About WILIS 3

Project Abstract

WILIS 3 is a two year project (2010-2012) that seeks to build on previous WILIS studies (2005-2010) by focusing on a collaborative approach to data sharing. The major aims of WILIS 3 are to: create publicly accessible de-identified datasets from WILIS 1 and 2; develop an interactive program-specific data system to enable LIS programs to explore their own data and benchmark with other programs; and produce a data archiving toolkit that can be used by other researchers. By documenting the process of data archiving, the products of WILIS 3 will serve as a model for other IMLS grantees to share their data, potentially increasing IMLS’s return on investment.

The intended outcome of  WILIS 2 as stated in the proposal is “to provide stakeholders at all levels with a system for collecting ongoing data to inform their planning process and result in more effective ways to educate and manage the LIS workforce” (p. 1). WILIS 2 has succeeded in developing a career tracking model that all LIS programs can potentially use that consists of an online survey, full methodology, and model reports for participating programs. To date, 61% (n=35) of the 57 ALA accredited programs are among the 44 participating WILIS programs; thus, sustaining the model over time appears both desirable and possible.  The model is being collaboratively developed with the input of eight pilot programs and an advisory committee. WILIS 3 is a natural extension and elaboration of the earlier studies aimed at optimizing access to and usability of the data. WILIS 3 will also provide the opportunity to fully explore options for sustainability such as linking the project with the annual ALISE Statistical Report.

WILIS 3 will continue to use the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, which was used in WILIS 2 to promote data collection and sharing among LIS programs.  This approach has been used by the project advisory committee to provide input from diverse stakeholders. CPBR will also be used by the WILIS researchers as they work with data collection and archiving specialists to develop a comprehensive toolkit. These working relationships will ensure that the final products meet user needs; are technically sound; adhere to metadata and data archiving standards; and allow for addition to the archive. Continued collection of data on LIS graduates and program evaluation over the long term, coupled with other data, such as the ALISE Statistical Report, will provide a rich source of comparative and longitudinal program and workforce data for the LIS field overall. Dissemination of the project results will also encourage other researchers to contribute their data to shared repositories.

The specific research goals of WILIS 3 are to:

1) Provide public access to the large amount of data collected through the IMLS-funded WILIS 1 and 2 projects.

2) Develop an interactive web interface that allows participating LIS programs to analyze data and benchmark their results with other programs.

3) Explore partnerships with stakeholders such as ALISE to integrate educational data collected from LIS programs with career-tracking and program evaluation data collected by the WILIS 2 project.

4) Explore ways to sustain and expand these data collection efforts among all LIS programs for the long-term, supporting data sharing, LIS educational research, and longitudinal analysis.

5) Document the process of data archiving and create a toolkit or guide that other LIS researchers can use as they design their studies and/or make the data they collect publicly accessible.

6) Disseminate findings and publicize the availability of the career tracking model and accompanying datasets.