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Video ViewAttendees 71

Paper: Research Abstract

Information Management

On Demand

Session: Innovation & Research Practice Papers 2

Subjected: Investigating the Impact of MeSH Terms on Underrepresented Groups

Thursday, May 18, 2023
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM EDT
Location: 251C
In this research abstract, our team outlines the project's background, provides the methodology, and encourages participation. The project aims to investigate the impact of referencing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) for library workers who utilize MeSH terms in their instruction. Historically, many MeSH terms have not been inclusive or trauma-informed. Continued unfettered use of these terms can (re)traumatize those who must reference them in their work as library personnel. Previous research about MeSH terms is limited. In our collaborative research, we seek to center the stories of librarians and users gained through conducting focus groups to draw preliminary conclusions. We hope our findings also clarify future research recommendations. Overall, the primary goal of this research study is to amplify the narratives of many Indigenous, Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx, Black, People of Color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ library workers in an intentional, analytical way. In addition, this research supports an effort to continually motivate our field to improve the categorization and definition of MeSH terms.