On Using Evidence to Inform Library and Information Practices
In “Community Analysis of Brentwood, TN,” written for LS 505: Collection Development, I looked at demographic information from the census and other sources in order to identify underserved populations. In this case, the data backed up anecdotal accounts of the demographics, specifically a relatively high number of South Asian immigrants. Because of this, I was able to focus on developing a collection of contemporary South Asian fiction and narrative nonfiction in order to provide both mirrors and windows to library patrons.
In “Metadata Quality Problems: Towards a Holistic, Cross-Industry Approach” written in LS 566: Metadata Fundamentals, I explored a study of metadata quality and the ways in which publishers, libraries, and other stakeholders can help make each other's lives easier. This again connects to the world of small publishing, in that the LOC, while a great producer of metadata, often misses books from small publishers, leaving gaps in widely-used authority records and perpetuating the tendency for libraries to focus on sourcing materials from Big 5 publishers.
Evidential practices can be used to reinforce what frontline library workers glean from experience, helping to convince administrators, boards, and other stakeholders to take concerns seriously. However, there are certainly cases that bring new information to light or help to steer staff away from antiquated practices that are being perpetuated just because that’s what they are used to, helping to root out implicit bias and gaps within available resources.
Example 1
Community Analysis of Brentwood, TN
Written in LS 505 : Collection Development
Example 2
Metadata Quality Problems: Towards a Holistic, Cross-Industry Approach
Written in LS 566 : Metadata Fundamentals