Friday, 8 February 2013
sources of information
I like to read acknowledgements in front of books--I like to hear who is thanked--usually family members for tolerating long absences or bad dinners....But the shout outs to colleagues have me thinking about sources of information. I remember last year when we discussed the challenges of oral communities contributing to Wikipedia. We all agreed that people were sources of information. (wasn't that the title of the video?) And so when we talk about focus groups and interviews, I can't how think that these "conversations" are planned and while informative, I am more interested in the conversations we have with others--conversations that plant an idea or direct us to a resource and set us on the right or off the wrong path. As "librarians" in the broadest sense, we will be called to direct others to sources of information or ideas. At that same time, we need to develop skills to be able to accept ideas, corrections, and direction. And so, as I think about research and do a literature review, I remember the acknowledgements and am reminded that I need to seek out others for feedback and ideas and at the same time, I need to share my time and ideas with others. Go ahead, read the first few pages of any research-laden book and you will be inspired. Mary
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Just finished reading "A Political History of the National Sex Survey of Adults" and was thinking about surveys dealing with sensitive themes and the importance of an opt out. I have B- blood and try to donate twice a year because my blood type is not very common. Whenever I give, I am asked a series of questions about my behavior (drug use, incarceration...) These questions are asked directly and the interview space is quite public. After going through this screening, I donate blood and then, before I leave I am given a paper to sign. On this paper, there is a box stating "Please don't use my blood." I can check this off and my donated blood will be discarded. When I asked about this procedure, "Why give blood only to have it thrown away?", the nurse explained that some people feel pressured to participate in the blood drive. It would be hard to admit with your co-worker sitting next to you,that you have paid for sex with a felon.... So, the Red Cross found this was a way for people to save face....I think that unless we provide an opt out in our interviews, we might edited answers.
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