Competency L
Understand the nature of research, research methods and research findings; retrieve, evaluate and synthesize scholarly and professional literature for informed decision-making by specific client groups.
Introduction
Research can be a fun and fascinating process of discovery, and is perhaps the reason we pursue advanced degrees or want to become librarians—not only do we help and teach the patron to perform research, but we conduct and participate in professional research for our organizations, patrons, community, and communicate across the research platform. Research provides a uniform language in which professionals can evaluate and apply concepts or approaches tested by their colleagues around the world. Research is a systematic process of discovery requiring logical thinking, carefully following rules, and repeating steps over and over. Well-done research uncovers a pattern, trend or generalization within the topic or subject, promotes a resolution to a problem, or provides information on something we want to know. The purpose of performing social research is to explore a new topic, describe a social phenomenon, or explain why something occurs (Neuman, p.38). Social research has inherent dangers to the human subjects we study, and therefore precautions of anonymity must always be taken. The research field of library and information science (LIS) is a relatively young field: LIS draws precedence from fields such as sociology, psychology, education and computer sciences, to name a few, and as we move into the future, the necessity to communicate across and within those professions is vital to our continued success.
Nature of Research
The nature of research is based on the utilization of a strategy for identifying, evaluating, and accessing information held by information sources (including libraries), and should build on the research and knowledge base that precedes it (Powell, in Haycock p.168). Research conducted in the LIS field promotes the growth of the profession, improvement in the practice of management, continued evaluation of research results, improved services to patrons, and personal growth (ibid p.176-77). Practitioners cannot appropriately use the results of research unless they can critically consume those results (ibid, p.177), which involve critically reading, evaluating and understanding the research. Informed decision-making is the practical application of research information, after having been critically evaluated based upon my organization’s needs, and is the logical process of knowledge implementation.
Research Methods
There are many methods for research in the LIS field, divided between: basic research, “which is designed to advance fundamental knowledge about how the world works and build/test theoretical explanations by focusing on the ‘why’ question; the scientific community is the primary audience” (Neuman, p.26-27); and applied research, “designed to offer practical solutions to a concrete problem or address the immediate and specific needs of clinicians or practitioners” (ibid, p.27-28). Applied research is most widely used to make informed decisions based within, “constraints of an applied setting and balance rigor against practical needs” (ibid, p.28). The three types of applied research are evaluative research, action research, and social impact assessment (Neuman, p.28-33). Research can be either formative or summative in approach, and include many or all of these elements: input measurement, output/performance measurement, process evaluation, impact/outcomes assessment, service quality, benchmarking, standards, and cost analysis (Powell, in Haycock p.170). An example of LIS applied research is a community needs assessment for collection development, in which a library manager will collect available demographic data on a subsection of the community, identify strengths and weaknesses, perform a needs assessment, and develop a cost-benefit analysis to estimate a proposed action and assign a monetary value to those actions (Neuman, p.34).
Research Findings
Determining if your data is to be quantitative or qualitative is part of the research design. Quantitative research is concerned with things that are numerical or quantifiable, and include research methods such as case study, survey, content analysis, experimental study, longitudinal, and computer simulation (Liu, lecture LIBR 285). Qualitative methods involve observing events and behaviors, and are particularly useful for investigating complex phenomena and for a holistic approach to the resolution of the problem (Powell, p.171); included are methods such as interview, field observation, grounded theory method, focus group (Delphi), historical study, and ethnography (Liu, lecture LIBR 285). An in-depth knowledge of these methods of conducting research is essential to understanding LIS literature and to evaluate the literature itself for accuracy and currency.
Once the research population has been identified and the sample been collected, the treatment of the data is an important next step, which includes data analysis, coding, categorizing, editing, and error-checking to ensure validity and non-contamination (Liu Fall 2011). Statistical analysis will depend on what kind of research chosen, and should be evaluated based on the merits of the variables and hypothesis presented by the researcher.
Retrieve, Evaluate & Synthesize Scholarly Literature
Understanding the different methods of conducting research allows the retrieval, evaluation and synthesis of scholarly literature. As the field of librarianship continues to grow, so too does the rigor toward conducting such work. Retrieving scholarly literature requires objectivity and a systematic approach, with include citation mining and pearl growing behaviors. Scholarly materials are the heart of the scientific community’s communication system, and include peer reviewed qualitative or quantitative articles, along with literature reviews, book reviews, reports on research studies and theoretical essays (Neuman, p.127-29). Choosing a scholarly item to support your own work should be done with caution and discrimination, by choosing the journal first.
Evaluation of that item begins with identifying what type of research it is: there are four broad categories in social research: survey, historical comparative, experimental research and case study (Liu Spring 2011). Defining the characteristics of these types of research, one is able to analyze and evaluate their accuracy and relevancy within the scientific field, and determine if the materials work for you. Did they ask good questions? What was the rate of response? Was their sample population too broad? Simply taking scholarly research at face value is not rigorous enough. Synthesizing the literature is the final step in the process. Citing and crediting the author correctly, and in LIS the American Psychology Association (APA) format, allows for proper bibliographic control. Applying those concepts to one’s own research is the culminating use of good scholarly literature.
Evidence
As my first evidence I illustrate my ability to analyze and critically evaluate the different methods of social research through an analysis of a historical comparative study conducted during LIBR 285 Fall 2011 (LIBR 285-HistCompStudy). During the course of this analysis I uncovered a scholarly paper that was written very poorly, but had been cited throughout other LIS research and accepted by an important journal. The analysis revealed that without following the proscribed guidelines for writing a historical comparative survey, the work suffered in its ability to convey the overarching purpose of the study. There were a number of ways that the author could have remedied this problem, but inference and assumption encroached in his overall message due to his lack of rigor. This was a surprising moment in my overall studies—perhaps I had accepted many research documents that were not well written simply on the merits of who had published them.
Awareness of ones’ subjects is of increasing importance. I submit my certificate through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research (NIH Cert.pdf) demonstrating my compliance with human privacy and test subject standards within the field of social research.
The second evidence I provide demonstrates my ability to synthesize, hypothesize and compose a rigorous research proposal using the elements of applied and exploratory research on the issue of self-represented litigants, in order understanding their behavior toward the law library for the purpose of building outreach programs. This research paper was written during LIBR 285, Fall 2011 (LIBR 285-Thesis Proposal), and proposed the collection and analysis of data based upon the Likert Scale which would provide both qualitative and quantitative data, and providing insight into community learning behaviors and areas of need. For example, in Los Angeles County, 70% of all family law is represented pro se (or of their own will), but many are unaware of the services provided through the county law library, including classes, tutorials, and pro bono attorney services. Identifying the needs of the community, and networking with other social services in the community, the overarching goal is to propose built-in services in conjunction with the upcoming Stanislaus County Courthouse expansion.
Conclusion
Research provides the format and platform by which information professionals communicate. Research and scholarship does not exist in a vacuum—methodology is designed as guidelines or standards in order to provide strength to the LIS field. Through rigor and choice of proper research type, applied research can be used to make informed decisions regarding one’s organization.
References
Haycock, K., and Sheldon, B.E. (2008). The Portable MLIS: Insights from the experts. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Liu, Geoffrey. (2011). LIBR 285-01 Fall 2011 Lecture. San Jose State University, School of Information and Library Science.
Neuman, W. Lawrence.(2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th Ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon
Introduction
Research can be a fun and fascinating process of discovery, and is perhaps the reason we pursue advanced degrees or want to become librarians—not only do we help and teach the patron to perform research, but we conduct and participate in professional research for our organizations, patrons, community, and communicate across the research platform. Research provides a uniform language in which professionals can evaluate and apply concepts or approaches tested by their colleagues around the world. Research is a systematic process of discovery requiring logical thinking, carefully following rules, and repeating steps over and over. Well-done research uncovers a pattern, trend or generalization within the topic or subject, promotes a resolution to a problem, or provides information on something we want to know. The purpose of performing social research is to explore a new topic, describe a social phenomenon, or explain why something occurs (Neuman, p.38). Social research has inherent dangers to the human subjects we study, and therefore precautions of anonymity must always be taken. The research field of library and information science (LIS) is a relatively young field: LIS draws precedence from fields such as sociology, psychology, education and computer sciences, to name a few, and as we move into the future, the necessity to communicate across and within those professions is vital to our continued success.
Nature of Research
The nature of research is based on the utilization of a strategy for identifying, evaluating, and accessing information held by information sources (including libraries), and should build on the research and knowledge base that precedes it (Powell, in Haycock p.168). Research conducted in the LIS field promotes the growth of the profession, improvement in the practice of management, continued evaluation of research results, improved services to patrons, and personal growth (ibid p.176-77). Practitioners cannot appropriately use the results of research unless they can critically consume those results (ibid, p.177), which involve critically reading, evaluating and understanding the research. Informed decision-making is the practical application of research information, after having been critically evaluated based upon my organization’s needs, and is the logical process of knowledge implementation.
Research Methods
There are many methods for research in the LIS field, divided between: basic research, “which is designed to advance fundamental knowledge about how the world works and build/test theoretical explanations by focusing on the ‘why’ question; the scientific community is the primary audience” (Neuman, p.26-27); and applied research, “designed to offer practical solutions to a concrete problem or address the immediate and specific needs of clinicians or practitioners” (ibid, p.27-28). Applied research is most widely used to make informed decisions based within, “constraints of an applied setting and balance rigor against practical needs” (ibid, p.28). The three types of applied research are evaluative research, action research, and social impact assessment (Neuman, p.28-33). Research can be either formative or summative in approach, and include many or all of these elements: input measurement, output/performance measurement, process evaluation, impact/outcomes assessment, service quality, benchmarking, standards, and cost analysis (Powell, in Haycock p.170). An example of LIS applied research is a community needs assessment for collection development, in which a library manager will collect available demographic data on a subsection of the community, identify strengths and weaknesses, perform a needs assessment, and develop a cost-benefit analysis to estimate a proposed action and assign a monetary value to those actions (Neuman, p.34).
Research Findings
Determining if your data is to be quantitative or qualitative is part of the research design. Quantitative research is concerned with things that are numerical or quantifiable, and include research methods such as case study, survey, content analysis, experimental study, longitudinal, and computer simulation (Liu, lecture LIBR 285). Qualitative methods involve observing events and behaviors, and are particularly useful for investigating complex phenomena and for a holistic approach to the resolution of the problem (Powell, p.171); included are methods such as interview, field observation, grounded theory method, focus group (Delphi), historical study, and ethnography (Liu, lecture LIBR 285). An in-depth knowledge of these methods of conducting research is essential to understanding LIS literature and to evaluate the literature itself for accuracy and currency.
Once the research population has been identified and the sample been collected, the treatment of the data is an important next step, which includes data analysis, coding, categorizing, editing, and error-checking to ensure validity and non-contamination (Liu Fall 2011). Statistical analysis will depend on what kind of research chosen, and should be evaluated based on the merits of the variables and hypothesis presented by the researcher.
Retrieve, Evaluate & Synthesize Scholarly Literature
Understanding the different methods of conducting research allows the retrieval, evaluation and synthesis of scholarly literature. As the field of librarianship continues to grow, so too does the rigor toward conducting such work. Retrieving scholarly literature requires objectivity and a systematic approach, with include citation mining and pearl growing behaviors. Scholarly materials are the heart of the scientific community’s communication system, and include peer reviewed qualitative or quantitative articles, along with literature reviews, book reviews, reports on research studies and theoretical essays (Neuman, p.127-29). Choosing a scholarly item to support your own work should be done with caution and discrimination, by choosing the journal first.
Evaluation of that item begins with identifying what type of research it is: there are four broad categories in social research: survey, historical comparative, experimental research and case study (Liu Spring 2011). Defining the characteristics of these types of research, one is able to analyze and evaluate their accuracy and relevancy within the scientific field, and determine if the materials work for you. Did they ask good questions? What was the rate of response? Was their sample population too broad? Simply taking scholarly research at face value is not rigorous enough. Synthesizing the literature is the final step in the process. Citing and crediting the author correctly, and in LIS the American Psychology Association (APA) format, allows for proper bibliographic control. Applying those concepts to one’s own research is the culminating use of good scholarly literature.
Evidence
As my first evidence I illustrate my ability to analyze and critically evaluate the different methods of social research through an analysis of a historical comparative study conducted during LIBR 285 Fall 2011 (LIBR 285-HistCompStudy). During the course of this analysis I uncovered a scholarly paper that was written very poorly, but had been cited throughout other LIS research and accepted by an important journal. The analysis revealed that without following the proscribed guidelines for writing a historical comparative survey, the work suffered in its ability to convey the overarching purpose of the study. There were a number of ways that the author could have remedied this problem, but inference and assumption encroached in his overall message due to his lack of rigor. This was a surprising moment in my overall studies—perhaps I had accepted many research documents that were not well written simply on the merits of who had published them.
Awareness of ones’ subjects is of increasing importance. I submit my certificate through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research (NIH Cert.pdf) demonstrating my compliance with human privacy and test subject standards within the field of social research.
The second evidence I provide demonstrates my ability to synthesize, hypothesize and compose a rigorous research proposal using the elements of applied and exploratory research on the issue of self-represented litigants, in order understanding their behavior toward the law library for the purpose of building outreach programs. This research paper was written during LIBR 285, Fall 2011 (LIBR 285-Thesis Proposal), and proposed the collection and analysis of data based upon the Likert Scale which would provide both qualitative and quantitative data, and providing insight into community learning behaviors and areas of need. For example, in Los Angeles County, 70% of all family law is represented pro se (or of their own will), but many are unaware of the services provided through the county law library, including classes, tutorials, and pro bono attorney services. Identifying the needs of the community, and networking with other social services in the community, the overarching goal is to propose built-in services in conjunction with the upcoming Stanislaus County Courthouse expansion.
Conclusion
Research provides the format and platform by which information professionals communicate. Research and scholarship does not exist in a vacuum—methodology is designed as guidelines or standards in order to provide strength to the LIS field. Through rigor and choice of proper research type, applied research can be used to make informed decisions regarding one’s organization.
References
Haycock, K., and Sheldon, B.E. (2008). The Portable MLIS: Insights from the experts. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Liu, Geoffrey. (2011). LIBR 285-01 Fall 2011 Lecture. San Jose State University, School of Information and Library Science.
Neuman, W. Lawrence.(2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 7th Ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon