By nature, I am a storyteller. It’s what led me to have a career in direct service to the community. Stories show how we understand the world, how we connect with each other, and how we see ourselves. Our stories need to be heard, seen, and shared because they remind us that we’re not alone and that we truly are connected to each other. Our stories make our communities.
Narrative Inquiry: Looking Beyond Data
I’m drawn to this concept of narrative inquiry and how it truly keeps the individual and their story at the center. It provides more depth and insight into the data we’re constantly collecting and assessing.
Community work is rooted in constantly analyzing data to prove that the work we are doing is valuable. However, we know that data alone cannot capture the live experiences of the communities and the people we serve. Narrative inquiry, I believe, serves as that connection between the data and the person. It allows us to hear the unique individual stories of the people rather than reducing them to numbers. As a community worker, narrative inquiry allows me to also better advocate for the people we serve, and remind stakeholders of the people behind the data.
Story Time!
I had the chance to meet and share my story last week with Mychal Threets. Mychal is an SJSU MLIS alum who’s gone viral for capturing #libraryjoy. His work is an amazing example of storytelling on behalf of librarians and the communities they serve. These stories weren’t told, and now we’re seeing the benefits of sharing these stories for the world to see and how much the library impacts every one of us.
Below is the link to our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/mychal3ts/reel/DHycjiGRolB/?hl=en
What’s Your Story?
So now, I must ask…what would kid you say now that you’re becoming a librarian?
Hello Mary Ann,
It is so awesome that you spoke with Mychal Threets. I just saw this video, and it is cool that someone in my class was in it. I enjoyed hearing about your journey and how you changed your career from the nonprofit sector to librarian. I also believe that libraries are hubs for the community.
I want to learn more about narrative inquiry. What questions do you typically ask?
The kid me would be so happy that I still love storytelling through writing and books. She would be pleased that I am doing a career that helps people and showcases my creativity.
Hi Kazuko! When it comes to narrative inquiry, I honestly let the story flow. It’s important to truly listen with intention and pick up the important parts of what the person you’re engaging with is saying. Additionally, it always helps to break the ice with a fun question. 🙂
Mychal is lovely in person! It was a nice and fun chat. He definitely uses narrative inquiry.
@maryann The video is so cool! I will post it to our course blog.
I think narrative inquiry is one of the most powerful methodologies for getting to the heart of qualitative research questions. I think it could be very useful for info professionals.
Oh thanks Michael! Narrative inquiry is very powerful. I’m also trained in motivational interviewing. Narrative inquiry really helps build trust with clients. It’s so important to humanize the experience for our community members.