This presentation provides an overview of LibParlor Online Learning, a free, open-source online curriculum of learning modules, and share how this professional development program will build the capacity for academic Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to conduct and publish rigorous original research.
The lack of affordable, accessible, and effective training opportunities means many librarians do not have the resources, time, or support to learn how to do research, and this leads to a field that lacks diverse, inclusive, and robust scholarship. The presenters have created grant funded open-source online curriculum that will provide LIS professionals with the foundational knowledge and specialized skills necessary to conduct and publish rigorous original research. This work will democratize the often privileged information around research and publishing in an effort toward diversifying and improving LIS literature.
The Librarian Parlor (aka LibParlor or #LibParlor) is an online space ( https://libparlor.com) for conversing, sharing expertise, and asking questions about the process of pursuing, developing, and publishing library research. LibParlor provides a community for new-to-research library workers as they consider a research agenda and provide support as they may face a number of challenges. LibParlor aims to address these challenges in part by collecting and showcasing honest reflections, conversations, and how-tos from library professionals engaged in library research. In providing this space, LibParlor aims to spark conversation and cultivate a community of researchers.
This poster presents the mission and vision of LibParlor, how we got started, some of the work we’ve done, and plans for the future. We share what we have learned through the formation of an online community, including the importance of having established workflows, detailed editorial policies, and clear communication between members of the team as well as writers. This poster shares our lessons learned and takeaways for others wanting to start a new group. For example, early on we spent a considerable amount of time developing internal and external workflow documents. However, now our processes are documented and clear for contributors. We would also provide recommendations for getting buy-in from major stakeholders before starting a project like this.