TheÌýLibraryÌýrecently launched its first everÌý.
A collaborative partnership between the Library, Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Office of Research, this guide will help Indigenous students and those interested in Indigenous studies and research methodologies discover available resources in theÌýLibrary’sÌýcollection and how to approach such research.Ìý
This project all began withÌýJaydumÌýHunt, a graduate student who was working as the campus partnership coordinator for the GSA at the time. She was on the lookout for projects that could result in concrete action to support students on campus. With her own Indigenous background and research focus, when she discovered a gap in theÌýLibrary’sÌýresearch guides an idea began to take root. Seeking out Jean Becker, associate vice-president Indigenous Relations, for feedback and support,ÌýJaydumÌýwas quickly connected with Kathy MacDonald, head of Information Services and Resources at Dana Porter Library.Ìý
The development of this guide was unlike any other by design. First, a team was put together toÌýprovideÌývarious perspectives.ÌýIn addition toÌýJaydumÌýand Kathy,ÌýSara AndersonÌýgenerouslyÌýprovidedÌýher uniqueÌýperspectiveÌýeducatingÌýthose interested in engaging Indigenous communities for research purposesÌýin her role asÌýmanager of Research Program Development and Partnerships,ÌýIndigenous Initiatives. To round out the team,Ìýlibrarians JaneÌýForgay, Brie McConnell and AntonioÌýMuñoz GómezÌýbrought theirÌýdeep knowledge of theÌýlibrary landscapeÌýto the project.ÌýÌý
Second, before even looking at what resources were available, they spent time developing the story told through the various sections of the guide, which was vital to providing the context necessary when approaching Indigenous research. Once this story was in place, librarians were able to bring together a deep well of resources available to support Indigenous research across disciplines.ÌýÌý
Finally, they recognized Indigenous scholarship requires an iterative approach with a feedback loop built into their process and the guide itself.ÌýUÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµÌýIndigenous leaders and researchers were consulted prior to launch and a feedback tab is included within the guide. Plans are in place to regularly review the guide, so it remains up to date as Indigenous scholarship grows and develops.Ìý
The launch of this guide is the culmination of a lot of work by the development team and showcases the value of their collaboration, intentional approach and various perspectives. Check out theÌýÌýand, if you have the opportunity to use it, we eagerly await your feedback.Ìý