Research is vital in library and information science.
Library science focuses on the manner in which books and information are used by the public. Library science grew as a separate field of study during the mid-19th century and was combined with information technology in the 20th century. Now called library and information science, the field covers an array of subjects, including cataloging practices and research methods. Librarians and information technology professionals use several methods of research.
Content Analysis
Content analysis is a research method that evaluates the content and features of media. The method is typically used to identify common themes and phrases in books and other forms of media. Content analysis can indicate the comprehensiveness, accuracy, biases and oversights of authors and publishers. A librarian would use this research method to determine what books, articles, films and periodicals to feature in the library.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research involves the use of data to understand and explain social patterns. In this field, interviews, surveys, documents and participant observational data are used as research tools. Qualitative research methods were developed to help researchers better understand people and cultures. These methods are used in library and information science to study societal trends in order to better serve the needs and interests of patrons.
Historical Method
Using the historical method of research involves learning about the history of a subject or field prior to analysis. This method can give a person analyzing the contents of a book, for example, insight into the time and culture in which it was written. This information can provide the researcher with the tools necessary to produce a more accurate analysis of the book.
Survey Method
One of the most important research methods in the social sciences, surveying involves posing questions to people and categorizing their responses. There are essentially two types of survey: the questionnaire and the interview. While questionnaires are capable of reaching thousands of people at once, interviews tend to be more personal and in-depth. Questionnaires are ideal when researchers want to create statistical data from information provided by a large number of respondents.
Tags: information science, library information science, research methods, Content analysis, information technology, library information