Understanding libraries with qualitative techniques – using observations [TG3/Qualitative]

Practical workshop for ethnographic approaches with Dr Donna Lanclos

Via Zoom

Wednesday 6th November and Wednesday 20th November, 2-4pm

Fed up with survey results that we could have predicted ourselves? refresh yourself or learn for the first-time techniques that will help improve services for our library users. This event will be delivered by anthropologist Dr Donna Lanclos on observation techniques. In these two sessions Donna will remind us of the suitable techniques that can be employed to better understand our users’ habits and techniques.

This event will be held over two afternoons and will equip you with skills to learn some practical techniques. Have a practice on your own and then come back and learn how to use what you have observed to meaningful effect. It will stimulate you on want you want to explore at your own place of work.

This session will be practical and will involve some work outside of the session, and we will be asking some participants to share their work in this collaborative and safe environment.

Programme:

Wednesday 6^th November 14:00-16:00

Ethnographic approaches—a brief introduction

Practice mapping, reflecting on own practices.

Observations–how to and what you will need to do.

Discussions on what observations you can do.

Wednesday 20^th November 14:00-16:00

Coding exercises that can be used on your own work.

What can you explore further at your own place work and what methods will help?

Questions

Donna Lanclos

I am an anthropologist and a folklorist and have been unapologetic about those two things for quite a while, now.  I found myself working in academic libraries starting in 2009, and since then have been thinking, writing, and talking a lot about the nature of information, digital and physical places, and higher education generally.  I see my work as relevant not just to libraries or universities, but to conversations about how we as a society make sure that people have opportunities to learn how to think critically, to practice those skills, and to find their voices. I work with a lot of different people. In addition to research and writing, I conduct workshops, facilitate discussions, give talks, and participate in panel discussions on a range of topics that I find interesting.

www.donnalanclos.com

Cost
£45.00 members
£90.00 non member institutions

Information for joining:

• This session is virtual and will run via Zoom. Once your booking has been confirmed, joining instructions will be emailed the day before the event.
• Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

 To book a place, please use our online booking form. Please remembe to include your PO number as bookings cannot be confirmed without this.