Lessons from a research trip to Mexico

As practitioners who work closely with international students, the researchers involved in the project described in this chapter sought to understand the information literacy (IL) preparation that students coming from Mexico had experienced prior to studying at US institutions. US researchers had done some work related to collection development and cultural exchange with Mexican information professionals, but less was known about their training for, and attitudes toward, IL instruction. The researchers designed a cross-cultural and cross-national study to interview library and information professionals in Mexico to learn how they taught for IL to produce conditions so that students can use and practice IL related activities. IL is not a discreet skill but a practice honed over one's life and work. On the surface, the project seemed straightforward: develop a research instrument, apply for ethics approval, and go forward. The reality proved more challenging as the researchers navigated the nuances of conducting research in another country. Throughout the project, there were questions about logistics, institutional review board and ethics requirements, the impact of positionality, language, culture, and methodology. This chapter details the lessons learned about conducting research internationally, gives insights to other researchers who want to work in a similar context, suggests methods and approaches to avoid pitfalls, and discusses the rewards of engaging with peers in another country.