Research Methods in Library and Information Science

Lynn Silipigni Connaway is director of library trends and user research at OCLC Research. Marie L. Radford is chair and professor in the Department of Library and Information Science at Rutgers University.

Illustrations
Text Boxes
Preface

1—Research and Librarianship
Introduction
Definition of Research
The Assessment Imperative
Scholarly Communication
Research Data Management and Reuse
New Modes for Collaboration
Time Management
Overview of Previous Library and Information Science Research
Current Library and Information Science Research Environment
Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Recommendations for Future Research in Library and Information Science
Summary
References

2—Developing the Research Study
Planning for Research: Getting Started
Philosophical Underpinnings and Assumptions
Paradigms That Shape Research Development
A General Outline for Research
Literature Review of Related Research
Identification of the Problem
Characteristics of a Problem Suitable for Research
Statement of the Problem
Identifying Subproblems
The Role of Theory in the Design of Research
Definition of Theory
Research Design
Differences in Quantitative and Qualitative Design
Mixed Methods
Testing or Applying the Theory
The Pilot Study
Summary
References

3—Writing the Research Proposal
Organization and Content of a Typical Proposal
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction and Statement of the Problem
The Literature Review of Related Research
Research Design
Institutional Resources
Personnel
Budget
Anticipated Results
Indicators of Success
Diversity Plan
Limitations of the Study
Back Matter
The Dissertation Proposal: Further Guidance
Characteristics of a Good Proposal
Features That Detract from a Proposal
Obtaining Funding for Library and Information Science Research
Summary
References

4—Principles of Quantitative Methods
Formulating Hypotheses
Definitions of Hypothesis
Sources of Hypotheses
Developing the Hypothesis
Variables
Concepts
Desirable Characteristics of Hypotheses
Testing the Hypothesis
Validity and Reliability
Validity of Research Design
Validity in Measurement
Logical Validity
Empirical Validity
Construct Validity
Reliability of Research Design
Reliability in Measurement
Scales
Ethics of Research
General Guidelines
Guidelines for Library and Information Science Professionals
Ethics for Research in the Digital Environment
Research Misconduct
Summary
References

5—Survey Research and the Questionnaire
Survey Research
Major Differences between Survey Research and Other Methods
Types of Survey Research
Exploratory Survey Research
Descriptive Survey Research
Other Types of Survey Research
Basic Purposes of Descriptive Survey Research
Basic Steps of Survey Research: An Overview
Survey Research Designs
Survey Research Costs
The Questionnaire
Prequestionnaire Planning
Advantages of the Questionnaire
Disadvantages of the Questionnaire
Constructing the Questionnaire
Type of Question According to Information Needed
Type of Question According to Form
Scaled Responses
Question Content and Selection
Question Wording
Sequencing of Questionnaire Items
Sources of Error
Preparing the First Draft
Evaluating the Questionnaire
The Pretest
Final Editing
Cover Email or Letter with Introductory Information
Distribution of the Questionnaire
Summary
References

6—Sampling
Basic Terms and Concepts
Types of Sampling Methods
Nonprobability Sampling
Probability Sampling
Determining the Sample Size
Use of Formulas
Sampling Error
Other Causes of Sampling Error
Nonsampling Error
Summary
References

7—Experimental Research
Causality
The Conditions for Causality
Bases for Inferring Causal Relationships
Controlling the Variables
Random Assignment
Internal Validity
Threats to Internal Validity
External Validity
Threats to External Validity
Experimental Designs
True Experimental Designs
True Experiments and Correlational Studies
Quasi-Experimental Designs
Ex Post Facto Designs
Internet-Based Experiments
Summary
References

8—Analysis of Quantitative Data
Statistical Analysis
Data Mining
Log Analysis
Data Science
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Bibliometrics
Role of Statistics
Cautions in Using Statistics
Steps Involved in Statistical Analysis
The Establishment of Categories
Coding the Data
Analyzing the Data: Descriptive Statistics
Analyzing the Data: Inferential Statistics
Parametric Statistics
Nonparametric Statistics
Selecting the Appropriate Statistical Test
Cautions in Testing the Hypothesis
Statistical Analysis Software
Visualization and Display of Quantitative Data
Summary
References

9—Principles of Qualitative Methods
Introduction to Qualitative Methods
Strengths of a Qualitative Approach
Role of the Researcher
The Underlying Assumptions of Naturalistic Work
Ethical Concerns
Informed Consent
Deception
Confidentiality and Anonymity
Data-Gathering Techniques
Research Design
Establishing Goals
Developing the Conceptual Framework
Developing Research Questions
Research Questions for Focus Group and Individual Interviews in the Public Library Context
Research Questions for Mixed-Methods Study with Focus Group and Individual Interviews in the Academic Library Context
Research Questions for Focus Group and Individual Interviews in a High School Context
Research Questions for a Mixed-Methods Grant Project Using Transcript Analysis, Individual Interviews, and Design Sessions in the Consortial Live Chat Virtual Reference Context
Research Questions for a Mixed-Methods Study Using a Questionnaire and Individual Interviews Investigating Chat Virtual Reference in the Time of COVID-19
Research Design in Online Environments
New Modes for Online Data Collection
Summary
References

10—Analysis of Qualitative Data Data
Analysis Tools and Methods
Stages in Data Analysis
Preparing and Processing Data for Analysis
Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS)
Deciding Whether to Use Qualitative Software
Strategies for Data Analysis
Grounded Theory
Content Analysis
The Constant Comparative Method and Coding Data
Theme Analysis
Cyber Synergy Grant, Online Survey Magic Wand Question: Example of Coding Scheme
Discourse Analysis
Critical Approaches
Conversation Analysis
Ensuring Integrity and Quality
Primary Techniques for Ensuring Integrity and Avoiding Analytic Bias
Intercoder Reliability and Validity
Visualization and Display of Qualitative Data
Conclusion: More to Learn on Data Analysis and Coding
Summary
References

11—Individual and Focus Group Interviews
Conducting the Individual Interview
Telephone Individual Interviews
Online/Virtual Individual Interviews
Advantages of Individual Interviews
Limitations of the Individual Interview
Focus Group Interviews
Online/Virtual Video-Based Focus Groups
Analysis and Reporting of the Focus Group Interview Data
Advantages of Focus Group Interviews
Limitations of Focus Group Interviews
Summary
References

12—Ethnographic Approaches to Qualitative Research
Ethnographic Research
Digital Ethnography
Diaries
Advantages of Diaries
Limitations of Diaries
Mapping
Observation
Advantages of Observational Research
Limitations of Observational Research
Unstructured Observation
Structured Observation
Case Studies
User Experience and Usability Testing
Design Thinking and Participatory Design
Analysis of Ethnographic Data
Advantages of Ethnographic Approaches
Limitations of Ethnographic Approaches
Summary
References

13—Historical Research
Nature and Value of Historical Research
Chronology
Importance of Historical Research to Librarianship
Types of Historical Research
Sources of Historical Information
Evaluation of Historical Sources
External Criticism
Internal Criticism
Basic Steps of Historical Research
The Hypothesis in Historical Research
Collecting the Data
The Presentation of Findings
Library History
Bibliographical Research
Systematic Bibliography
Descriptive Bibliography
Problems in Historical Research
Summary
References

14—Applied and Community-Based Research
Evaluative Research and Assessment
Action Research
Innovation Research
Evidence-Based Research
Community-Based and Participatory Research
Social Justice Research
Decolonizing Methodologies
Policy Research
International and Comparative Librarianship
Delphi Study
Summary
References

15—Presentation and Dissemination of the Research Project
General Objectives of the Research Report
General Outline of the Research Report
The Preliminaries/Front Matter
The Text
The Back Matter
Guidelines for Organizing and Presenting the Research Report
Organization of the Report
Dissemination of the Research
Evaluating the Research Report
Suggested Criteria for Judging a Research Report
Publishing Research Results
Collaboration
Summary
References

Author Index
Subject Index