We are happy to announce that our Phase 2 online survey, in partnership with The Association of Rural & Small Libraries, is ready for distribution! We will be collecting responses until February 1, 2025. If you are interested in participating, or have questions about the project, please contact us!
Project Update
The research team is happy to share that we have completed Phase 1 of our IMLS funded project. Our rural community survey had over a thousand responses, followed by 12 rural librarian interviews. We are still analyzing our data to share the findings, but one preliminary finding is presented at ASIS&T 2024. Check out our publication, analysis, and results: Library Social Services: How Relevant Are Social Services to the Existing Library Missions.
Phase 2 of the project is currently underway. We are preparing a national survey targeting rural librarians that has been designed using data from Phase 1 and we will be distributing the survey online with our project partner, The Association of Rural & Small Libraries. We hope to distribute the survey sometime during January 2025. Please contact us if you are interested in participating or if you have any questions about the project!
Research Assistant opportunity – Deadline to apply by August 09, 2024
Location: Remote
Position: Part-time, hourly.
Salary: $20.00/h
Description:
A faculty at the Department of Library and Information Science seeks to hire a graduate student (or recent graduate) to work part-time (hourly) as a Research Assistant starting Fall 2024 (with a possible extension). Candidate will report to Dr. Ayoung Yoon. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
This research assistant will conduct various activities to support Dr. Ayoung Yoon’s funded project on the topic of rural libraries and social services. In addition to research experiences, the research assistant will have opportunities to meet working professionals in different domains such as librarians, library researchers, social service agencies, community organizations etc.
Major responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Assist with various research activities
- Communication with project participants (e.g., librarians, social workers, and community members)
- Assist initial data collection and analysis
Minimum qualification
- Interests in research
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred qualification
- Previous experience in research
- Completed any relevant research course
How to apply
For full consideration, please submit your application by Aug 09th or until filled to Dr. Ayoung Yoon, ayyoon@iu.edu
We review the candidate as rolling based.
Required documents
- Resume
- Cover letter (please explain why you are interested in this position)
- A name of reference (optional)
If you have any questions, please directly contact Dr. Ayoung Yoon (ayyoon@iu.edu)
*This position is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). For more information, check out the project website: https://blogs.iu.edu/plss/
Student position: Community Outreach Assistant (Part-Time (Hourly)
A research team in Luddy Indianapolis and the IU School or Social Work is conducting a community needs survey to develop a social service model in rural libraries (IRB# 20614, https://blogs.iu.edu/plss/project-description/). We are seeking “Community Outreach Assistants” who will promote our study in rural areas across the state of Indiana. This role offers an excellent opportunity for students to contribute to valuable research while gaining hands-on experience in community engagement and participant recruitment.
Responsibilities:
- Flyer Distribution : Drive your own car to rural Indiana, including local grocery stores, gas stations, post offices, events, libraries, or hardware stores, to distribute survey invitation flyers. Ensure timely and strategic placement of flyers to maximize visibility.
- Communication and explanation: Provide a brief explanation of the survey to interested individuals if approached, and collect contact information from potential survey participants if needed.
Qualifications:
- Enrolled at Indiana University across campuses
- Must have a reliable and insured vehicle for transportation to various locations.
- Self-Motivated: Ability to work independently and proactively seek out opportunities for flyer distribution.
Compensation:
- $13 per hour (Expected total hours: around up to10 hours)
- Reimbursement for gas mileage
Working schedule:
- Information session (30 minutes): TBD (Around the week of Jan.8)
- Starting in January to February 2024
How to Apply: Please email us at libss@iu.eduby 12/22, including your statement of interest in our project (a few sentences) and your resume (optional).
We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals to our research team and making a positive impact together! If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Ayoung Yoon at ayyoon@iu.edu or Project Manager, Andricus Hutcherson (IUSSW doctoral student, hutchera@iu.edu)
New IMLS grant will help developing Social Service Model in Rural Libraries
IU research team, Dr. Ayoung Yoon (Luddy Indy) and Dr. Michin Hong (School of Social Work), received a new three-year IMLS grant of $498,000, titled Developing a Social Service Model in Rural Libraries.
They plan to develop a social service prototype for rural libraries based on multistep studies to explore rural communities’ social needs and libraries’ current practices. This project will provide a new way of serving rural communities for social work practitioners and for library information science education by broadening the role of library and information professionals in social services, identifying the skills and knowledge to perform this new role.
