From: joanne twining, Doctoral Candiate
School of Library and Information Studies
Texas Woman's University
twining@texoma.net

To: Collaboratory Gatekeeper:

Request for Access to Collaboratory
for Environmental Research

I am a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman's University. I am conducting dissertation research about the Collaboratory.

My research uses Naturalistic Inquiry and has three intertwined phases. I seek your consent to enter your Collaboratory to gather environmental information for Phase Two of my study.

Phase Two creates a subjective reality of the Collaboratory based on immersion in the online ENVIRONMENT. Information gathering for Phase Two will include prolonged engagement with, and persistent observation of the online ENVIRONMENT of the Collaboratory.

I am NOT conducting research about individual Collaboratory participants.

I am NOT seeking permission to participate in or report on ongoing Collaboratory research.

I am seeking permission to enter your Collaboratory as an ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVER only. I will be conducting this research in several Collaboratories simultaneously in order to arrive at generalities about the ENVIRONMENT.

While I expect to interact variously with individual Collaboratory participants during Phase Two, these individuals are NOT the subject of my study. While the names of the Collaboratories may be revealed in my research report, individual participants will NOT be identified, nor will individual behaviors or activities be investigated. All individuals with whom I interact will be informed that I am an ENVIRONMENTAL researcher and will be free to refuse contact.

Please grant permission for me to enter your Collaboratory as an environmental researcher by completing and submitting the brief consent form below. You will receive confirmation by return webpage. No further contact is necessary or anticipated.

If you prefer that your Collaboratory NOT participate in this research, or you wish to receive no further contact, please indicate by email.

If you have any questions about this request, you may contact me by email to twining@texoma.net or by phone at (903) 893-9112. You may also contact my Dissertation Chair, Dr. John D'Angelo, by email at jdangelo@twu.edu or by phone at (940) 898-2617.

Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas 76201
GATEKEEPER CONSENT TO ALLOW ACCESS FOR RESEARCH

Title of Study: A Naturalistic Journey into the Collaboratory: In Search of Understanding for Prospective Participants.  Phase Two

Name of Investigator: joanne twining, email address: twining@texoma.net
Phone Number: (903) 893-9112

Name of Dissertation Chair: John D'Angelo, Ph.D., email address: jdangelo@twu.edu Phone Number: (940) 898-2617

I understand that this research study will gather information to create a subjective, interactive understanding of the online Collaboratory environment.

I understand that this research does not involve the investigation of or research into any individual Collaboratory participant.

I understand that his research does not involve the investigation of any ongoing Collaboratory research projects.

I understand that potential risk to the environment of the Collaboratory will be that the presence of the observing researcher might disrupt the normal work flow of and interaction between Collaboratory participants. I understand that the researcher will do everything possible to minimize this risk.

I understand that the researcher will keep all data securely stored on private computer and archival media. All data generated during this study will be erased immediately following completion of this study.

I understand that the personal benefits I can gain from participating in this study includes being able to provide input into research that will improve understanding about the Collaboratory by prospective participants.

I understand that participation in this study is voluntary and that I may withdraw the right of the researcher to enter the Collaboratory at any time. My refusal to participate or my withdrawal of right of entry will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which I am otherwise entitled.

An offer has been made to answer all my questions and concerns about this study. If I have questions about the research or about my rights, I should ask the researchers. Their email addresses and phone numbers are at the top of this form. If I have questions later, or if I wish to report a problem, I may contact the researchers or the Texas Woman's University Office of Research & Grants Administration at (940) 898-3377.

The researchers will try to prevent any problem that could happen because of this research. I should let the researcher or the Doctoral Dissertation Committee Chair know at once if there is a problem and they will help me. I understand, however, that Texas Woman's University does not provide medical services or financial assistance for injuries that might happen because I am taking part in this research.