Basic Research Methods for Librarians

by Ronald R. Powell

This textbook seeks to provide essential guidance for librarians, who need to be able to read and evaluate research reports critically and assist others with their research. The book almost exclusively considers basic research methods, as opposed to applied research methods. The perspective is that library-related research should be as sound as any scientific research, and basic concepts are presented accordingly. A second viewpoint is that the conceptual development of a study is as crucial to its success as are the specific techniques employed in its conduct.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Textbooks, School, Grad School, Research, Adult

1 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a solid overview for research methods for the library and information science fields. The book covers such topics as: developing a research study, selecting a research method, picking the best sampling method, various types of research, data analysis, and styles/outlines to follow when writing research proposals and reports. A rather dry read, but full of good information useful for information professionals. I read it for a class in which I had to write a research grant proposal, and found the book to be very helpful for the semester long assignment.

[Tatjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book uses 10-dollar words where a 1-dollar word would be just fine... and wouldn't diminish the academic quality of the work. While it didn't change any understanding of the text, it made reading it devastatingly ponderous. It's a shame, because the subject is quite interesting.

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Too focused on quantitative methods, giving it a musty 1960s feeling. Also, generally disorganized and dry.

[Bant · Rating 2 out of 5]

This stuff made my head implode. But I had a great teacher.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class. Nonfiction. About qualitative and quantitative research methods.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for my "Introduction to Research Methods in Library and Information Sciences" course in library school. I remember it being very dry.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book on research methods in library and information science. It is relatively easy to read and is current as of April 2011. The book helped me to see the value in completing and sharing research in library and information science.

[Mp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned basic research methods for librarians.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

school book

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read over summer session.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really helped me to complete my research analysis and great for helping you focus on journal entries. As for today, I'm not sure if the information will be helpful, since it's sorta dated.

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually only skimmed the last chapter. Shh!

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does exactly what it says. Helpful if you're writing a research proposal, but you'd never want to pick it up otherwise.

[amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Basic" should include some discussion of research ethics, I think.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fine text book. I am not overly invested in the research side of librarianism, but as this was for a required class, I read it.