Research
As part of one of the highest-ranking research-intensive universities in North America, the McGill School of Information Studies undertakes innovative interdisciplinary research and contributes valuable knowledge to the expanding field of information studies.
Research areas
Research at the School includes such topics as: digital curation, user experience, information classification, information preservation, and multisensory information. Although our research is far-reaching, many projects fall within the following core research areas:
- Human-computer interaction
- Information-seeking behaviour
- Information resources in context
- Knowledge management and representation
Our research is highly interdisciplinary; our faculty have ongoing collaborations with other McGill units including the Faculties of Education, Engineering, Medicine, and Music, as well as collaborations with colleagues at other institutions in Montreal, across Canada, and internationally.
Research labs
The Multimodal Interaction Laboratory (MIL) studies how humans process and organize multisensory information to construct knowledge representations. Processes are investigated in real-life and virtual environments from the converging perspectives of information science, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, acoustics and signal processing. Contact: Prof. Catherine Guastavino.
The Accessible Computing Technology (ACT) Research Group seeks to develop technologies that are accessible to a broad range of users, including older adults and people with disabilities. Particular attention is placed on understanding the role of social relationships on the use and adoption of new technologies. Contact: Prof. Karyn Moffatt.
Research dissemination
The School shares results of research with the broader community through scholarly publications, national and international conferences, speaking engagements, conferences, colloquia, research seminars, and more.
The School's Research Seminars highlight current local and international research on a wide range of topics related to the field of Information Studies. Students, alumni, members of the McGill community, and the general public are warmly welcome to attend.
Additional research-related presentations and events held throughout the year are announced on our homepage.
SIS research links
Learn more about research @ the School:
- Faculty: Visit the Faculty and Publications pages for faculty research projects and publications.
- Postdoctorate: Postdoctorate research page.
- PhD: Visit the PhD Students page for current student profiles and the PhD Theses page for completed theses.
- MLIS: View independent studies research options for MLIS students on the MLIS Research-based Courses page.