Research

As a critically-minded library and information science scholar, my research broadly focuses on the role that information and technology serve in bringing about positive social change. Currently the emphasis of my research is critical library practice and impact with attention to the needs of marginalized populations such as LGBT+ and/or older people. Viewing the topic sub-disciplinarily, my research engages heavily with community informatics, information practices, social justice, and libraries. Methodologically, much of my work uses qualitative methods such as interviews, qualitative surveys, and focus groups and community-centered approaches like community-based participatory research. Previous projects have examined social innovations in public libraries, diversity and inclusion among information resources for older adults, and provision of government information to community members, including to individuals from historically marginalized populations. A full listing of published research is available in my CV, via ORCID, or through my Google Scholar profile.

My belief is that open access research is one of the clearest contributions of service and social justice that academic institutions and academics can provide to their communities. As such, I publish my work open access or make a version of my research available beyond paywalls whenever possible. If your institution does not have access to my work, consider searching TRACE or Carolina Digital Repository. You can also always contact me for a copy.