If you work in a public library in any capacity AND you are part of a group that is underrepresented in the profession, we want to hear from you. There are two ways for you to participate.
- Join the project as a full participant
- Anonymously submit your stories of routine work
Option 1: Full Participant
We are currently recruiting participants for Phase One of The Public Library Routines Project (PLRP).
What is Phase One?
We are asking public library staff from across the country to tell us about routine
work that makes them feel stuck, frustrated, uncomfortable, annoyed, etc. We want
to know about the obstacles staff face in routine work and what they do to work around
those obstacles.
Who Can Participate?
Anyone working in a public library who is part of a group that is underrepresented
in the profession is invited to participate. This includes staff of color, LGBTQIA+ staff, staff with disabilities, staff with
chronic conditions, and staff with mental health challenges.
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
only the project’s PI and RA 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 $30 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?
Complete this form 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.
If you have any questions, contact the Principle Investigator, Darin Freeburg (darinf@mailbox.sc.edu)
Option 2: Submit Your Anonymous Stories
Even if you don’t want to fully participate, or if you aren’t selected as a participant, we still want to hear from you. You are invited to submit your anonymous stories of routine public library work.
Who Can Submit Stories?
Anyone working in a public library can submit their stories.
What Stories?
We want to know about the routine work you do that makes you feel stuck, frustrated,
uncomfortable, annoyed, etc.
How Do I Share?
The submission form asks you to provide details on the routine itself, the obstacle
you faced, how you responded, what the outcome was, and how your identity might have
played a role in your experience.
How Will My Story Be Used?
Your stories will be considered alongside other study data and will inform the project’s
findings. Anonymous portions of these stories might also be used in the project’s
blog series.
Anonymity.
We are not asking for identifiable information, including your name. You will only
be asked to provide general details about your identity that you think are relevant
to your experience.
If you have any questions, contact the Principle Investigator, Darin Freeburg (darinf@mailbox.sc.edu)