Research Methods in Information

Citation

Anne Kennan, M. (2007), "Research Methods in Information", Library Management, Vol. 28 No. 8/9, pp. 579-580. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710837873

Research is a core competency for the information professions, and yet the word “research” is one we information professionals tend to use loosely. We have all heard the word “research” used to describe everything from a quick and dirty web search, to a search of the literature, to social or scientific research aimed at generating new ideas or ways of thinking about the world. The research methods introduced by this book are those research methods that will help us perform the latter type of research. As such this book is useful for research students in the information fields who need to have a firm understanding of the foundations of research. However, this book will also be useful for practitioners, who may wish to conduct practical or applied research, (for example to identify and solve problems, or increase understanding of issues in the workplace) as it provides a foundation of method which will help meet requirements for accountability and the building of knowledge through the sharing of results by report or publication.

In keeping with the diversity of information fields (e.g. librarianship, information science, information and knowledge management, communications, archives and records management) the work draws on the research views and practices of a number of reference disciplines, enabling the intending researcher to make an informed choice of method for the issue or problem, research question and context, along with providing guidance in how to actually perform the research. The Introduction and Background sections provide short and accessible summaries of the research hierarchy and the major research paradigms and make interesting and useful reading for any information professional.

The book is structured into four sections, taking the reader through:

1. 1.

   the research process and planning stages, with background on the major research paradigms, methodologies and including consideration of the role of the literature review and ethics;

2. 2.

   a range of methods that can be used, for example, case studies, surveys, experimental research, ethnography, Delphi studies, action research, historical research and grounded theory;

3. 3.

   a range of different data collection techniques, e.g. interviews, questionnaires, observation, diaries, focus groups, usability testing; and

4. 4.

   data analysis techniques and how to present the results of research.

As it is a relatively short book for such a large topic, there are areas where I felt some concepts were a little under‐discussed (e.g. the descriptions of different types of sampling, case‐based research, and issues involved with internet and web based research such as questionnaires). However, the work does sets out to provide an accessible and easy to read introduction, and that is what it does.

To recapitulate, this book would be suitable for students or beginning researchers. Each chapter ends with a practical exercise and points to additional readings for those who wish to explore the topic of the chapter further. It would also be a useful work for the regular researcher to have on the shelf to dip in and out of as the research activity to hand dictates. It is a welcome addition to my shelf.