Dear Colleagues, 

I would like to invite library professionals working at public libraries in Michigan to participate in the IMLS-funded Second Chance at the Library research study (RE-254892-OLS-23). This study aims to investigate how services and programs offered by public library professionals may support the information needs and practices of formerly incarcerated individuals. I am also examining the training needs of public library staff who would like to better serve formerly incarcerated individuals in their communities. 

I am seeking volunteers who would like to share their experiences assisting patrons in connecting with social services and/or obtaining literacy and digital health literacy skills. Volunteers with experience developing and providing programming and/or services for formerly incarcerated individuals are preferred but not required. Participation involves a one-on-one interview (virtual or in-person) estimated to take 45-90 minutes. Each volunteer who completes an interview will receive a $30 visa gift card. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Be aged 18 or older

• Currently employed as a library professional at a public library in the state of Michigan

*Note: Volunteers do not need to hold a master's degree in library science or a related field to be eligible for this study

If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, please complete the eligibility screener available at this link: https://bit.ly/2ndchancelibrary (3-minutes to complete)

If you have any questions about the study, please contact a project team member by emailing misecondchance@umich.edu. To learn more about the study, please visit www.michigansecondchance.com 

Kind regards,

Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS (Principal Investigator)

Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Information