(via Dr. Abigail Phillips, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Information Studies)
This study seeks participants to explore the experiences of library workers living with disabilities at public colleges and universities that have sought accommodations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accommodations and accommodation requests vary from institution to institution. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, “A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process.” (ADA, 2023). Yet, the need for accommodations can occur long after the hiring experience. In this study, the researchers are seeking participants (8-12) that have sought or received accommodations since 2020. This qualitative study will use structured, anonymized interviews to collect information.
The researchers are seeking some optional demographic information in order to support compositional diversity among the participants.
Researchers: Abigail L. Phillips, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (abileigh@uwm.edu) and Dustin Fife, College Librarian, Colorado College (dfife@coloradocollege.edu).
IRB: 23.263: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee