Practical Research for Community Asset Mapping

Research workshop for PEAC 9

Simon Elichko • they/them • Social Sciences & Data Librarian

Identifying community needs and assets through intentional research

• We'll focus on doing this exploratory research in an intentional way
• Goal of helping you exert agency over your own research process

Information systems

Consider how a purposeful approach to research contrasts with how key information systems and institutions are structured:

• Many search engines, social networking, news, and mapping sites are advertising-driven businesses
• Academic research tools often prioritize work reflecting power and prestige as defined by Western academy
• Organizations (NGOs, etc.) and governments have their own interests and constraints, influencing the information they provide and how they offer access

3 key practices for more intentional research

• Take stock of what you know in advance
• Choose your experts (and expertise) first
• Zoom out regularly

Take stock of what you know in advance

• Timeline activity

Choose your experts (and expertise) first

• Credit to Mike Caulfield for this phrase & idea
  • Caulfield focuses on authority, it's also important to think about the different kinds of expertise that may be relevant to the work you're doing, and where you might be able to find them.

Zoom out regularly

Reflect on your process and recognize what you’ve learned, using tools like:

Mindmapping

Synthesis matrix

Zotero

Practical research:

bit.ly/442DgoB

Develop your research skills
& get support with your projects

Meet with Simon

Schedule at bit.ly/selichk1

Email them at selichk1@swarthmore.edu

(including if you need an alternative meeting time)

Use the chat in Tripod to get help from librarians and Research & Information Associates (RIAs).

You can email librarian@swarthmore.edu.