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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif">Hello library community!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif">Forwarding this along in case there’s interest in participating:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Colleagues:</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We are recruiting for an IMLS-funded project: LIS First-Generation Professionals: Workplace Barriers and Cultural Assets</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.5in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">This study, conducted by the
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://ed.buffalo.edu/news-events/ed-matters/2024-08.html"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">University at Buffalo</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
(UB) in partnership with </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://sr.ithaka.org/"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Ithaka S+R</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">,
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.
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.5in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">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.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.5in">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Who Should Participate?</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"><br>
</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We are seeking BIPOC currently employed library workers who:</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Have earned an MLIS or MLS degree</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Identify as a first-generation student (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor’s or graduate degree) during their studies</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Are interested in sharing their workplace experiences, including challenges related to inclusion, professional development, and career advancement in the
LIS field</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Will commit to safeguarding the confidentiality of other participants and to fostering a mutually supportive environment throughout their time as participants.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">What to Expect</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span></b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Each focus group will last approximately 90 minutes</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Discussions will explore career barriers, workplace inclusion, and the policies or practices that impact career advancement for first-generation professionals</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Participants will be selected based on several factors to ensure diverse representation across library roles, geographic regions, and experiences</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">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.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">How to Get Involved</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:1.0in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">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.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">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.
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Qualtrics questionnaire:
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://ubgse.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tx98mDTmPIFDEi"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">https://ubgse.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tx98mDTmPIFDEi</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">For more information, email Africa Hands at
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:africaha@buffalo.edu"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">africaha@buffalo.edu</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
or Melissa Blankstein at </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:melissa.blankstein@ithaka.org"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">melissa.blankstein@ithaka.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">.
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif">
</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif">Africa Hands<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:africaha@buffalo.edu"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">africaha@buffalo.edu</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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