Hey SRRT members! I wanted to let you know about our research looking into the routine experiences of underrepresented staff in public libraries. If you aren't interested in participating yourself, please consider sharing widely! Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
-Darin Freeburg (darinf@mailbox.sc.edu)
Hey public library staff! We have 2 questions for you…
1. Do you work in a public library in any capacity [e.g., professional, paraprofessional, security team, delivery staff, janitorial, social worker]?
2. Are you part of a group that is underrepresented in the profession [e.g., staff of color, LGBTQIA+ staff, staff with disabilities, staff with chronic conditions, staff with mental health challenges?]
If so, we want to hear from you! We are currently recruiting participants for phase one of The Public Library Routines Project (PLRP).
What's a Routine? Routine work is. . . well . . . routine! These are the things you do regularly, and you do it mostly the same way each time. This might include shelving, processing holds, programming, working the reference desk, assisting patrons with technology, or HR paperwork.
What's wrong with Routines? While there is nothing inherently wrong with routines, this work might introduce barriers that are particularly problematic for staff with certain identities, e.g., staff of color, LGBTQIA+ staff, staff with disabilities or chronic conditions, staff with mental health challenges. As the routine is repeated and becomes more familiar, it can easily hide and "normalize" these barriers.
What is PLRP? PLRP is a 3-year IMLS-funded research project that looks at these problematic routines, what library staff do to work around them, and what libraries can do to better support staff efforts.
What will I do? You will be asked to keep an audio diary of your experiences in routine work and sit for a 45-minute interview. Everything will be done virtually.
Will anyone know that I participated? Your participation in this research study is entirely confidential. This means that no one outside of the project team will know that you participated. In published project documents, we will remove your name and any information that could potentially link you to your participation in the study.
What do I get out of it? There are no direct benefits to you, but you will receive a $35 gift card at the conclusion of the study.
What if I change my mind? You are free to leave the study at any point and receive a prorated gift card.
I'm interested. What now? Click here to indicate your interest in participating in the study and complete a brief demographics survey. This survey will be used to screen participants and ensure a diverse sample. If you are selected to participate, the next step is a 25-minute virtual meeting with the project team that will further explain your involvement and answer any questions you may have. A member of the project team will contact you whether or not you are selected to participate.
Check out the project website here. For questions, contact the PI, Darin Freeburg (darinf@mailbox.sc.edu).
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Darin Freeburg
Associate Professor
University of South Carolina
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