain alters information seeking practices, how individuals with fibromyalgia seek out pain management strategies, and the ways in which those with fibromyalgia are seen as in need of information, even in times when information is unwelcome and incorrect, and thus potentially damaging. 

Publications

Conferences and Presentations