Research can take shape in many forms. The following opportunities gave me a better understanding of the range of research and techniques for analyzing data and displaying it in formats that are easy to interpret the data.
Library Evaluation
Civic Engagement Logic Model
As a graduate research assistant for the U.S. IMPACT Study, I assisted with the development of data indicators to establish national standards, or benchmarks, for free public access computing in libraries. Using Microsoft Visio, I drafted logic models using datasets from existing surveys. We suggested possible standards to support the key domains of impact from public computer usage in libraries which include education, health, and government among others. This experience helped me understand the process of evaluation for libraries at a national level. Our collaboration with a working group from the American Library Association was vigorous as we compiled memos detailing the rationale to provide evidence for the suggested benchmarks. In the future, I hope to expand my knowledge and skills for evaluation. I intend to participate in a range of evaluation from programs to new and exciting studies.
Check out my memo on the significance of health as a domain:
Check out my memo on the significance of health as a domain:
healthmemo.pdf | |
File Size: | 165 kb |
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Analysis
Poster Presentation
During my first-year as a graduate student, I joined a research team with Information School associate professor, Ricardo Gomez . We worked on several papers analyzing data from fieldwork about public access computing from the perspective of users and operators at telecenters, cybercafés, and libraries in Colombia, South America. I assisted with translations of data from Spanish to English and referenced the literature to inform our research on a rage of topics including how people use technology for learning. I applied my sociology background to explore how people view themselves and their relationships with others through the use of technology in a developing country. We presented our findings at the iSchool's 2nd and 3rd annual research fair. From this experience, I understand the value of a team effort to present ideas, set deadlines, and to be accountable to others in the process. I hope to expand on these research skills and apply them to the research needs of future organizations and research teams.
Grant Writing
During my research methods course at the UW Information School, I worked with colleagues to write a grant to support Seattle non-profit, Casa Latina. The goals of their social media initiative consisted of providing workers with social media tools and technology training to increase their web presence. I developed a thorough activity grid for computer classes and assisted with the overall research and budget for the grant. Throughout the process, regular meetings with Casa Latina staff were critical in the process as we often faced new challenges. I look forward to future opportunities to advocate for organizations and assist with grant writing and research.
Casa Latina Grant Application | |
File Size: | 260 kb |
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Content Analysis
Diversity in the library was a content analysis project for a research methods course in the Information School. Our group chose to explore job postings by the American Library Association and analyze the content for diversity. We felt that reviewing library job applications for mention of diversity would allow for a dialogue about diversity and what it means to different people. As prospective librarians, both the research and presentation proved to be an important conversation. Many ideas came from the project, including offering more LIS courses to support diversity training. I shared this information with the Information School's diversity committee to advocate for a curriculum transformation and increase awareness of diversity in the library profession. This project was exceptionally unique in that we created the model for coding the content using keywords from job description. I intend to apply the research and presentation skills utilized for this project (including graphics and charts) to showcase findings on future projects.
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