Invitation to Participate in a Study on Experiences in Learning about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

January 18, 2022

Hello,

We are conducting a research study to explore academic librarians’ experiences in learning about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

This study aims to investigate what makes learning about EDI transformative and impactful for academic librarians. We do not intend to assess any specific EDI training program or initiative, but rather, we are taking an exploratory lens to examine how academic librarians learn about EDI. We are looking for insights into learning processes by documenting experiences, narratives, and stories, which could include learning that is formal or informal, institution-based or self-initiated. This is not a study on the composition of library personnel in Canada, which has been investigated by others. We recognize and value the multitude of EDI research at present, and we hope our study—with a focus on the individual learning journey — could shed light on an important aspect of EDI research.

As part of this research, we invite you to participate in an interview online via Zoom that will take no more than 60 minutes.

To be eligible for the study, you must:

• Be a librarian or archivist working in a higher education institution in Canada (i.e., universities, colleges, and CEGEPs)
• Be comfortable speaking in English
• Have engaged in a learning experience (e.g. a training course, a conference session, a reading group, a community of practice, self-study) related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CARL definitions of EDI).

Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/EDI-learning) if you are interested in participating in an interview. Further communications will follow, as we will contact those who are eligible to schedule an interview. Interviews are expected to take place between February and April 2022.

This study has been reviewed by the University Human Research Ethics Committee of Concordia University, Montreal and has received funding from CARL’s (Canadian Association of Research Libraries) Research in Librarianship Grant, and a Concordia Library Research Grant.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the study.

Sincerely,

Megan Fitzgibbons
Instructional Services Coordinator
Concordia University Library
514-848-2424 x7004
megan.fitzgibbons@concordia.ca

Chloe Lei
Teaching & Research Librarian, Engineering & Computer Science
Concordia University Library
514-848-2424 x7909
chloe.lei@concordia.ca