LIS 5713: Research & Evaluation Methods

Description, Analysis, & Reflection

Description 

The course description for LIS 5713: Research and Evaluation Methods states  

The goal of this online course is to provide a conceptual and practical understanding of methods of (a) investigating library and information (LIS) problems; (b) using of evaluation in planning for continuous quality assessment and improvement of LIS policies, processes, and procedures; (c) developing original research designs; and (d) evaluating research studies in LIS. 

Classic and contemporary readings as well as discussion and writing assignments will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of research and evaluation methods in LIS (Jung, 2024). 

According to the learning objectives, the course is designed to  

1. Introduce students to research methodologies commonly used in LIS including data collection techniques, sampling, and basic data analysis 

2. Explain and outline the nature and elements of research and evaluation proposals 

3. Provide experience in identifying LIS problems for examination and designing appropriate data collection plans to apply to the identified problems 

4. Guide students in effective design of research and evaluation proposals in LIS settings (Jung, 2024). 

For LIS 5713: Research and Evaluation Methods I am sharing two artifacts.  The first is for the assignment Qualitative content analysis called U2 Through the Lens of Spotify, Last.fm, and Rate Your Music.  Truthfully, I’m only including this one because I had fun with it, plus anytime I could figure out a way to wiggle my obsessive love of music into my academic work, I would.  For this project, I compared how U2’s music is ranked/rated across three different platforms.  The second is for the assignment Paper II-b (Final Paper) Research proposal and the Final Paper Presentation titled Merchandise, it keeps us in line: Finding a Better Home for the New Teen Collection.  The paper dealt with the New Teen Fiction collection at the Noble Public Library and trying to find better ways and locations to highlight those books.  I had to get a bit creative for the literature review, since there wasn’t any scholarly literature about young adult fiction new releases in small half rural, half suburban communities in Oklahoma.  Instead, I looked for papers on the history of the genre, circulation, promotion, and library spaces.  It was a bit of a Frankenstein Monster of a paper.    

Analysis 

LIS 5713: Research and Evaluation Methods dove deep into the various aspects of scholarly research done by research librarians and came as close as possible to providing hands on experience as can be accomplished in an online classroom.  It also introduced me to the joys of the literature review.  The study of various methodologies provided a foundation to help me understand, evaluate, perform, and write research papers.  Understanding what goes into academic literature and why makes reading, comprehending, and analyzing the information easier to navigate.  While I may not have enjoyed this class much at the time, I did get a lot out of it, and I have a much better understanding of the academic research process.  

Reflection 

In LIS 5053: Information Seeking and Use, I discussed that I am a slow reader which has proved to be a challenge when dealing with academic literature.  Little did I know what was coming.  As I mentioned in Reflection & Review 3, I thought this course was about writing better and more affective research papers.  Instead, this was a class about being a research librarian.  Of all of the courses I have taken in this program, this one was the most focused on the academic literature.  Thankfully, I was a bit more adept at working with the literature than I was when I started the program but that didn’t make it any easier or more enjoyable.  That said, it was a good experience.  Am I ever going to sign up to be a research librarian?  Probably not, but I’m glad that I have at least some understanding of what goes into that job. 

Personal Learning Goals 

Research and Evaluation Methods brought me closer to achieving Objective 1 of Goal 3:  Increase reference and user services skills – Develop new research and evaluation skills and techniques by examining the various types of scholarly research by information professionals. 

MLIS Program-level Student Learning Outcomes 

This course advanced me towards SLO 3 Professional and Scholarly Communication from the discussion posts and course assignments; and SLO 5 Methods and Analysis through its deeper focus on academic literature. 

ALA Competencies 

This course helped with competency 6. Research by diving into the the various types and elements of academic research performed by information professionals. 

Jung, Y. J. (2024). LIS 5713: Research and evaluation methods [Syllabus]. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma. 

Artifacts:
U2 Through the Lens of Spotify, Last.fm, and Rate Your Music
&
Merchandise, it keeps us in line: Finding a Better Home for the New Teen Collection