Parental Consent Form

My signature below indicates that I have read the information provided and have decided to allow my child to participate in a study titled "High school students’ use of licensed databases and digital resources via libraries in the Cobb area" to be conducted at my child’s school between the dates of April 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008. I understand that the signature of the principal indicates agreement from the administration to conduct this research project.

I understand the purpose of the research project will be: An academic study to determine the extent to which high school students use licensed databases and digital resources via libraries in the Cobb area, when needing information for school assignments and that my child will participate in the following manner:

• Complete an online questionnaire, which will take about 10 minutes to complete.

Potential benefits of the study are:

• Improve student Information Literacy (i.e. knowing when/where to find the best information and the ability to evaluate the information).
• Likely to contribute to improved student academic achievement in the long run.
• Prepare students for college, by becoming life-long effective information users.
• Potential for Improved library and information services to high school students.

• The identity of participants will be protected, since the researcher will not require a student’s name, only high school and grade. High school name will not be used in the research findings, only High School A, B, C, etc. The researcher is primarily interested in student information seeking behavior. Results will be reported only in aggregate across all participants; individuals will not be identified in any way. The participant’s data will be coded under a random identifier that cannot be linked to him/her personally.
• Information gathered during the course of the project will become part of the data analysis and may contribute to published research reports and presentations.
• There are no foreseeable inconveniences or risks involved to my child participating in the study.
• Participation in the study is voluntary and will not affect either student grades or placement decisions. If I decide to withdraw permission after the study begins, I will notify the school of my decision.

If further information is needed regarding the research study, I can contact:

Ann Mathee