Research Methods in Library and Information Science


Book Description

The seventh edition of this frequently adopted textbook features new or expanded sections on social justice research, data analysis software, scholarly identity research, social networking, data science, and data visualization, among other topics. It continues to include discipline experts' voices. The revised seventh edition of this popular text provides instruction and guidance for professionals and students in library and information science who want to conduct research and publish findings, as well as for practicing professionals who want a broad overview of the current literature. Providing a broad introduction to research design, the authors include principles, data collection techniques, and analyses of quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as advantages and limitations of each method and updated bibliographies. Chapters cover the scientific method, sampling, validity, reliability, and ethical concerns along with quantitative and qualitative methods. LIS students and professionals will consult this text not only for instruction on conducting research but also for guidance in critically reading and evaluating research publications, proposals, and reports. As in the previous edition, discipline experts provide advice, tips, and strategies for completing research projects, dissertations, and theses; writing grants; overcoming writer's block; collaborating with colleagues; and working with outside consultants. Journal and book editors discuss how to publish and identify best practices and understudied topics, as well as what they look for in submissions.




Research Methods for Library Science Professionals


Book Description

This book describes various important aspects of research methods in Library Science, such as: sampling; data collection; the processing and analysis of data; statistical analysis and interpretation; hypothesis and testing the hypothesis; interpretation of data and writing a research report; and computer applications and its role in research. Relevant material on this topic which will be useful to library science professionals, and the students of M.Lib.Sc. and M.Phil. courses of various universities have been brought together here. This book covers the syllabi of many universities and comprehensively covers the subject being taught at Masters' and M.Phil. level. It was written with the specific objective of guiding professionals and research scholars, and to impart knowledge about various aspects of research methods. Special care has been taken to explain the matter in a very simple and easy language. Author Singh gives a wide range of information on various aspects of research methods. A detailed glossary is given at the end. It is hoped that this book will be useful to library and information science professionals and research scholars. [Subject: Library & Information Science]




Handbook of Research on Connecting Research Methods for Information Science Research


Book Description

In today’s globalized world, viable and reliable research is fundamental for the development of information. Innovative methods of research have begun to shed light on notable issues and concerns that affect the advancement of knowledge within information science. Building on previous literature and exploring these new research techniques are necessary to understand the future of information and knowledge. The Handbook of Research on Connecting Research Methods for Information Science Research is a collection of innovative research on the methods and application of study methods within library and information science. While highlighting topics including data management, philosophical foundations, and quantitative methodology, this book is ideally designed for librarians, information science professionals, policymakers, advanced-level students, researchers, and academicians seeking current research on transformative methods of research within information science.




Research Methods for Students, Academics and Professionals


Book Description

Research is such an important subject for information professionals that there will always be a need for effective guides to it. Research skills are a prerequisite for those who want to work successfully in information environments, an essential set of tools which enable information workers to become information professionals. This book focuses on producing critical consumers of research. It also goes some way towards producing researchers in the fields of information management and systems.The first edition of this book was enthusiastically received by researchers, students and information professionals in Australia and beyond. Reviews of the first edition considered it a "a worthwhile addition to any information professional's or research student's reference shelf (Archives & Manuscripts). This new edition has an additional chapter on ethics, to address the importance of the ethical implications of research. It also has (as did the first edition) two unique characteristics: it is Australian-focused, distinctive among research texts for information professionals; and it has a multi-disciplinary focus, with its authors being drawn from information management (librarianship, archives and recordkeeping) and information systems. The numerous examples throughout the book are drawn from these multiple disciplines. The first edition of this book was road-tested with students from several disciplines who are studying in several universities. Its Introduction noted that "In research terms, the content have been refereed and found to be authoritative!" To this can be added the many satisfied users of the first edition.




Guide to Reference


Book Description

Ideal for public, school, and academic libraries looking to freshen up their reference collection, as well as for LIS students and instructors conducting research, this resource collects the cream of the crop sources of general reference and library science information. Encompassing internet resources, digital image collections, and print resources, it includes the full section on LIS Resources from the Guide to Reference database, which was voted a #1 Best Professional Resource Database by Library Journal readers. Organized by topic and thoroughly indexed, this guide makes it a snap to find the right sources. It offers an appealing introduction to reference work and resources for LIS students and also serves as an affordable course book to complement online Guide to Reference access.




Autoethnography for Librarians and Information Scientists


Book Description

Autoethnography for Librarians and Information Scientists illustrates that autoethnography is a rich qualitative research method that can enhance understanding of one’s own work experiences, whilst also facilitating the design of tailored experiences for a variety of audiences. Starting with the position that librarians and information scientists require deep insight into people’s experiences, needs and information behaviour in order to design appropriate services and information interventions, this book shows that using only conventional methods, such as questionnaires and focus groups, is insufficient. Arguing that autoethnography can provide unique insights into users’ cultural experiences and needs, contributors to this volume introduce the reader to different types of autoethnography. Highlighting common challenges and clarifying how autoethnography can be combined with other research methods, this book will empower librarians and information scientists to conceptualise topics for autoethnographic research, whilst also ensuring that they adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Chapters within the volume also demonstrate how to produce autoethnographic writing and stress the need to analyse autoethnographies produced by others. Autoethnography for Librarians and Information Scientists is essential reading for any librarian, information scientist or student looking to deepen their understanding of their own experiences. It will be particularly useful to those engaged in the study of service provision, user studies and information behaviour.




Applications of Social Research Methods to Questions in Information and Library Science


Book Description

The second edition of this innovative textbook illustrates research methods for library and information science, describing the most appropriate approaches to a question—and showing you what makes research successful. Written for the serious practicing librarian researcher and the LIS student, this volume fills the need for a guide focused specifically on information and library science research methods. By critically assessing existing studies from within library and information science, this book helps you acquire a deeper understanding of research methods so you will be able to design more effective studies yourself. Section one considers research questions most often asked in information and library science and explains how they arise from practice or theory. Section two covers a variety of research designs and the sampling issues associated with them, while sections three and four look at methods for collecting and analyzing data. Each chapter introduces a particular research method, points out its relative strengths and weaknesses, and provides a critique of two or more exemplary studies. For this second edition, three new chapters have been added, covering mixed methods, visual data collection methods, and social network analysis. The chapters on research diaries and transaction log analysis have been updated, and updated examples are provided in more than a dozen other chapters as well.




Research Anthology on Innovative Research Methodologies and Utilization Across Multiple Disciplines


Book Description

Research methodology is as old as academia itself. Research methodology shifts in strategy as it crosses different disciplines and theories. This, too, is true with the shifting landscape of research opportunities and technologies available to global researchers. To achieve the most accurate and substantial research, it is important to be knowledgeable of emerging research methodologies. The Research Anthology on Innovative Research Methodologies and Utilization Across Multiple Disciplines discusses the most recent global research innovations made across multiple fields. This anthology further discusses how these research methodologies can be applied to a variety of specific fields. Covering topics such as creative thinking, qualitative research, and the research method landscape, this book is essential for students and faculty of higher education, scientists, researchers, sociologists, computer scientists, and academicians.




Literacy Skill Development for Library Science Professionals


Book Description

With the increasing use of information communication technology in education, new skills and competencies among library science professionals are required for them to effectively disseminate necessary information to users. It is essential to equip educators and students with the requisite digital and information literacy competencies. Literacy Skill Development for Library Science Professionals provides emerging research exploring the roles and applications of information literacy and technology within library science and education. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as electronic resources, mobile learning, and social media, this book is ideally designed for librarians, information and communication technology researchers, academicians, and graduate-level students seeking current research on the ability to find, evaluate, use, and share information in library science.




Routledge International Handbook of Research Methods in Digital Humanities


Book Description

This book draws on both traditional and emerging fields of study to consider consider what a grounded definition of quantitative and qualitative research in the Digital Humanities (DH) might mean; which areas DH can fruitfully draw on in order to foster and develop that understanding; where we can see those methods applied; and what the future directions of research methods in Digital Humanities might look like. Schuster and Dunn map a wide-ranging DH research methodology by drawing on both ‘traditional’ fields of DH study such as text, historical sources, museums and manuscripts, and innovative areas in research production, such as knowledge and technology, digital culture and society and history of network technologies. Featuring global contributions from scholars in the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe and Australia, this book draws together a range of disciplinary perspectives to explore the exciting developments offered by this fast-evolving field. Routledge International Handbook of Research Methods in Digital Humanities is essential reading for anyone who teaches, researches or studies Digital Humanities or related subjects.