Footed in the information deep: Research frameworks for (re)claiming and (re)storing heritage-based knowledge competencies in information professionals

A vital aspect of the library and information science (LIS) professional's identity involves an ongoing reflective, inquiry-based research praxis that can be considered “the information deep,” where the LIS skillset is enacted as a means of sociocultural restorative justice. In the American context, with the LIS profession's demographics comprised of over 80% white women, professional practices can be problematic when librarians lack an inquiry-based positionality while serving a diverse reading public. Footed is a methodology that advocates for reclaiming and restoring heritage-based knowledge to actualize a justice-based identity and praxis for LIS professionals. An autoethnographic case study from the authors' heritage-based research process is presented to examine how Footed's process informs information-seeking behavior for praxis. Librarians and information professionals can use the Footed method to guide their own heritage-based research to build self-knowledge as a foundation for exacting meaningful, culturally competent information services. •Culturally competent librarians embrace heritage-based literacy and research practices.•FOOTED's approach to heritage-based practitioner research fortifies librarian skill sets based on restorative justice.•The approach integrates accidental narration, critical inquiry, and sociology of cultural heritage concepts.•Drawing on autoethnography, an extended example of practitioner inquiry guided by the “Footed” approach is presented.•Librarians can use Footed's conceptual framework and method for research on their own heritage or for their community.