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

Being intentional in your research is important because none of these systems are designed to help keep you on track with your goals. (Often, quite the opposite.)

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.