From Pathfinder to Indigenized: An Assessment of LibGuides for Indigenous Studies by ARL Member Institutions

Abstract

LibGuides is a popular web platform to thematically curate and promote information sources. While guides bridge curricular and research objectives to library collections, there is little discussion about Indigenizing content and design as a decolonization strategy. The study identified and evaluated 357 guides for Indigenous Studies (IS) created by members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Data compiled from Springshare’s LibGuides Community and ARL member webpages was analyzed for Indigenous representation, content, and user experience (UX) against a rubric of Indigenous critical pedagogical practices and protocols. The findings reveal variety in vocabulary terms to describe Indigenous peoples and subjects, organization, and topics and foci, as well as a lack of interdisciplinarity. The discussion highlights opportunities for libraries to reimagine guides as Indigenized and decolonized information sources that validate Indigenous ways of knowing.