Qualitative Research and the Modern Library

The use and application of qualitative and quantitative research within a library service setting has traditionally been seen as an onerous task with little relevance for the evaluation and examination of day-to-day activities of the library.Qualitative Research and the Modern Library examines the p [...]
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The use and application of qualitative and quantitative research within a library service setting has traditionally been seen as an onerous task with little relevance for the evaluation and examination of day-to-day activities of the library.Qualitative Research and the Modern Library examines the present-day role and provides suggestions for areas that might be suited to this type of research for the purposes of evaluation. The author discusses how the results from such research might be applied, and the overall impact of using this type of research to inform development of a more user-centred organisation. Those libraries that have ventured bravely down the research path have leaned more heavily towards the use of standardized surveys and other similar instruments to gather feedback about performance, meet user needs, and reveal areas for improvement. This type of internal research shows that if it is done in a focused manner there may be keys in terms of bolstering budgetary support, implementing/improving programs and services, and supporting user needs.This book provides examples of some qualitative studies, and also discuss different methodologies and their application in a simple, straightforward manner.