Are we there yet? Feminist approaches in information science

Abstract

Introduction. Thirty years ago Librarianship: The Erosion of a Woman’s Profession (1992) provided a clarion call for specific, radical approaches to the field in what Harris deemed might be a new return to earlier interactions of information science as a female profession. Harris offered clear guidelines to reinvigorate the field that have not been fully addressed. This research presents two cases, leadership and data science, to examine persistent inequities in the field. Inequities in leadership and data science are analysed through selected literature on data science and leadership in Information Science. A feminist approach to information science is identified as a way forward in addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion; to contend with missed opportunities; and to begin the work of redressing power in the field. A thorough feminist analysis and interdisciplinary research partnerships are suggested as ways to identify opportunities for change and ways to create a field that is truly our own.