Code of Conduct

The mission of the IRDL Online Research Conference is to create an inclusive space within the Library and Information Studies (LIS) field to share creative thinking and innovative approaches to research and to support attendees' growth as scholars through reflection on research in theory and practice.

This conference provides a friendly and inclusive environment for discussing and learning methodological research in library practice and is designed to create community and enhance research collaboration. We acknowledge that dominant narratives may be disrupted; we commit to providing a safe space to support the contributions of all librarians and to facilitate discussions of new perspectives, experiences, and innovations in library research design and methodologies.

In an effort to support this mission, presenters, attendees, and organizers are expected to participate in a welcoming, engaging, and considerate environment in the conference’s online spaces and social media. Furthermore, the conference organizers have outlined below, and will uphold the following actions before, during, and after the conference:

• Provide a code of conduct including expectations for attendee behavior online during the IRDL Online Research Conference (see Expectations)
• Explicitly outline and define forms of harassment, including unacceptable behavior, and discrimination (see Definitions)
• Clearly outline the consequences for those who engage in harassing or discriminatory behavior (see Conflict Resolution)
• Provide a system for reporting any harassing or discriminatory behavior (see Grievance Reporting)

Conference attendees are expected to treat others respectfully and fairly no matter their ethnicity, age, gender, gender expression, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, language, economic status, religious/spiritual beliefs, or political beliefs. Harmful, offensive, and/or racist language will absolutely not be allowed. Attendees are expected to model active listening behaviors without interrupting others including following online instructions and etiquette. Feedback should be expressed with a willingness to both listen and learn using the provided online channels. In addition, attendees are asked to adhere to the following:

• The recording or transmissions of any sessions, presentations, demos, videos, or content in any format is prohibited unless indicated by the organizers and facilitators.
• Disruption of presentations during virtual sessions and meetings is not allowed. All attendees are asked to comply with the instructions of the facilitators and organizers in the virtual space. Attendees who do not comply will be asked to leave the virtual space and may undergo steps outlined under Conflict Resolution.
• Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitations for services. The conference organizers reserve the right to remove such messages and potentially ban the attendees responsible for posting the solicitations.
• Attendees should not copy or take screenshots of Q&A or any chat room activity that takes place in the virtual space.

Definitions
Dominant Narratives
A dominant narrative “is an explanation or story that is told in service of the dominant social group’s interests and ideologies. It usually achieves dominance through repetition, the apparent authority of the speaker (often accorded to speakers who represent the dominant social groups), and the silencing of alternative accounts. Because dominant narratives are so normalized through their repetition and authority, they have the illusion of being objective and apolitical, when in fact they are neither.” (Dominant Narratives – Equitable Teaching, University of Michigan)

Harassment
Harassment includes, as outlined in the ACRL NEC Code of Conduct, but is not limited to:

• Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or nonverbal expressions related to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, individual lifestyles, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, employment or military status, physical or cognitive ability; political affiliation; or religion (or lack thereof)
• Use of sexual and/or discriminatory images
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Bullying behavior
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Discrimination
According to UNESCO, discrimination includes unfavorable treatment of an individual or individuals on the basis of gender, race, color or ethnic or national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, social class, age (subject to the usual conventions on retirement), marital status or family responsibilities, or as a result of any conditions or requirements that do not accord with the principles of fairness and natural justice.

Conflict Resolution
Anyone displaying combative or harassing behavior will be subject to appropriate action as agreed upon by the conference organizers. This may include a disclosed conversation between attendees or dismissal from the conference.

Grievance Reporting
To report a grievance, text or call us at your convenience. The contact number will be provided on the day of the conference. As organizers, we expect all attendees to follow the code of conduct outlined here. You can expect us to take all grievances seriously and respond to the best of our ability.

Conclusion The IRDL Online Research Conference is an opportunity to support our growth as scholars through reflection on research and to provide a space for collaboration, learning, and discussions of new perspectives, and experiences in library research and practice. Attendees are expected to agree upon and uphold the standards of conduct listed above as colleagues and members of an engaged community. Attendees who do not comply with this code will be subject to the actions stated above (see Conflict Resolution) and/or removal from the virtual space. We aspire to form a community that empowers one another through conversation and respect during this conference. As such, we expect attendees to follow this code of conduct during the conference and at all conference-related virtual spaces.

This Code of Conduct was adapted in 2024 from the POC in LIS Summit Code of Conduct.