Canadian Librarians as Research Ethics Board Members: An Exploratory Case Study

Abstract

Very little is known about Canadian librarians who sit on Research Ethics Boards (REBs) or Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). There is some background information on various roles of librarians on REBs, but that is usually from the perspective of one or two authors and often relating to the health sciences. Librarianship continues to evolve, especially in the areas of research data management, research support, and scholarly communication. It is, therefore, important to understand the changing expectations and responsibilities that librarians may have in Canada in order to encourage and support them as they meet institutional needs. This exploratory case study will document the reasons that motivate Canadian librarians to sit on REBs, the training they have received, the benefits achieved, and their overall experience.

Librarians and Research Integrity Committees: Finding professional joy and fulfillment in practice and service

“…In a recent survey of librarians conducted in Canada, time commitment, workload, and lack of recognition for their work were noted by some respondents as negative outcomes from their involvement with IRBs (Lacroix 2021). However, all respondents who served on IRBs indicated that they benefited professionally from the experience and most considered it a positive experience (Lacroix 2021). Participating on an IRB can help librarians establish new relationships, learn about research at their institutions, and improve their understanding of research process (Lacroix 2021;Harvey 2003).…”

“…However, all respondents who served on IRBs indicated that they benefited professionally from the experience and most considered it a positive experience (Lacroix 2021). Participating on an IRB can help librarians establish new relationships, learn about research at their institutions, and improve their understanding of research process (Lacroix 2021;Harvey 2003). In this article, we focus on the benefits to the librarian of taking on a service opportunity on a research integrity committee and the importance of opportunities for professional growth and fulfillment.…”