The MRAi seeks to improve access to academic research and community-generated materials with a focus on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The need to access high-quality research and information was brought to the attention of the UBC Learning Exchange by people living and working in the Downtown Eastside. These groups voiced their concern with research projects that extracted information and findings that were locked behind publisher paywalls. Members of community organizations also identified the need to preserve community-generated materials.
Goals
- Create opportunities for community organizations, community members, researchers, students, and others to share information and learn from one another.
- Increase the accessibility and impact of research by facilitating a variety of activities and products to exchange knowledge and by providing easier online access to information relevant to the Downtown Eastside.
- Identify community-generated materials (e.g., program reports, research and evaluation documents, organizational histories, multimedia) and increase their availability in and beyond the Downtown Eastside.
Who we are
The Making Research Accessible initiative is led by the UBC Learning Exchange and UBC Library’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre in collaboration with SFU CERi, SFU Library, UBC iSchool, and Vancouver Public Library
| Jorge Cárdenas Head, Belzberg Library Simon Fraser University Link to bio | Geoff D’Auria Communications Specialist UBC Learning Exchange University of British Columbia Link to bio |
| Randy Gatley Branch Head nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch Vancouver Public Library Link to bio | Matt Hume Student Research & Learning Coordinator UBC Learning Exchange University of British Columbia Link to bio |
| Kathleen Leahy Director UBC Learning Exchange University of British Columbia Link to bio | Evan Mauro Lecturer, Coordinated Arts Program UBC Faculty of Arts University of British Columbia Link to bio |
| Aleha McCauley Community Engagement Librarian and DTES Research Access Portal Project Lead Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, UBC Library University of British Columbia Link to bio | Kristina McDavid Library Management Platform Mobilization Librarian Technology, Discovery, & User Experience UBC Library University of British Columbia Link to bio |
| Heather O’Brien Professor School of Information (iSchool) University of British Columbia Link to bio |
What we do
The MRAi developed the DTES Research Access Portal (DTES RAP), an online portal to access research findings and community-generated materials related to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (see video, below).
We also organize activities and foster environments where faculty, students, community organizations, community members, and other stakeholders can learn from and collaborate with each other. By providing more ways to share findings, we hope to broaden the positive impact of evidence-based information.
Review our Statement on Guiding Principles and Actions to learn more.
For more information about the Making Research Accessible initiative, please contact Kathleen Leahy.
