Ethnographic stories in information science

Abstract

Considering the conference theme “Putting People First: Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Care in Information Science Research and Practice,” this panel brings an ethnographic methodological conversation to the 2024 ASIS&T Annual Meeting. Our session emphasizes how participants’ stories are one of the most human-centered tools we have in research, highlighting how storytelling is an integral part of being human. The panelists have conducted ethnographic fieldwork in various contexts and begins with an introduction about ethnography as a form of story telling, introducing concepts of vulnerability and reciprocity. Panelists will then reflect on ethnographic stories before turning to teaching Information Ethnography. Our session aims to broach the joys and challenges of ethnographic research by bringing a new honesty to the conversation in Information Science. We will engage the audience in open discussion, before breaking out into smaller groups, fostering an intimate, safe space to share stories about past research.