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Dr. Susan Burke, Spring 2025
Course Description
Course Description
This course introduces methods of investigating library and information problems; use of evaluation in planning for continuous quality assessment and improvement of LIS policies, processes, and procedures; developing original research designs; evaluating research studies in LIS. By the end of the course, students should have learned how to define and appropriately use the concepts and language of research, identify and provide examples of major research methodologies, identify various data sources and technologies of data collection and analysis, articulate the commonalities and differences between research and evaluation, plan and design research and evaluation activities relevant to issues in LIS, articulate the use of evaluation outcomes in administrative planning and management, understand and evaluate reported research in LIS, and identify and discuss ethical issues in data collection and use, particularly in regard to human subjects (SLO 5, ALA 7, PLG 3).
Analysis
Analysis
Through this course, I became more familiar with a variety of research methods and also evaluation methods (SLO 5). In a previous job position, I managed the program evaluation for an educational program, so it was interesting to connect my prior knowledge of evaluation methods and further build on that experience. I learned ethical considerations to apply to survey question writing and was able to understand how to avoid leading questions to ensure data was as accurate as possible (ALA 7B). As I was working on survey design at the library I work at, I focused most on the class content on surveys. While I grew a lot within that category, I wish that I had spent an equal amount of focus on other research and evaluation methods we touched on in class. Another technique I was able to learn and practice was finding and synthesizing existing literature for the purposes of designing research (ALA 7A).
Reflection
Reflection
While I was taking this course, I was also creating a campus-wide survey at my library to inform the library's strategic plan development. Through this, I was able to apply the research techniques that I was learning in this course to gather meaningful stakeholder data through well-thought out survey design. I was able to relay what I had experienced and learned from this in our class discussions (SLO 3). I was able to apply the IRB training I received from this course to practice ethical data collection (PLG 3.2, ALA 7C, ALA 7D) to listen to our community and apply the data to our strategic plan. From applying past research and evaluation experience to this course, I feel confident that what I have learned in this course about research ethics and effective data collection will fruitfully impact my future career. No library can be complete without efficient research and evaluation to ensure the library is fulfilling its mission and serving its patrons (ALA 4C).
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