University of South Carolina
Consent to Participate in Research

Please Read the Following Consent Form

IRB Registration Number: 00000240; IRB Approval Date: 14 October 2010
This Content Form Has Been Approved by the IRB for a XXX Year Period.
GENERAL INFORMATION

STUDY TITLE: An Assessment of Inter-Indexing Consistency among Library, Archive and Museum Professionals. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI): Christine M. Angel, Doctoral Student, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina. CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 919-922-0582, Fax: 803-777-7918, angelcm@mailbox.sc.edu. FACULTY ADVISOR: Dr. Samantha K. Hastings, Professor, School of Library and Information Science. CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 803-777-3858, Fax: 803-777-7918, hastings@sc.edu.

STUDY DESCRIPTION

I understand that I have been asked to participate in this research study that will explore tagging among library, archive, and museum information professionals. I understand that my participation is completely voluntary, and I do not have to participate if I do not want to. I understand that a total of 90 indexers categorized as library, archive and museum professionals will participate in this study. I understand that my participation will take no more than 30 minutes. I understand this study will be conducted over the Internet.

STUDY PROCEDURES

I understand that my participation will involve completing an online survey. I understand the demographic information asked of me will include the following questions: (1) gender (2) age (3) geographic region (4) type of information professional (5) type of institution I work for and (6) years of experience.

RISKS AND MINIMIZING RISKS

I understand the confidentiality of my responses will be protected at all times when the data is collected and analyzed, and when the results are reported in a conference proceeding or professional journal article. I understand participation is anonymous, which means that no one (not even the principal investigator) will be able to connect my answers to my name or institution. I understand that the records and data files related to this research project will be maintained in the PIs office and only the PI and faculty advisor will have access to them.

BENEFITS

I understand there is no direct benefit for participation in this study. I also understand the long term benefit of this study will be the establishment of a baseline in observed similarities and differences among library, archive, and museum professionals when assigning descriptive metadata to represent the online content of a digital artifact.

STUDY COSTS

I will not be responsible for any of the costs from taking part in this research study.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information collected about me during the course of this study will be kept confidential. I understand participation is anonymous, which means that no one (not even the principal investigator) will be able to connect my answers to my name or institution. I am free to withdraw from the study at any time. My decision will not change any present or future relationships with the University of South Carolina.

ALTERNATIVES

I understand there is no known alternative available to me other than not taking part in this study.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL

My participation in this study is voluntary. I may choose to not take part in this study, or if I decide to take part, I can change my mind later and withdraw from the study. My decision will not change any present or future relationships with the University of South Carolina. If I decide to withdraw from the study, the information collected will be destroyed.

QUESTIONS

For more information about this study or study procedures please contact: Christine M. Angel, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina (919) 922-0582.

Please Click the "Proceed" Button Located Below
If You Agree with the Following Statements:
  1. I have freely volunteered to participate in this study.
  2. I have been informed in advance as to what my task will be and what procedures will be followed.
  3. I understand that the information that I provide will be treated confidentially, and that my identity will not be revealed in the reporting of the study results.
  4. I am aware that I have the right to discontinue participation in this study at any time.
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