Title
Conducting Ethical, Valid, and Reliable Ethnographic Research: A Case Study
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
13-1-2021 3:00 PM
End Date
13-1-2021 3:20 PM
Abstract
This presentation explores the strengths and challenges of conducting ethnographic research (pre-COVID-19) at three public libraries in the United States. Drawing upon individual interview and focus group data, the study clarifies the role and articulates the needs of the public library social worker, as perceived both by the social worker him/herself and his/her colleagues. Findings articulate the duties and tasks conducted by the library social worker, as well as challenges related to: (1) supervision and support; (2) navigating the cultural shift of the mission and purpose of libraries; and (3) occupying and creating space in library facilities for their work. Implications for staff and administrators regarding procurement of the role are included.
As an exploration of conducting ethical, valid, and reliable ethnographic research, the presenter will reflect on (1) the importance of recruitment of participants, (2) the difficulties of occupying and navigating physical space during the research, and (3) acknowledging and controlling for researcher bias. The presenter will then discuss the use of peer debriefers, a field journal, and on-site interviewing protocol as strategies to address these challenges. Implications for using ethnographic methodology for studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic will be mentioned.
Keywords
ethnographic research, library science, social work
Conducting Ethical, Valid, and Reliable Ethnographic Research: A Case Study
This presentation explores the strengths and challenges of conducting ethnographic research (pre-COVID-19) at three public libraries in the United States. Drawing upon individual interview and focus group data, the study clarifies the role and articulates the needs of the public library social worker, as perceived both by the social worker him/herself and his/her colleagues. Findings articulate the duties and tasks conducted by the library social worker, as well as challenges related to: (1) supervision and support; (2) navigating the cultural shift of the mission and purpose of libraries; and (3) occupying and creating space in library facilities for their work. Implications for staff and administrators regarding procurement of the role are included.
As an exploration of conducting ethical, valid, and reliable ethnographic research, the presenter will reflect on (1) the importance of recruitment of participants, (2) the difficulties of occupying and navigating physical space during the research, and (3) acknowledging and controlling for researcher bias. The presenter will then discuss the use of peer debriefers, a field journal, and on-site interviewing protocol as strategies to address these challenges. Implications for using ethnographic methodology for studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic will be mentioned.