Research Methods in Library and Information Science

by Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Marie L. Radford

Overview

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. Jourbanal and book editors discuss how to publish and identify best practices and understudied topics, as well as what they look for in submissions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440878572
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/24/2021
Series:	Library and Information Science Text Series
Edition description:	7th Revised ed.
Pages:	552
Sales rank:	454,586
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.25(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Illustrations xv

Text Boxes xvii

Preface xix

1 Research and Librarianship 1

Introduction 1

Definition of Research 2

The Assessment Imperative 6

Scholarly Communication 8

Research Data Management and Reuse 11

New Modes for Collaboration 14

Time Management 16

Overview of Previous Library and Information Science Research 19

Current Library and Information Science Research Environment 19

Research Methods in Library and Information Science 19

Recommendations for Future Research in Library and Information Science 22

Summary 25

References 26

2 Developing the Research Study 35

Planning for Research: Getting Started 35

Philosophical Underpinnings and Assumptions 36

Paradigms That Shape Research Development 37

A General Outline for Research 39

Literature Review of Related Research 39

Identification of the Problem 43

Characteristics of a Problem Suitable for Research 45

Statement of the Problem 47

Identifying Subproblems 48

The Role of Theory in the Design of Research 49

Definition of Theory 49

Research Design 56

Differences in Quantitative and Qualitative Design 57

Mixed Methods 59

Testing or Applying the Theory 66

The Pilot Study 66

Summary 67

References 68

3 Writing the Research Proposal 73

Organization and Content of a Typical Proposal 74

Title Page 74

Abstract 75

Table of Contents 75

Introduction and Statement of the Problem 75

The Literature Review of Related Research 78

Research Design 79

Institutional Resources 81

Personnel 81

Budget 82

Anticipated Results 84

Indicators of Success 84

Diversity Plan 86

Limitations of the Study 86

Back Matter 87

The Dissertation Proposal: Further Guidance 87

Characteristics of a Good Proposal 89

Features That Detract from a Proposal 89

Obtaining Funding for Library and Information Science Research 90

Summary 95

References 96

4 Principles of Quantitative Methods 99

Formulating Hypotheses 100

Definitions of Hypothesis 100

Sources of Hypotheses 102

Developing the Hypothesis 102

Variables 103

Concepts 105

Desirable Characteristics of Hypotheses 107

Testing the Hypothesis 108

Validity and Reliability 110

Validity of Research Design 110

Validity in Measurement 110

Logical Validity 112

Empirical Validity 112

Construct Validity 113

Reliability of Research Design 113

Reliability in Measurement 113

Scales 115

Ethics of Research 116

General Guidelines 117

Guidelines for Library and Information Science Professionals 119

Ethics for Research in the Digital Environment 120

Research Misconduct 123

Summary 124

References 124

5 Survey Research and the Questionnaire 129

Survey Research 130

Major Differences between Survey Research and Other Methods 130

Types of Survey Research 130

Exploratory Survey Research 131

Descriptive Survey Research 132

Other Types of Survey Research 132

Basic Purposes of Descriptive Survey Research 133

Basic Steps of Survey Research: An Overview 134

Survey Research Designs 136

Survey Research Costs 137

The Questionnaire 138

Prequestionnaire Planning 138

Advantages of the Questionnaire 139

Disadvantages of the Questionnaire 140

Constructing the Questionnaire 141

Type of Question According to Information Needed 142

Type of Question According to Form 143

Scaled Responses 146

Question Content and Selection 152

Question Wording 153

Sequencing of Questionnaire Items 154

Sources of Error 155

Preparing the First Draft 155

Evaluating the Questionnaire 156

The Pretest 156

Final Editing 157

Cover Email or Letter with Introductory Information 159

Distribution of the Questionnaire 160

Summary 165

References 165

6 Sampling 169

Basic Terms and Concepts 169

Types of Sampling Methods 170

Nonprobability Sampling 170

Probability Sampling 172

Determining the Sample Size 182

Use of Formulas 183

Sampling Error 186

Other Causes of Sampling Error 188

Nonsampling Error 189

Summary 189

References 189

7 Experimental Research 191

Causality 191

The Conditions for Causality 192

Bases for Inferring Causal Relationships 193

Controlling the Variables 194

Random Assignment 195

Internal Validity 196

Threats to Internal Validity 196

External Validity 198

Threats to External Validity 198

Experimental Designs 199

True Experimental Designs 200

True Experiments and Correlational Studies 202

Quasi-Experimental Designs 205

Ex Post Facto Designs 207

Internet-Based Experiments 207

Summary 208

References 208

8 Analysis of Quantitative Data 211

Statistical Analysis 211

Data Mining 212

Log Analysis 212

Data Science 215

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 215

Bibliometrics 217

Role of Statistics 221

Cautions in Using Statistics 221

Steps Involved in Statistical Analysis 222

The Establishment of Categories 222

Coding the Data 223

Analyzing the Data: Descriptive Statistics 227

Analyzing the Data: Inferential Statistics 233

Parametric Statistics 235

Nonparametric Statistics 240

Selecting the Appropriate Statistical Test 241

Cautions in Testing the Hypothesis 243

Statistical Analysis Software 244

Visualization and Display of Quantitative Data 246

Summary 250

References 251

9 Principles of Qualitative Methods 259

Introduction to Qualitative Methods 259

Strengths of a Qualitative Approach 261

Role of the Researcher 262

The Underlying Assumptions of Naturalistic Work 263

Ethical Concerns 264

Informed Consent 265

Deception 268

Confidentiality and Anonymity 269

Data-Gathering Techniques 270

Research Design 271

Establishing Goals 272

Developing the Conceptual Framework 273

Developing Research Questions 274

Research Questions for Focus Group and Individual Interviews in the Public Library Context 274

Research Questions for Mixed-Methods Study with Focus Group and Individual Interviews in the Academic Library Context 275

Research Questions for Focus Group and Individual Interviews in a High School Context 275

Research Questions for a Mixed-Methods Grant Project Using Transcript Analysis, Individual Interviews, and Design Sessions in the Consortial Live Chat Virtual Reference Context 276

Research Questions for a Mixed-Methods Study Using a Questionnaire and Individual Interviews Investigating Chat Virtual Reference in the Time of COVID-19 276

Research Design in Online Environments 277

New Modes for Online Data Collection 278

Summary 280

References 281

10 Analysis of Qualitative Data 287

Data Analysis Tools and Methods 287

Stages in Data Analysis 289

Preparing and Processing Data for Analysis 289

Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) 290

Deciding Whether to Use Qualitative Software 295

Strategies for Data Analysis 299

Grounded Theory 299

Content Analysis 303

The Constant Comparative Method and Coding Data 303

Theme Analysis 306

Cyber Synergy Grant, Online Survey Magic Wand Question: Example of Coding Scheme 306

Discourse Analysis 307

Critical Approaches 320

Conversation Analysis 322

Ensuring Integrity and Quality 323

Primary Techniques for Ensuring Integrity and Avoiding Analytic Bias 324

Intercoder Reliability and Validity 325

Visualization and Display of Qualitative Data 327

Conclusion: More to Learn on Data Analysis and Coding 332

Summary 332

References 333

11 Individual and Focus Group Interviews 343

Conducting the Individual Interview 349

Telephone Individual Interviews 353

Online/Virtual Individual Interviews 354

Advantages of Individual Interviews 356

Limitations of the Individual Interview 357

Focus Group Interviews 358

Online/Virtual Video-Based Focus Groups 363

Analysis and Reporting of the Focus Group Interview Data 363

Advantages of Focus Group Interviews 365

Limitations of Focus Group Interviews 366

Summary 367

References 368

12 Ethnographic Approaches to Qualitative Research 375

Ethnographic Research 375

Digital Ethnography 378

Diaries 380

Advantages of Diaries 383

Limitations of Diaries 383

Mapping 383

Observation 386

Advantages of Observational Research 386

Limitations of Observational Research 387

Unstructured Observation 387

Structured Observation 389

Case Studies 390

User Experience and Usability Testing 391

Design Thinking and Participatory Design 398

Analysis of Ethnographic Data 399

Advantages of Ethnographic Approaches 400

Limitations of Ethnographic Approaches 400

Summary 401

References 402

13 Historical Research 409

Nature and Value of Historical Research 409

Chronology 410

Importance of Historical Research to Librarianship 410

Types of Historical Research 412

Sources of Historical Information 413

Evaluation of Historical Sources 415

External Criticism 415

Internal Criticism 416

Basic Steps of Historical Research 417

The Hypothesis in Historical Research 417

Collecting the Data 419

The Presentation of Findings 420

Library History 420

Bibliographical Research 422

Systematic Bibliography 422

Descriptive Bibliography 422

Problems in Historical Research 424

Summary 424

References 425

14 Applied and Community-Based Research 429

Evaluative Research and Assessment 430

Action Research 438

Innovation Research 439

Evidence-Based Research 440

Community-Based and Participatory Research 441

Social Justice Research 442

Decolonizing Methodologies 446

Policy Research 447

International and Comparative Librarianship 448

Delphi Study 450

Summary 451

References 452

15 Presentation and Dissemination of the Research Project 465

General Objectives of the Research Report 465

General Outline of the Research Report 466

The Preliminaries/Front Matter 466

The Text 467

The Back Matter 468

Guidelines for Organizing and Presenting the Research Report 468

Organization of the Report 468

Dissemination of the Research 473

Evaluating the Research Report 476

Suggested Criteria for Judging a Research Report 476

Publishing Research Results 481

Collaboration 482

Summary 492

References 493

Author Index 497

Subject Index 511