demonstrate understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the ability to design a research project, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize research literature.
Understanding research methods and research techniques is doubly important when looking for a position in an academic library. To start, much of the assistance offered to library users will be in reference to their own research projects, and it is crucial to understand their motivations when seeking information for that purpose. The librarian is also, as a member of the profession, impelled to further the field of library science with their own research projects and papers. Professional publication is the means by which research fields conduct conversations on the issues that matter most, and it is beneficial to be able to effectively participate in that conversation and assist others in doing so.
The contrast between qualitative and quantitative research methods is one that can sometimes be troublesome. As may be inferred from the terms, quantitative research returns numerical data to test a researcher’s hypothesis, while qualitative research gathers data that is generally descriptive rather than value-based and can sometimes have more open-ended results. Research can also have mixed components, such as a survey with multiple choice questions (that can be tallied) with free-response questions following. One generalization could be, if a researcher is looking to prove a hypothesis, quantitative research is more appropriate, while if a researcher is simply looking for better understanding of certain areas, qualitative research would apply more. Library science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates social sciences like sociology and psychology as well as more technology-focused fields that thrive on analysis of statistics, so being well-versed in both is a necessary skill.
Solid research involves adapting previous researchers’ findings to the problem area. In many cases, researchers have evaluated similar questions to the one being posed, but with enough differences to justify proceeding. Finding these can take a concerted effort in searching scholarly literature for key terms in the research question. The result of this is the literature review portion of the research, in which the researcher would note the similarities, perhaps briefly critique, and then define the significance of his or her own project in comparison.
Researchers design an effective research project by determining the methods by which they can gather the most significant data to analyze. The methods implemented can also be a step drawn from previous literature, if appropriate. Colleges and universities will have an institutional review board for projects involving direct contact with survey or experiment participants to assure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. The next step is analysis of the data collected. This process is typically determined along with the project design to assure valid findings. Researchers compare results of their study to their hypothesis and draw conclusions on the hypothesis’ validity from there. Finally, the conclusion is the portion of the research in which the researcher addresses the extended implications of their findings, as well as any indications of possibilities for further research to be addressed that were brought up by the research.
Evidence
In nearly all of my classes I was exposed to influential library science literature that changed the way we as librarians operate. Especially intriguing are the papers that have implications outside the library field, e.g., in data organization or cognitive science fields. The following are examples both of research conducted by myself and others and of assignments that demonstrate understanding of the research process so as to provide appropriate research critiques.
LIBR 266: Collection Development—Article Critique 1
This article critique approaches a study with qualitative and quantitative research attributes. In it, I review the study’s stated goals and whether those goals are met with the study. I also found some issues with the data the researchers were basing their findings on, specifically that the presented chart seems to imply the converse of what the researchers were inferring. I believe this critique demonstrates my ability to critically approach scholarly literature and draw independent conclusions based on my understanding of research methods.
LIBR 266: Collection Development—Article Critique 1
LIBR 285: Research Methods-Ethnography (with focus on technology)—Final Project Manuscript
This manuscript is a result of a semester-spanning group research project employing qualitative and quantitative methods. Ethnography and the nascent offshoot field of netnography—which applies ethnographic principles to online communities—are fields that conventionally use both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The project became a quest to understand the motivations and influences of the “Paleohackers” whom we were studying. This assignment is particularly relevant because our group was required to submit for study approval to the institutional review board, a process that I expect to repeat for future studies.
LIBR 285: Research Methods-Ethnography—Final Project Manuscript
LIBR 287: Digital Libraries Seminar—Final Paper
This paper explores the history and uses of the Digital Object Identifier system and its relationship with digital libraries. I believe it is a compelling representation of my ability to synthesize research literature and with it develop a strong argument for the significance and singularity of a shared industry standard.
LIBR 287: Digital Libraries Seminar—Final Paper
Conclusion
With the crucial task of supporting academic advancement and learning all over, librarianship should be supported by strong entries into the academic record. With my understanding of the research process, I believe I can contribute to that discussion in time. In addition, being in an academic environment means being able to guide students who are having difficulties with their own research projects, and I believe my passion for scholarly dialogue will serve me well in assisting others with their own contributions.
Life is information, information is life. 