Data Collection

This project began by conducting an online survey, which was followed by an informal interview. An online survey and nine interviews were completed in an effort to better understand the role of seed libraries in Canadian academic institutions. In total, seven universities and two colleges participated in the study. Notably, the University of Winnipeg seed library is no longer operational, but the founder did respond to the survey and participate in an interview.

Online survey

As the first step in the research project, I recruited participants by identifying team leads and members, groups or units coordinating academic seed libraries. I expected participants could include seed librarians, sustainability clubs, and campus sustainability coordinators. There was a total of 12 survey responses received from nine colleges and universities: Brock University, Douglas College, Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto and University of Winnipeg.

Virtual interviews

Nine interviews took place with 10 key informants from the following institutions: Brock University, Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto and University of Winnipeg. Participants were interviewed in a semi-structured format. The participants were asked approximately 15 questions depending on the answers provided, and the interviews lasted from 30 minutes to an hour. The interviews were video recorded and then transcribed into text. Interviewees had the opportunity to review and revise their transcripts.