Current Connections, Future Collections: Researchers and Information Professionals Working Together

Abstract

ABSTRACT Finding approaches to share information science research with the GLAM and university sector can prove challenging. One avenue is to develop connections between researchers and information professionals through sharing ongoing research to initiate ideas and concepts to benefit current practice. At present, there is a distance between information professionals as the experts in their field; researchers, whose research is perceived to be rarely accessible; and communities, who often distrust GLAM and university institutions. Researchers collaborating with marginalised communities develop empathy and knowledge which can prove valuable to information professionals seeking to develop connections, not only with the communities but with other like-minded professionals. It is through working together to develop these relationships and share our knowledge that we can initiate changes to current practices to make them more sustainable and our cultural heritage collections more inclusive and diverse. In this study, we share our experience to highlight the benefits of developing collaborations between researchers and information professionals to facilitate connection-building across the sector and with marginalised communities.