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Section One Contents:
The Importance of Research
Types of Research
Research Terminology
Review Questions
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The Importance of Research
- Research tests assumptions and observations made about user needs and services and creates new knowledge that can be used to improve services.
- Literature in Library and Information Science includes many articles based on personal observations and opinions. Research provides the theoretical framework needed to understand the information reported by individual practitioners.
Types of Research
Research is sometimes hard to identify because there are so many types of research. In general, research in Library and Information Science is conducted through one or more of the following forms of data collection:
- Observation
- Questionnaires
- Interviews
- Content Analysis
- Historical Source Analysis
- Controlled Experiments
Many types of specific research exist. Two major types of research are:
- Basic Research: Research that seeks to create new knowledge and is not directly related to technical or practical problems. An example of basic research is a study conducted to analyze the types of information systems physicians use. This research provides new knowledge about a particular user group but does not specify a way this knowledge can be used to solve a problem.
- Applied Research: Research that seeks to solve problems practitioners in Library and Information Science face. Using a variety of techniques this research aims to develop solutions and recommendations that can be used to improve practices. A study conducted on how information systems can be used to improve the ability of physicians to more accurately diagnose illnesses is an example of applied research.
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