Project GEDIS investigates gender roles in information science

Focus on teaching materials, curricula, and academic citation practices

The project GEDIS (Gender Diversity in Information Science: Challenges in Higher Education) examines gender aspects in library and information science degree programmes. It focuses on teaching materials, curricula, and academic citation practices. Initial results show that gender perspectives are barely addressed in curricula. An analysis of the literature lists used by all partners in their teaching also shows that women are severely underrepresented in the works cited. However, students of library and information science in particular need to be aware that technology does not deliver objective results, but often reinforces unconscious biases. Search and recommendation systems therefore do not offer a neutral perspective, but reinforce social bias.

The project mobilises a consortium of project partners from across Europe, including representatives from Spain, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, and Germany. The project is managed by the University of Barcelona (UB), which collaborates with Josip Juraj University in Osijek, the University of Zadar, the University of Sarajevo, the University of Opava, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Villach, and the University of Hildesheim.

Our activities will include curriculum evaluation and expert consensus, analysis of best practices in teaching and learning, training workshops for faculty and librarians, development of gender-sensitive educational materials on gender perspectives and inclusive communication, student engagement activities, collaboration and networking events, and engagement with stakeholders and gender equality experts to foster an inclusive workplace.

The most important result of GEDIS will be an improved understanding of gender equality among students, teachers, and librarians.

The project GEDIS aims to embed gender equality deeply into study programs. We plan to educate our team on gender issues, fostering a culture that values everyone’s contribution equally. Through ongoing training and awareness efforts, we are committed to maintaining an environment where inclusivity is a constant priority, thereby ensuring that these values endure well into the future.

Greater skills and active student engagement for sustainable change will be developed. In the long term, GEDIS will contribute to the creation of more meaningful and effective guidelines for promoting equality.

Date:
2024

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