Librarians As Researchers: doing research in your day job

A one-hour presentation and workshop for library staff engaged in, or thinking about engaging in, research. We draw on our experience as former Arcadia Research Fellows and authors of ANCIL (A New Curriculum for Information Literacy) as well as the practical aspects of 'doing research in your day job'. The presentation was accompanied by a worksheet and action plan for participants.

Transcript

1. The Librarian as Researcher Jane Secker and Emma Coonan 25th January 2013, ARLG, York St John University Image: Kevin Dooley, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
2. Introductions…. Jane  PhD in history / information science  Interests: E-learning, copyright, information /digital literacy / social media Emma  Far too long as a student  Interests: learner agency, academic development, literary theory/philosophy, uncertainty, liminality
3. A New Curriculum for Information Literacy (ANCIL)  Arcadia Research Fellowships May-July 2011  Understand the needs of undergraduates entering HE over the coming 5 years  Map the current landscape of information literacy  Develop a practical curriculum and supporting resources Image: mcginnley, flickr.com CC BY 2.0
4. Other research  DELILA & CoPILOT: OERs & IL  LASSIE: libraries and social media  MIDESS, DELIVER…  Access to Core Course Materials (UCL)  NewsAgent (eLib)  End-user interface testing  Cambridge 23 Things  Integrated IL for DL students  Peer Training and Support scheme  Open Access and Creative Commons
5. Today’s session  Why do research as a practitioner?  What is your research environment – and what might stand in your way?  How might you get started? Image: Kevin Dooley, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
6. Discuss …  Why do research as a practitioner?  Why might it be useful?
7. Why we do research  Inevitability in certain roles - project work  Improves credibility in own institution  Personal curiosity, desire to express and engage, striving for improvements  Enjoyment: new people and places
8. Today’s session  Why do research as a practitioner?  What is your research environment – and what might stand in your way?  How might you get started? Image: Kevin Dooley, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
9. Discuss …  What do you think the challenges of carrying out research as a practitioner might be?  What or who might get in your way?  What would your ideal research environment be like? Image: Lynn Gardner, flickr.com CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
10. Some challenges we have found…..  Finding time and space - the day job gets in the way of research and writing!  Not a recognised part of librarian’s remit  Lack of support from senior management and/or colleagues  No budget  But you need to focus on how you are going to make it happen in the environment you have!
11. Today’s session  Why do research as a practitioner?  What is your research environment – and what might stand in your way?  How might you get started? Image: Kevin Dooley, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
12. 1. Find your thinking space Images: (l) © Jane Secker; (r) John Althouse Cohen, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
13. 2. Modify your attitude to time Image (l) © Jane Secker
14. 3. Build a partnership Images © Jane Secker
15. 4. Look out for funding opportunities
16. 5. Find your niche (love your research) Images: (l) © Jane Secker; (r) Robbert Van Der Steeg, flickr.com CC BY-SA 2.0
17. 6. Develop your online identity
18. 7. Present your ideas early and let them grow Image: ashleigh290, flickr.com CC BY 2.0
19. 8. The final step: academic publication Image: lel4nd, flickr.com CC BY 2.0
20. 8. The final step: academic publication Images: (l) zoe52, (c) lel4nd, (r) dylan17: all flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
21. Today’s session  Why do research as a practitioner?  What is your research environment – and what might stand in your way?  How might you get started? Image: Kevin Dooley, flickr.com CC BY-NC 2.0
22. Tomorrow’s research project ...  What is your research? What question does it answer (or pose)?  Why are you doing it? (= context, impact)  How are you doing it? (= method)
23. What opportunities are there for you to do more research in your day job?  What is holding you back?  What are you going to do after today?
24. Thanks! Questions? Jane Secker j.secker@lse.ac.uk @jsecker Emma Coonan emc35@cam.ac.uk @LibGoddess http://newcurriculum.wordpress.com