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On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 8:57 AM, Bohyun Kim <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > A few questions: (a) Is the survey going to be only for women to take or > all? I am assuming it is for all? (b) May I also suggest adding a few more > questions to garner insight about real problems? > > 3) What do you think hinders the active participation by women in C4L? Or > what did make 'you' less inclined to participate in C4L in the past (if you > are a woman)? > > 4) What would you like to see as a result of more participation by women > in C4L? > Bohyun++ The answers to the "Why?" questions strike me as what's really interesting since they tell us what needs to be done to attract talent from a bigger pool of people. I personally feel that what draws people in general and what keeps them away are generic questions worth understanding the answers to. Gender is only one dimension of inclusiveness, and systems as well as libraries at large have exceptionally poor records in terms of demographic balance. Having said that, I don't know if trying to achieve specific numbers is a good idea even if it's obvious that a lot of work needs to be done. There are enough factors at play that it's hard to know what the ideal balance should be. What is important is that people feel welcome regardless of who they are and that factors that systematically discourage or encourage certain groups need to be identified and then mitigated or eliminated. I'm glad Bess got the ball rolling. It can only lead to a better and stronger community. kyle