Professor Steven Buchanan

Professor in Comms., Media and Culture

Communications, Media and Culture Division of Communications, Media and Culture School of Arts & Humanities University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4JA

Professor Steven Buchanan

Contact details

About me

Professor of Human Information Behaviour within the Division of Communications, Media and Culture, University of Stirling.

My human information behaviour research examines how and why people interact with information (or not), and effective channels and sources of information, and influencing factors. I explore complex access and internalised behavioural factors, the former influenced by media and information literacy issues, the latter by economic, social and cultural structures and norms. My work provides insights into what information to provide, to whom, and how. Much of my work addresses the enduring limitations of mass communication strategies, informing targeted communication interventions in the socio-ecological context.

My research has been variously funded by ESRC, AHRC, ACE, RSE, and SLIC. Much recent work has examined people’s information behaviours within marginalised and/or disadvantaged circumstances. Indicative recent studies include work with impoverished young children, unemployed adolescents, Muslim women, incarcerated men, young mothers, and healthcare professionals in areas of multiple deprivations. In partnership with the University of Glasgow I am currently principal investigator on an Arts Council England funded review of the role of public libraries in combating disruptive misinformation and disinformation in UK society, and joint principal investigator on a Royal Society of Edinburgh funded review of censorship and neutrality in public information services.

The practical impact of my work is attested to via input to various Government, NHS, and third sector reviews of public communication and information services past and present. For example, my work defining the key information intermediary role of healthcare professionals has formed a key action (development of common information intermediary skills) in the Scottish Government’s Health Literacy Action Plan for Scotland.

Research Projects/Awards:

Buchanan, S., & McMenemy, D. (2025-26). The role of the Public Library in Combating Misinformation and Disinformation: a review. Arts Council England Award.

McMenemy, D., & Buchanan, S. (2025-26). Culture Wars, Censorship and Neutrality in Scottish Public libraries. Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Collaboration Award.

McKrell, L., Champion, K., & Buchanan, S. (2024-2025). Evidencing the Social Impact of Public Libraries. Scottish Libraries & Information Council Public Library Improvement Fund Award.

McKrell, L., Buchanan, S., & McKeown, C. (2022-23). Making a Difference: evidencing the value of a library maker space to users and community. Scottish Libraries & Information Council Public Library Improvement Fund Award.

Roy, L., & Buchanan, S. (2018-2019) Adding Value through Narratives: Studying Information Behaviours and Experiences among Disadvantaged Populations. UT-CHASP Seton Research Collaboration Award.

Buchanan, S., & Ruthven, I. (2015-2018) Understanding the information needs of young first-time mothers from areas of multiple deprivation. Economic & Social Research Council Award.

Buchanan, S. (2015-2018) The role of public libraries in Glasgow communities in the 21st century. Arts & Humanities Research Council Award.

Buchanan, S. (2013-2016) Understanding the Information Needs of Visually Impaired Young People. Economic & Social Research Council Award.

Research programmes

Research themes