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Lessons from a research trip to Mexico
(De Gruyter, 2022) Maxson, Bronwen K.; Reyes, Betsaida M.
As practitioners who work closely with international students, the researchers sought to understand the information literacy (IL) preparation that students coming from Mexico may have experienced prior to studying at US institutions. US researchers have done some work with Mexican information professionals related to collection development and cultural exchange, but less is known about their current training for and attitudes toward IL instruction. The researchers designed a cross-cultural and cross-national study to interview library and information professionals in Mexico to learn how they teach IL. On the surface, this seemed like a straightforward project: develop a research instrument, apply for IRB, and go. The reality proved more challenging as the researchers navigated the nuances of conducting research in another country. Throughout the project, the researchers engaged with questions about logistics, institutional review board requirements, their own positionality, cultural appropriateness and appropriation, and emotional labour. This chapter will detail the lessons learned about conducting research internationally, giving insights to other researchers who want to work in a similar context, suggest additional methods and approaches to avoid some of their pitfalls, and discuss the rewards of engaging with peers in another country.