[Libs-Or] Call for participants: LIS First-Generation Professionals: Workplace Barriers and Cultural Assets

[HANNING Darci * SLO]

Hello library community!

Forwarding this along in case there's interest in participating:

Dear Colleagues:

We are recruiting for an IMLS-funded project: LIS First-Generation Professionals: Workplace Barriers and Cultural Assets

This study, conducted by the University at Buffalo<https://ed.buffalo.edu/news-events/ed-matters/2024-08.html> (UB) in partnership with Ithaka S+R<https://sr.ithaka.org/>, seeks to examine the unique career experiences of first-generation BIPOC professionals in the LIS field. We are seeking participants to share their valuable insights during a series of focus groups designed to generate a deeper understanding of the challenges that impact inclusion and professional growth for first-generation professionals.

We are conducting up to three in-person or virtual focus groups, each consisting of up to eight participants, to discuss the career experiences of first-generation, BIPOC professionals. These 90-minute sessions will provide a safe and confidential space for participants to discuss any challenges they have faced, biases they have encountered, and the policies and practices that have shaped their careers. The findings from these focus groups will be shared with LIS educators, administrators, and key stakeholders to inform future policies, services, and professional development opportunities that better support first generation BIPOC professionals.

Who Should Participate?
We are seeking BIPOC currently employed library workers who:
*        Have earned an MLIS or MLS degree
*        Identify as a first-generation student (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor's or graduate degree) during their studies
*        Are interested in sharing their workplace experiences, including challenges related to inclusion, professional development, and career advancement in the LIS field
*        Will commit to safeguarding the confidentiality of other participants and to fostering a mutually supportive environment throughout their time as participants.
What to Expect
*        Each focus group will last approximately 90 minutes
*        Discussions will explore career barriers, workplace inclusion, and the policies or practices that impact career advancement for first-generation professionals
*        Participants will be selected based on several factors to ensure diverse representation across library roles, geographic regions, and experiences
*        Focus groups will be held in-person at LibLearnX 2025 in Arizona or virtually, with participants receiving a digital gift card in appreciation for their time.
How to Get Involved
If you are a first-generation BIPOC professional in LIS and are interested in sharing your experiences, we would love to hear from you. Whether you choose to participate virtually or in-person, your insights will contribute to a better understanding of how to support first-generation professionals in the field.

If you think you'd like to participate, complete the Qualtrics questionnaire linked below, which will gather your details for participant selection and allow you to indicate whether you prefer to participate virtual or in-person at LibLearnX 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Qualtrics questionnaire: https://ubgse.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tx98mDTmPIFDEi

For more information, email Africa Hands at africaha at buffalo.edu<mailto:africaha at buffalo.edu> or Melissa Blankstein at melissa.blankstein at ithaka.org<mailto:melissa.blankstein at ithaka.org>.
This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Thank you!
Africa Hands
africaha at buffalo.edu<mailto:africaha at buffalo.edu>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20241127/dcf152e5/attachment.html>