The IRB for Library Researchers: An Introduction

Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, part of the broader Human Research Protections system, is essential when conducting research involving patrons, patients, or colleagues. While most institutions offer ethical training (like CITI), there’s often less guidance on the practical side such as how to actually apply for IRB approval. For librarian researchers, navigating a process built for clinical or large-scale social science research can be especially confusing.

This session is designed to demystify that process for library professionals. We’ll start with a plain-language overview of key IRB terms and concepts, focusing on real-world library research examples. What does “exempt” actually mean? What is a protocol? What documents do you need to prepare? You’ll leave this session with a clearer understanding of both the ethical framework and logistical steps.

Since every institution’s IRB works a little differently, we’ll also feature a panel of librarian researchers sharing their own experiences, from straightforward submissions to unexpected challenges. They will offer tips and lessons learned, especially when comparing library research to medical IRB review. Bring your questions as there will be time for Q&A with both the presenter and panelists.

Resource URL: pending

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

• Define the terms NHSR, exempt, and expedited in the context of IRB review
• Give at least one example of how surveys, interviews, and case reports about libraries interact with IRB applications
• Use other librarian-researcher’s examples of the IRB experience to their own plans for applying to the IRB for human subjects research in libraries

Agenda

• 5 minutes (0-5) – Introductions, overview
• 10 minutes (5-15) – Basic terms and definitions
• 10 minutes (15-25) – Content common to most IRBs, preparing your application
• 5 minutes (25-30) – Mock case/example
• 15 minutes (30-45) – Presentation Q&A
• 20 minutes (45-65) – Panelists have 5 minutes each for
  • Name, title, institution
  • What study or studies they went through IRB for, at what level (NHSR, Exempt, Expedited, Full), and any special parts of the IRB review (ex: multi-institutional)
  • One tip for librarians on their first IRB
• 15 minutes (65-80) – Facilitator questions for panelists. Example questions:
  • What kind of form or submission systems did you have to fill out when you apply to the IRB?
  • Is there a concept that stands out as something that didn’t mean what you thought it would mean? What was it really?
  • 10 minutes (80-90) – audience Q&A of panelists

MLA CE Credits: 1.5