Back in 2018 we released a database of SoTL work conducted by members of the IU Bloomington community. This database transitioned a static archival bibliography into a searchable tool for public use. The database allows users to search by keyword, broad discipline, name, etc. If the resource is open access, users will find a link to the document. The purpose of this tool is not simply to find content, but to make connections with colleagues.
Research in our disciplines tends to provide a narrow scope of potential collaborators and repositories, but the interdisciplinary nature of SoTL provides a much larger network of peers interested in similar questions. For instance, if I search for “assessment” in the database, results from history, business, nursing, anthropology, medical sciences, education, information & library sciences, and public & environmental affairs appear. How often during your career have you meaningfully worked with colleagues in other disciplines? Would you know who to reach out to if you were interested in this area?
The SoTL database allows for this initial networking. By searching for a topic, you can see who is doing work in the area of interest. Then you can simply email your new colleagues and begin a conversation. Or maybe you feel like you’re the only one in your department interested in SoTL. You can sort the database by discipline and then walk down the hall to connect.
There are currently over 715 presentation and publication citations in the database. The list is not exhaustive because you must self-select to include your work by completing the submission form. Check the list of authors and if you are not included or have new work to include, submit the information to us. We will update the listings at the beginning of each month, but you are encouraged to submit throughout the month.
Additionally, all current entries are from the Bloomington campus. We encourage members of other IU campuses to submit their work as well. We have become quite familiar with virtual collaboration and connecting across campuses provides additional networking opportunities. There is an option to sort database entries by campus and I would love to see that feature become rich with content.
You can access the database on the SoTL portion of the CITL webpage. If you have work you would like to see included in the database, please complete the submission form. If you have any questions, please contact SoTL program director, Shannon Sipes.
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