Research

Research Proposal Plan

The attached research proposal demonstrates the research core competencies from the ISCI 705 Research Design and Evaluation course. The developed proposal includes the research problem area, problem statement, research questions, literature review, theoretical frameworks, study methodology, positionality statement, addressing of ethical concerns, data collection plan, and the data analysis plan. The study focuses on ways to address the problems many libraries located in the religious South face concerning serving their LGBTQ+ populations; identifying and explaining the research question of: what can libraries/librarians do in the South with its culture of bigotry and rising political tensions to stay diverse, inclusive, and equitable despite facing threats from higher political powers. In the process of answering this research question, a mixed-methods research approach is identified as the most appropriate method to collect and analyze data. Through this proposal, I was able to design, conduct, and report research that contributes to the body of professional knowledge and theoretical constructs of compulsory heterosexuality, power/knowledge, and queer theory. 

The construction of this research proposal took place over the entire semester in assignments that build off one another. Given my experience of working and living in the South (with its "culture" of compulsory Christianity) as a queer individual, I was very passionate about this topic. Previous to this course, I was inspired and had started conducting similar research in the courses ISCI 797 LGBTQ+ Services and Communities and ISCI 797 Trauma Informed Librarianship; so, while I already knew some sources going into this proposal, I was also aware that there was little research to find specifically on LGBTQ+ individual's experience in libraries throughout the Bible Belt. It was a challenge to find enough relevant sources on my topic, but also an exciting opportunity to contribute to this field by addressing current issues, asking crucial questions, and providing potential solutions to libraries with restrictions in serving LGBTQ+ populations in the religious South. While I felt confident in addressing the problem area and creating a problem statement I had difficulties in producing concise research questions (as I had many), which made writing the rest of the proposal quite challenging. Through this process, I was able to gain invaluable experience and learn many new skills that I can apply to my research going forward.

While the process of writing and researching this proposal was grueling, I also found it to be incredibly rewarding as I found potential approaches to solutions to questions I've long had; even though this proposal was created for the Research Design and Evaluation course, I would like to continue my research on this topic so that it could be used by libraries throughout the Bible Belt. In continuing my research, I find it important to continue practicing, learning, and developing critical skills to make informed decisions. I will continue to plan interviews based on a motivational interviewing model, as it is an empathetic approach that puts participants at the forefront. Both now and in the future, I will remain aware of my potential biases, research limitations, methodologies, and sources. Additionally, I will continue to develop my knowledge of the profession by keeping engaged with the community, peers, news, and research studies released in the field of library and information sciences.