Research Methods in Library and Information Science

by Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Marie L. Radford

An essential resource for LIS master's and doctoral students, new LIS faculty, and academic librarians, this book provides expert guidance and practical examples based on current research about quantitative and qualitative research methods and design. Conducting research and successfully publishing the findings is a goal of many professionals and students in library and information science (LIS). Using the best methodology maximizes the likelihood of a successful outcome. This outstanding book broadly covers the principles, data collection techniques, and analyses of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as the advantages and limitations of each method to research design. It addresses these research methods and design by discussing the scientific method, sampling techniques, validity, reliability, and ethical concerns along with additional topics such as experimental research design, ethnographic methods, and usability testing. The book presents comprehensive information in a logical, easy-to-follow format, covering topics such as research strategies for library and information science doctoral students; planning for research; defining the problem, forming a theory, and testing the theory; the scientific method of inquiry and data collection techniques; survey research methods and questionnaires; analyzing quantitative data; interview-based research; writing research proposals; and even time management skills. LIS students and professionals can consult the text for instruction on conducting research using this array of tools as well as for guidance in critically reading and evaluating research publications, proposals, and reports. The explanations and current research examples supplied by discipline experts offer advice and strategies for completing research projects, dissertations, and theses as well as for writing grants, overcoming writer's block, collaborating with colleagues, and working with outside consultants. The answer to nearly any question posed by novice researchers is provided in this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Read For School, Grad School, Reference

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2016

Reviews

[Neha · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was fine. i don’t want to go into research now.

[Dusti Falgoust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can we expect this to be anything other than dense? It was very informative though, and I feel like I genuinely gained a deeper understanding of LIS research through this text. I also think it was written as clearly and as concisely as can be expected with this topic. It will be a good reference book to keep around.

[Taylor Worsham]

For LI810: Research in Library & Information Science

Comprehensive, if not a little dense

[Kelsey Molseed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research methods weren't explicitly taught in my MLIS program, so when I graduated and became an academic librarian I realized that there was so much I wanted to research, but I didn't know where to start. I've found this textbook very handy to fill in those massive gaps. As others have noted, it's organized in sort of a confusing way, but I haven't minded as I've used it to skip around to learn about research methods specific to what I actually want to research. It's a great, basic introduction for new researchers in library and information science.

[Shannen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information is good, but presented in a sort of info-dump format that I found myself perpetually tuning out. I had to constantly force myself to refocus to make any progress in it - and I am a pretty agressive reader of both fiction and nonfiction books. The format not only makes it a slog, I suspect it makes the information inaccessible to most people. I am also not sure how well I will retain the information after the fact given how hard it was to stay immersed in the content.
It could have been a much more impactful primer for research had it been executed differently.

[Suzanne LaPierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this guide to original research to be very thorough. I think one could follow the advice in this book and get a publishable paper out of it. It's quite informative, including guidance on the research questions and research problem statement, various quantitative and qualitative methods, and tips on getting published.

[ladywallingford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very in-depth on research methods in LIS field...just rather dull

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and clearly written.

[Cathlina Bergman]

Read the 5 chapters I had to for grad school. Dull and dense. Not going to read the rest.

[Madison Geisler]

I had to read this for school and it was really boring so yea it’s counting towards my yearly reading goal

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connaway and Radford provide a useful summary of the vast subject matters included in the topic of LIS research. While the information is at times so (necessarily) condensed that it can be hard to get much out of it, this is a good introduction to key concepts. This is an effective textbook for LIS students, when combined with practical instruction, or a refresher for LIS professionals getting back into research work.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an MLIS textbook, this was actually pretty good. Dry, and occasionally concepts were poorly explained if you don't already have a decently strong background in sciences, but manageable. I learned more than I expected, which is good because the professor was... less present.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have to take a Research Methodology class for your Library Sciences master - this book will be like your bible by your side. Or after the class you could use it to lull you to sleep - ha.