Please excuse cross-posting:
A researcher from the University of Dayton seeks to connect with librarians, library professionals or archivists from as many different types of library as possible, who have experienced a time gap of six or more months between the completion of their MLIS degree program and obtaining employment that required said degree. The author themselves experienced a nine year gap between these two events.
The purpose of this research is to discuss and share the experiences, perspectives, and motivations of this section of our professional community, and the experiences of MLIS grads over the years. Librarians or library professionals from any type of library are welcome to participate.
Data gathering will be done via Zoom interviews, not to exceed one hour each, asking a series of questions that will allow the subjects to tell their stories and expound on their emotional, mental, and professional journeys during their gap period.
The researcher hopes to speak to people who fall into the following groups:
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Individuals who completed a MLIS degree program and then experienced a time gap (defined as six or more months) before obtaining a job that requires said degree.
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Individuals who completed a MLIS degree program, are still in the midst of a time gap (defined as six or more months since obtaining the degree), but are considering degree-requiring employment at a later date.
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Individuals who completed a MLIS program but have chosen to remain in a library position that does not require the degree.
Interested participants should fill out this form and submit a signed copy of the attached consent document in order to be contacted by the researcher to schedule their interview.
No identifying information will be included in the final research product, and participants can decide to opt out at any time. Any questions can be directed to Erik Ziedses des Plantes at eziedsesdesplantes1@udayton.edu.
This research initiative has been evaluated and approved by the University of Dayton Institutional Review Board.
Thank you for your consideration!
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Erik Ziedses Des Plantes
Research & Scholarly Engagement Librarian
University of Dayton
He/Him/His
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