Peer Researchers Research Articles

Unmet needs, limited access: A qualitative study of postpartum health care experiences of people with disabilities.

To understand the postpartum care received by birthing people with disabilities and their newborns, from their own perspectives. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. Between July 2019 and February 2020, in-person and virtual interviews were conducted with 31 people with physical, sensory, and intellectual/developmental disabilities in Ontario, Canada, about the formal inpatient and outpatient services and supports they used in the first few months after they gave birth. Thematic analysis was used identify common themes. We identified three overall themes concerning participants' postpartum care experiences and the different types of formal services received in and out of hospital: (1) lack of adequate care, (2) lack of provider awareness of disability and disability accommodations, and (3) fear of judgement, discrimination, and intrusive surveillance. The identified themes were applicable across disability groups. However, most comments on disability accommodations came from participants with physical or sensory disabilities, while participants with intellectual/developmental disabilities most commonly reported concerns about lack of adequate care and fear of judgement, discrimination, and intrusive surveillance. Findings indicate that postpartum care often fails people with disabilities. This could contribute to negative health consequences for them and their newborns. Birthing people with disabilities need multidisciplinary, proactive, and strengths-based postpartum care to mitigate risk for health complications. Further, disability-related training and guidelines for health and social service providers is required. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Our research team included two peer researchers with physical disabilities who served as co-interviewers and participated in data analysis, contributing their lived experience of disability and interactions with the health care system. All stages of the study were also informed by feedback from the study's Advisory Committee, which comprised women with disabilities (many of whom are parents), disability organization staff, clinicians, and policy representatives.

Meeting in the middle: experiences of citizenship in community-engaged psychosis research

PurposePrevious research has highlighted the importance of engaging people with lived experience (PWLE) in the knowledge creation process. However, diverse approaches to engagement exist. In addition, tensions remain in community-engaged research (CER), including how to address structural inequalities in research settings. This study aims to consider how CER interacts with citizenship within and beyond the research context.Design/methodology/approachThis study discusses the authors’ experiences as a majority-PWLE of psychosis research team in Canada, including successes and challenges the authors experienced building their team and navigating research institutions. This study also reflects on the authors’ pathways through citizenship, prior to and during the research process. This study discusses divergent models of CER and their applicability to the cyclical process of citizenship and community participation.FindingsRelationships between academic and peer researchers developed organically over time. However, this study was limited by structural barriers such as pay inequality and access to funding. The authors recognize that there are barriers to full citizenship and acknowledge their resources and privilege of being well supported within their communities. Team members built on a foundation of citizenship to access participation in research. This led to opportunities to engage in community spaces, and for PWLE to participate in research as partners and leaders. This study also found that citizenship is a way of giving back, by building a sense of social responsibility.Originality/valueAcademic and peer researchers can reflect on the authors’ experiences to build more inclusive research teams and communities by using a citizenship approach to research participation.

The Aspirations and Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Involved in a Research Project: A Study Protocol

ABSTRACT Community-based research, which involves working alongside communities, is being increasingly implemented. This paper outlines a protocol developed to explore the impact of involvement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and life coaches in a community-based project on their aspirations and wellbeing. The proposed study will implement a mixed-methods longitudinal design, including peer researchers, life coaches and staff at Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV). Peer researchers and life coaches will participate in a survey and interview at baseline and 6 months. The survey and interview will capture participants’ wellbeing, aspirations, and resilience. AHV staff will participate in an interview to explore their opinions regarding the project and its impact on the broader community at baseline and 6 months. This study will contribute to the literature, which advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ genuine and authentic inclusion in research. An expected outcome of the research is that it will enhance our understanding of the goals and aspirations among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples working within the space of community-based research. In doing so, policy can focus on adhering to these goals and aspirations, thereby promoting self-determination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Elaboration of nitrogen loss pathways for full-cycle partial nitritation in household toilet wastewater based on empirical model establishment

Nitrogen loss (N loss) has been found in the Partial Nitritation (PN) reaction through the pathways of autotrophic/heterotrophic denitrification and oxidation of NH2OH, possibly causing the generation of greenhouse gas N2O. The pathway of N loss depends on the feedstock characteristics, the PN types, and the operating parameters. The N loss patterns of the PN reactor for treating the household toilet wastewater (TW) have not been clearly investigated. In this study, by conducting the batch tests on four working parameters that may affect the N loss from the PN reaction of TW, the N loss patterns were found. During the whole reaction cycle from the beginning of low dissolved oxygen (DO) to the end of high free nitrous acid, the N loss percentage was generally 14.2–21.8 %. Accounting for 70 % of the full-cycle N loss occurred in the low-DO period mostly by the heterotrophic denitrification pathway, with the remaining 30 % in the high-DO period by direct conversion of NH2OH to N2O. The effects of temperature and initial C/N on the amount of N loss was more pronounced among the four studied factors and the latter was more sensitive. By integrating the quantitative influence of temperature and initial C/N, an empirical equation was obtained and fitted to the N loss from a practical PN reactor treating the household TW. The establishment of this model will deepen the understanding of peer researchers on this kind of PN’s N loss patterns.

Young Mothers as Peer Researchers in a Collaborative Study

Abstract In this article, I draw on experiences of a collaborative ethnographic study conducted with young mothers as peer researchers in a poor urban locale in Kampala-Uganda. Young motherhood has been researched on and about, but not often with women who live the reality of early reproduction. They are frequently left out of the research process as knowledge co-creators and co-interpreters irrespective of the consensus that girls’ and women's agency and voice must be acknowledged. I weave together a collaborative approach with polyphony to reveal innovative ways of knowledge co-creation. I call for centering young mothers as people with a specific embodied experience in order to include their perspectives in research, empower them to tell their stories, and question and challenge the dominant discourses.

International collaboration and networking in academic medicine through social media

AbstractDr. Pereira-Sanchez will draw upon his experience of use of various major social media platforms for professional networking and collaboration in international psychiatry and global mental health. These platforms offer opportunities to connect with colleagues worldwide individually and in groups and open avenues for peer support, research and advocacy. Specific examples the speaker will bring from his own experience include the World Network of Psychiatric Trainees and the Global Mental Health Think Tank, both of which gather hundreds of colleagues across continents.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Working with young peer researchers in sexuality studies: benefits, challenges and lessons learnt

Involvement as peer researchers provides young people with an opportunity to exercise their right to participation and can facilitate unique insights into young people’s lives, social contexts, choices and negotiations. However, evidence on the approach has to date included little in-depth discussion on the complexities presented by sexuality research. Here, engaging young people as researchers is influenced by intersecting cultural discourses, particularly regarding youth agency and sexual freedom. This article provides practice-based insights from involving young people as peer researchers within two rights-based sexuality-focused research projects in Indonesia and the Netherlands. Drawing on two contrasting cultural contexts, it explores benefits and challenges regarding youth-adult power dynamics, the taboo nature of sexuality, research quality and dissemination. Recommendations for future studies include ongoing training and capacity strengthening for peer researchers which recognise cultural and educational backgrounds, strong youth-adult partnerships creating an enabling environment for the engagement of peer researchers, careful consideration of how young people are involved and critical reflection on adult-centric views of what constitutes “academic” research.

Use of participatory action research to support Syrian refugee mothers in the resettlement period in Canada: A longitudinal study.

Research has shown that refugees in a foreign country often experience physical and mental health challenges upon resettlement (Ahmad et al., 2021; Salam et al., 2022). In Canada, refugee women experience a range of physical and mental barriers, including poor access to interpreter services and transportation, and a lack of accessible childcare, all of which can negatively affect their successful integration (Stirling Cameron et al., 2022). Social factors that support Syrian refugees to settle successfully in Canada have been unexplored systematically. This study examines these factors from the perspectives of Syrian refugee mothers living in the province of British Columbia (BC). Framed by principles of intersectionality and community-based participatory action research (PAR), the study draws on Syrian mothers' perspectives of social support in early, middle, and later phases of resettlement. A qualitative longitudinal design consisting of a sociodemographic survey, personal diaries, and in-depth interviews was used to gather information. Descriptive data were coded, and theme categories were assigned. Six themes emerged from data analysis: (1) Steps in the Migration Journey; (2) Pathways to Integrated Care; (3) Social Determinants of Refugee Health; (4) COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts and Ongoing Resettlement; (5) Strength-Based Capabilities of Syrian mothers; (6) Peer Research Assistant's Research (PRAs) Experience. Results from themes 5 and 6 are published separately. Data obtained in this study contribute to the development of support services that are culturally appropriate and accessible to refugee women living in BC. Our objectives are to promote the mental health and improve the quality of life of this female population, and to enable it to access healthcare services and resources in a timely manner.

Research Experience of Medical Students Collaborating in an International Peer Research Mentorship Program

Research and research teachings worldwide have undergone significant changes with advancements in the past decade. From students actively seeking research opportunities to participating in research workshops, it has given rise to a new era of mentor-mentee programs. The peer research mentorship program (PRMP) conducted by International Society for Chronic Illnesses (ISCI) facilitates a global collaboration that not only improves the quality of research but also encourages interpersonal relationships and incorporates expertise from different fields. In this article, medical students and early graduates share their experience of participating in a cross-country peer-to-peer mentorship and comment on their learnings and observations. This is an experience report of mentors and mentees in the ISCI sponsored PRMP. Mentees learned a lot about metabolic syndrome, alternative medicine, and narrative reviews and the mentor became more confident in her scientific writing skills, leadership qualities while also gaining in-depth knowledge about the integrative management of Metabolic Syndrome.

At-risk Youth Peer Researchers Highlight Safety and “The Bonds You Make With Staff and Peers”

ABSTRACT The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the juvenile justice system is an ongoing social justice issue. Here we report on our latest research project within an ongoing industry partnership between staff at The Lighthouse and social work researchers from a regional Queensland University. The Lighthouse is a diversionary service provided by the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS) that supports young people who are at risk or high risk of offending. The primary aims of this study were to explore the experiences of young people using The Lighthouse diversionary service; and to recruit young people as peer researchers in discussions about the services provided to them. Key results revealed high priorities for participants were physical, emotional, and cultural safety, feeling supported and not judged, and having strong connections at the service so they felt they were among mates, friends, and family. We note lessons learned about undertaking peer research with young people, and highlight the distinctive role undertaken by Indigenous workers. Findings can contribute to informed social work practice and to available literature on engaging young people as peer researchers. IMPLICATIONS Young people at risk of offending want services where they feel safe and not judged. Participatory peer research with at-risk young people can contribute to informed, evidence-based social work. Greater recognition is needed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers play a distinctive role in maintaining cultural safety in practice and research.

Stakeholder’s experiences of living and caring in technology-rich supported living environments for tenants living with dementia

BackgroundTechnology innovation provides an opportunity to support the rising number of people living with dementia globally. The present study examines experiences of people who have dementia and live in technology enriched supported care models. Additionally, it explores caregiver’s attitudes towards technology use with the housing scheme.MethodsA qualitative research design was adopted, and eight housing schemes consented to take part in the study. A technology audit was undertaken in addition to participant interviews and caregiver survey. Seven peer researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 people living with dementia. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Informal and formal caregivers were invited to complete a survey to capture their attitudes towards technology use. A total of 20 informal and 31 formal caregiver surveys were returned. All surveys were input into Survey Monkey and downloaded into excel for analysis. Closed questions were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions were organised into themes and described descriptively.ResultsThe technology audit identified that technologies were in place from as early as 2002. Technology heterogeneity of, both passive and active devices, was found within the housing schemes. Technologies such as wearable devices were reportedly used according to need, and mobile phone use was widely adopted. The themes that developed out of the tenant interviews were: Attitudes and Engagement with Technology; Technology Enhancing Tenants Sense of Security; Seeking Support and Digital Literacy; and Technology Enabled Connection. A lack of awareness about living alongside technology was a major finding. Technologies enabled a sense of reassurance and facilitated connections with the wider community. The interaction with technology presented challenges, for example, remembering passwords, access to Wi-Fi and the identification of its use in an emergency. The caregiver survey reported a range of facilitators and barriers for the use of technology within care. Both types of caregivers held relatively similar views around the benefits of technology, however their views on issues such as privacy and consent varied. Safety was considered more important than right to privacy by family caregivers.ConclusionsThe present study provides new insight into stakeholder’s experiences of living, working and caregiving alongside technology in supported living environments. As the generation of people living with dementia become more tech savvy, harnessing everyday technologies to support care could enable holistic care and support the transition through the care continuum. Advance care planning and technology assessments are at the very core of future technology provision. It is evident that a paternalistic attitudes towards technology use could impact the multitude of benefits technology can play in both health and leisure for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Rhetorical structure mastery of tertiary students’ speech: Challenges and possible solutions

Rhetorical structure in speaking is essential to guiding students through speaking and making public speeches. Thus, this research explores the students’ mastery of rhetorical structure in making a speech, their challenges, and potential solutions. A mixed method with an explanatory design was employed to achieve the objectives. The data were collected through a speaking test and interviews using instruments validated by peer researchers. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively; while the quantitative data were analysed using a simple statistical analysis, the qualitative data were examined using several stages, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results show that the students’ average mastery of the rhetorical structure of speaking was not significantly high. Some students faced challenges such as language problems and problems with rhetorical structures. Language issues were articulated in grammar, anxiety, and the excessive use of fillers. The rhetorical structure became problematic because the students were unfamiliar with how to attract the audience when making a speech, they insufficiently used supported illustrations in their speech, and they rarely concluded their speech. The possible solutions to those challenges include training in public speaking and continual guidance from their lecturers. With the guidance of the lecturers, it is anticipated that the students will be able to implement the three components of speech to deliver more convincing speeches.

Enhancement of the Fragility Capacity of RC Frames Using FRPs with Different Configurations at Joints.

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the effectiveness of different lengths of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets in retrofitting the joints of Reinforced Concrete (RC) frames to improve the fragility function of ordinary RC frames. Several 8-storey RC buildings were investigated through FE modelling. The accuracy of the FE models was verified using peer research results. Fragility curves of FRP-retrofitting joints of two referenced RC frames were carried out by OpenSees, through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) analysis under 22 far-field earthquake records from 0.1 g to 4.0 g (with 0.1 g interments), based on FEMA P-695. Two types of retrofitting methods, web and flange bonding, were modeled and studied. The results showed that the fragility capacity of the retrofitted RC frames was significantly improved. Moreover, frames with longer sheets of FRP showed increased performance. In the complete state, the range of probability of exceedance grew from 2-2.5 g to 3-3.5 g (nearly 1 g), whereas, in the minor state, this growth was nearly 0.05 g. However, the fragility function of the flange-bonding was enhanced at a higher rate compared with that of the web-bonding RC frames. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials improved the probability of exceedance of the complete state from 3 g to 4.5 g and 4.8 g in flange bonding frames. This enhancement for both types of frames was more significant when joints were retrofitted with 400 and 500 mm compared with 600, 700, and 800 mm. The midpoint of the PGA at the complete damage state in the web-bonding frame increased from 1.076 g to 1.664 g and in the flange-bonding frame retrofitted with GFRP and CFRP raised from 1.551 g to 2.769 and 3.076, respectively. The collapse margin ratio (CMR) indicates an acceptable improvement in the retrofitted frames. Overall, the rate of enhancement in fragility function from the original frame to the frame with 500 mm FRP was significant; however, the slope of this rate declined for longer FRP sheets. The fragility performance improvement resulted in controlling plastic hinging by FRPs.

“I want my PRC”: engagement of undergraduates with and assessment of the peer research consultant program

PurposeThis paper describes the benefits found in undergraduate students working to provide research assistance to their peers. The discussion includes how soft skills are built, along with how the position has aided in both educational and building towards their future careers. The paper is submitted for the special issue on “The future of peer-led research services.”Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide a viewpoint from both a peer research supervisor and a student currently working as a PRC. The paper covers the requirements and implementations at the beginning of the program along with the changes that have occurred to better streamline the process of hiring and training. The viewpoint of the PRC was a key factor in the process.FindingsSoft skills are a key component of the program. The undergraduate PRCs develop confidence, leadership and communication skills through interactions with their peers. The campus community is responding to the peer model because the PRCs are currently taking the same classes or have recently taken them, and the campus is now asking for the peer mentors that assist librarians in teaching introductory classes.Practical implicationsFor libraries considering the development of their own programs, the benefits presented can lend to their proposals on real-world application beyond the college experience, as well as how it benefits the busy schedules of librarians.Social implicationsThe training the PRCs are provided by librarians provides credibility and trust, which encourages their peers to utilize the services. Soft skills are also one of the most requested needs for businesses beyond college. The PRC program is providing these skills, which the peer mentors use both in career readiness and their daily interactions.Originality/valueThis paper views a program only a few years old on how it managed through a pandemic, as well as how the supervisor adjusted training to reflect a renovation that brought about a changing desk model. With a current undergraduate PRC as the co-author, a unique perspective is brought to the writing by showing what they personally are taking away from working in the program.

A Safe Place to Learn: Peer Research Qualitative Investigation of gameChange Virtual Reality Therapy.

Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy has the potential to substantially increase access to evidence-based psychological treatments. The results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial showed that gameChange VR cognitive therapy reduces the agoraphobic avoidance of people diagnosed with psychosis, especially for those with severe avoidance. We set out to use a peer research approach to explore participants' experiences with gameChange VR therapy. This in-depth experiential exploration of user experience may inform the implementation in clinical services and future VR therapy development. Peer-led semistructured remote interviews were conducted with 20 people with a diagnosis of psychosis who had received gameChange as part of the clinical trial (ISRCTN17308399). Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and template analyses. A multiperspectival approach was taken to explore subgroups. Credibility checks were conducted with the study Lived Experience Advisory Panel. Participants reported the substantial impact of anxious avoidance on their lives before the VR intervention, leaving some of them housebound and isolated. Those who were struggling the most with agoraphobic avoidance expressed the most appreciation for, and gains from, the gameChange therapy. The VR scenarios provided "a place to practise." Immersion within the VR scenarios triggered anxiety, yet participants were able to observe this and respond in different ways than usual. The "security of knowing the VR scenarios are not real" created a safe place to learn about fears. The "balance of safety and anxiety" could be calibrated to the individual. The new learning made in VR was "taken into the real world" through practice and distilling key messages with support from the delivery staff member. Automated VR can provide a therapeutic simulation that allows people diagnosed with psychosis to learn and embed new ways of responding to the situations that challenge them. An important process in anxiety reduction is enabling the presentation of stimuli that induce the original anxious fears yet allow for learning of safety. In gameChange, the interaction of anxiety and safety could be calibrated to provide a safe place to learn about fears and build confidence. This navigation of therapeutic learning can be successfully managed by patients themselves in an automated therapy, with staff support, that provides users with personalized control. The clinical improvements for people with severe anxious avoidance, the positive experience of VR, and the maintenance of a sense of control are likely to facilitate implementation.

Disruptions of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections testing services during the COVID-19 pandemic: accounts of service providers in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 in Canada, the availability of sexual health services including sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing has been negatively impacted in the province of Ontario due to their designation as “non-essential” health services. As a result, many individuals wanting to access sexual healthcare continued to have unmet sexual health needs throughout the pandemic. In response to this, sexual health service providers have adopted alternative models of testing, such as virtual interventions and self-sampling/testing. Our objective was to investigate service providers’ experiences of disruptions to STBBI testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and their acceptability of alternative testing services.MethodsBetween October 2020-February 2021, we conducted semi-structured virtual focus groups (3) and in-depth interviews (11) with a diverse group of sexual health service providers (n = 18) including frontline workers, public health workers, sexual health nurses, physicians, and sexual health educators across Ontario. As part of a larger community-based research study, data collection and analysis were led by three Peer Researchers and a Community Advisory Board was consulted throughout the research process. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed with NVivo software following grounded theory.ResultsService providers identified the reallocation of public health resources and staff toward COVID-19 management, and closures, reduced hours, and lower in-person capacities at sexual health clinics as the causes for a sharp decline in access to sexual health testing services. Virtual and self-sampling interventions for STBBI testing were adopted to increase service capacity while reducing risks of COVID-19 transmission. Participants suggested that alternative models of testing were more convenient, accessible, safe, comfortable, cost-effective, and less onerous compared to traditional clinic-based models, and that they helped fill the gaps in testing caused by the pandemic.ConclusionsAcceptability of virtual and self-sampling interventions for STBBI testing was high among service providers, and their lived experiences of implementing such services demonstrated their feasibility in the context of Ontario. There is a need to approach sexual health services as an essential part of healthcare and to sustain sexual health services that meet the needs of diverse individuals.

Disclosing and Managing Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest in Scientific Publications.

In the last decade, there has been increased recognition of the importance of disclosing and managing non-financial conflicts of interests to safeguard the objectivity, integrity, and trustworthiness of scientific research. While funding agencies and academic institutions have had policies for addressing non-financial interests in grant peer review and research oversight since the 1990s, scientific journals have been only recently begun to develop such policies. An impediment to the formulation of effective journal policies is that non-financial interests can be difficult to recognize and define. Journals can overcome this problem by providing guidance concerning the types of non-financial interests that should be disclosed, including direct research interests, direct professional interests, expert testimony, involvement in litigation, holding a leadership position in a non-governmental organization, providing technical or scientific advice to a non-governmental organization, and personal or professional relationships. The guidance should apply to authors, editors, and reviewers.

Aboriginal young people’s perspectives and experiences of accessing sexual health services and sex education in Australia: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) young people seek information and access health services for their sexual health needs. This study examined Aboriginal young people’s perspectives on sexual health services and sex education in Australia. Overall, 51 Aboriginal people aged 16–26 years were interviewed by peer researchers in Sydney, Australia in 2019–2020. The findings suggest that the internet was used to assess information quickly and confidentially, but Aboriginal young people questioned its reliability and accuracy. Family, Elders and peers were seen as sources of advice because they had real-life experience and highlighted intergenerational learning that occurs in Aboriginal communities. School-based sex education programmes had mixed reviews, with a preference for programmes delivered by external specialists providing anonymity, clear and accurate information about sex and relationships and positive approaches to sex education, including how to gain consent before sex. There was a need identified for school-based programmes to better consider the needs of Aboriginal young people, including those who identified as LGBTQI + . Aboriginal Medical Services were highly valued for providing culturally safe access to services, while sexual health clinics were valued for providing specialised confidential clinical services with low levels of judgement.

Healing fabulations: a dialogic methodology for digital codesign in health research

ABSTRACT Recent research has highlighted the importance of responding to trauma and promoting healing when working with participants in sensitive contexts. This article presents a new methodology for design research on health topics which combines principles from narrative medicine (health storytelling) with codesign. In this collaborative, dialogic approach, participatory action research cycles of storytelling are used to inform a process of digital codesign, positioning participants as peer researchers. The resulting prototypes (termed healing fabulations) are a new type of design artefact which captures each participant’s lived experience while also extending it into a speculative future. Discussion of the methodology shows how the approach protects participant wellbeing during research on their health experiences, addresses common criticisms of digital design research, and explores the importance of visual metaphor and aesthetic in design for health. The article concludes with a discussion of the methodology’s replicability and use in future research.

Engaging reference student assistants through a community of practice: A case study

Within library and academic spaces, communities of practice are employed to cultivate professional and academic skills, develop professional identities, and provide a supportive community. Using the example of a small cohort of student research assistants at a mid-sized public comprehensive university, this paper reflects on the intersections of communities of practice and peer-learning and discusses strategies for cultivating a community of practice with student assistants providing peer research support. This paper further explores student employment in academic libraries as a High Impact Practice with an emphasis on using the community of practice to integrate the characteristics of High Impact Practices into a student employment program.