Minor focus group assent

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ASSENT FORM

Institute of Museum and Library Services & University of Washington Information School

The Impact of Free Access to Computers and the Internet in Public Libraries Library

Minor Focus Group

Investigators:

Mike Crandall, Senior Lecturer, The Information School, (206) 897-1798, [email protected]

Karen Fisher, Associate Professor, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Chic Naumer, PhD Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Carol Landry, PhD Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Samantha Becker, MLIS Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Jack Baur, MLIS Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Ellie Bair, MLIS Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Sherry Edwards, MLIS Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

Elizabeth Mitchell, MLIS Student, (206) 543-6238, [email protected]

*Please note that we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information sent via e-mail

Investigators' statement

We are asking you to be in a research study being conducted by the University of Washington’s Information School and sponsored by the US government’s Institute for Museum and Library Services. We will give you information so that you can decide whether or not to be in the study. Please read the form carefully. You may ask questions now or later. When all your questions have been answered, you can decide if you want to be in the study or not.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

We want to know more about how people use free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries. In a focus group with 5-6 other people between the ages of 14 and older, we would like to talk with you about your experiences with using the Library’s computers.

PROCEDURES

If you choose to be in this study, I would like to talk with you in a focus group with 5-6 other youth about your experiences using the computers and the Internet in your library. The focus group will last about 1 hour and will focus on the different services that you have tried. For example, I will ask you “What types of computer and Internet services/activities do you use? Why? When? How often? How does it fit with your routine?” “What skills you have you learned?” “How has the computers and Internet helped you ? and, “How has your family benefited, if at all, because of PAC? You do not have to answer every question.

During the focus group you may refuse to answer any question. The focus group session will be audio recorded and transcribed. The audio recording of your voice will be destroyed within 6 weeks of being recorded. Only members of the research team listed above will have access to this potentially sensitive information.

RISKS, STRESS, OR DISCOMFORT

Some people do not want to take part in research.

ALTERNATIVES TO TAKING PART IN THIS STUDY

If you do not want to take part in this study, I will not ask you to answer any questions.

BENEFITS OF THE STUDY

You will not benefit from taking part in this study. Other people may learn when they read about the public access computing in public libraries.

OTHER INFORMATION

You can choose to take part in this study, or not. You can stop at any time. Information about you is private and confidential except as provided by law. I will code the study information. I will keep the link between your name and the code until May 2009. Then I will destroy the link. I will not use your name or any other identifying information about you in any of my final reports, articles, or presentations. You will be given $20 after the focus group.

___________________________________________________________________________

Signature of investigator Printed Name Date

Subject’s statement

This study has been explained to me. I volunteer to be in this research. I can ask questions now or later. If I have questions about my rights, I can call the University of Washington Human Subjects Division at (206) 543-0098. I will receive a copy of this assent form.

____ I give permission for the researcher to audio record the focus group interview.

____ I do not give permission for the researcher to audio record the focus group interview.

______________________________________________________________________________

Signature of subject Printed name Date

Copies to: Investigator’s file

Subject

Minor focus group assent form January 19, 1009