MLA Survey of Personnel Characteristics
Informed Consent
Title of Research:
MLA Survey of Personnel Characteristics
Investigators:
Mark Puente
Coordinator of Digital Projects/Special Collections
Music Library
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Susannah Cleveland
Head Librarian
Music Library and Sound Recordings Archives
Bowling Green State University
About
This research project will replicate the 1997 study
conducted by the Working Group Surveying Music Library Personnel
Characteristics of the Music Library Association (MLA) with some revisions to
the original instrument to address the needs for clarification and additional
study articulated by the working group.
The study seeks to ascertain the degree to which this personnel profile
has changed in the last decade and to test theories about how the profession has
evolved since the original study.
Simultaneously, the current demographic make-up of the profession will
be studied and compared to the results of the original survey in order to
ascertain trends in representation of ethnic minorities in music and fine-arts
librarianship. These numbers will
be contrasted with national trends in the library and information profession
and to representation of traditionally underrepresented ethnic minority groups
in the constituencies we serve.
Participation
Participation in the study is completely voluntary and
anonymous. You need not be a
member of MLA to participate.
Participation is encouraged from anyone interested in music and
performing arts librarianship. The survey will be available to respondents from
January 30, 2009 to March 16, 2009.
Data analysis for the study will take place in early 2009. Results will be made readily available
to the MLA Board, membership, and all interested parties. Dissemination of results will be made
through presentations and publications contingent upon acceptance of proposals
and abstracts for those events.
Risks and discomforts
There are no known risks associated with this research.
Potential benefits
The study will produce data that will serve as a snapshot
for current music librarianship.
Such a picture will help students considering the profession to have a
better understanding of the current field, will guide music librarians in
presenting a clearer assessment of the specific needs of music libraries to
their administrations, and will help the Music Library Association to explore
specifc tactics to foster diversity within the organization.
Confidentiality
All information gathered from the study will remain
confidential. Participation is completely anonymous; your e-mail address and
name will not be requested, and as such, your identity as a participant can not
be disclosed to any unauthorized persons.
Further, no institutional affiliations or identifying personal details
will be shared in presentations or publications that result from the survey.
Agreement
If you agree to participate in this study, click on “Agree”
below. If you choose not to
participate, click on “Exit.”
Approved – BGSU HSRB – Effective 10/2008/ Expires 10/2009 (renewed 10/2009 and 10/2010)