Footed in the information deep: Research frameworks for (re)claiming and (re)storing heritage-based knowledge competencies in information professionals

Abstract

A vital aspect of the library and information science (LIS) professional's identity involves an ongoing reflective, inquiry-based research praxis that can be considered “the information deep,” where the LIS skillset is enacted as a means of sociocultural restorative justice. In the American context, with the LIS profession's demographics comprised of over 80% white women, professional practices can be problematic when librarians lack an inquiry-based positionality while serving a diverse reading public. Footed is a methodology that advocates for reclaiming and restoring heritage-based knowledge to actualize a justice-based identity and praxis for LIS professionals. An autoethnographic case study from the authors' heritage-based research process is presented to examine how Footed's process informs information-seeking behavior for praxis. Librarians and information professionals can use the Footed method to guide their own heritage-based research to build self-knowledge as a foundation for exacting meaningful, culturally competent information services.