Ronald R. Powell

Library and information science practitioners and research

Abstract There is a continuing need for more and better research in the field of library and information science (LIS). However, many LIS practitioners are not heavily involved in research. To add to our knowledge of practitioners’ involvement in research, 1,444 questionnaires were sent to members of the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science and Technology, the Medical Library Association, and the Special Libraries Association. An analysis of 615 responses revealed the following: almost 90% of LIS practitioners in the United States and Canada regularly read at least one research journal, nearly 62% regularly read research-based articles, approximately 50% occasionally apply research results to professional practices, and 42% occasionally or frequently perform research related to their job or to the LIS profession. The data analysis also identified factors related to practitioners’ involvement in research and determined how practitioners assess their research training and skills.

Recent trends in research: A methodological essay

The first national library research seminar, held at Florida State University in 1996, provided the impetus for this consideration of relatively new and uncommon research methods being employed by researchers in the social sciences and in library and information science in particular. This article begins with a review of the various research methods that researchers in library and information science have used. The focus then shifts to an identification of methods appearing in the qualitative research literature. They include phenomenological methods, hermeneutics, ethnomethodology, reflexivity, discourse analysis, and semiotics. Methods more, if not exclusively, quantitative in nature are next examined and include discrete choice analysis, log analysis, protocol analysis, and geographic information systems. (A geographic information system can be viewed as an information service or a management information system, but it is considered here because of its applications as a research method.) Brief consideration is given to possible future methodological trends in social science research. An extensive bibliography is provided.

Introduction: Research matters

Abstract The Library Research Round Table of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this special anniversary issue of Library & Information Science Research . The Library Research Round Table (LRRT), as stated in ALAs Handbook of Organization ( Barber & Hodges, 1998 ), has as its mission: To contribute toward the extension and improvement of library research; to provide public program opportunities for describing and evaluating library research projects and for disseminating their findings; to inform and educate ALA members concerning research techniques and their usefulness in obtaining information with which to reach administrative decisions and solve problems; and expand the the oretical base of the field. To serve as a forum for discussion and action on issues related to the literature and information needs for the field of library and information science. (p. 129)