Conducting focus groups with library staff: best practices and participant perceptions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a process of designing a focus group study for library staff, and to present a method for analyzing and interpreting focus group data. In addition, the paper aims to report on participants' perceptions of the focus group experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group methodology was used to gather staff responses. An online survey was used to gauge staff perceptions of the focus groups.

Findings

Focus groups with library staff are a productive way to gather issues and trends for library management to address. In addition, it seems from the follow up survey that participating in focus groups benefits staff morale and engagement, if best practices are employed.

Originality/value

While there are many articles about using focus groups to understand library users and their needs, there are few articles about employing this methodology with library staff. This paper fills some of the gaps.

Citation

Mellinger, M. and Chau, M. (2010), "Conducting focus groups with library staff: best practices and participant perceptions", Library Management, Vol. 31 No. 4/5, pp. 267-278. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121011046335