Knowledge into Action: Research and Evaluation in Library and Information Science: Research and Evaluation in Library and Information Science

by Danny P. Wallace, Connie J. Van Fleet

Overview

Numerous books cover research and evaluation in general, but not within the context of library and information science. Many others cover the field of library and information science overall but with little focus on research. Knowledge into Action: Research and Evaluation in Library and Information Science offers in a single volume, an expert introduction to these two distinct, yet deeply interrelated, phases of information-gathering as they are practiced in the information sciences.

Knowledge into Action takes readers through the core principles, working processes, and practical tools for conducting and evaluating research in library and information science, enhancing the presentation with examples, informational graphics, study questions, and exercises directly relevant to this field. It is a welcomed resource for students and scholars who want to use appropriate techniques for gathering and assessing research, as well as information professionals looking to improve services at their libraries or information centers. The book is also designed to educate practitioners as consumers of the research and evaluation literature and as active participants in professional conferences, meetings, and workshops.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610692663
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	06/12/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	388
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Danny P. Wallace was professor and EBSCO Chair of Library Service in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.

The late Connie Van Fleet was professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

Table of Contents

List of Figures vii

Introduction 1

1 Knowing, Research, and Evaluation 5

2 Research and Evaluation Processes 39

3 Ethics and Politics in Library and Information Science Research and Evaluation 67

4 Published Reports and the Professional as Consumer 97

5 The Project Plan or Proposal 113

6 Measurement, Populations, Samples, and Sampling 135

7 Historical Methods 159

8 Descriptive Methods-Questionnaires and Interviews 179

9 Descriptive Methods-Observation 211

10 Experimental Methods 227

11 Bibliometrics and Citation Analysis 241

12 Data Analysis and Presentation 265

13 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics 291

14 Funding for Research and Evaluation 331

15 Research, Evaluation, and Change 343

Glossary 353

Bibliography 365

Index 377

Editorial Reviews

"[P]rovides a clear and readable description of research techniques within the context of librarianship, and as such, it is well-suited as a textbook for students of all ages." - Australian Library Journal

"The chapter on interviews and questionnaires includes useful information about developing and using these methods, and the chapters on data analysis and statistics are clear overviews of complicated and often unfamiliar topics." - The Journal of Academic Librarianship

"The authors emphasize that research and evaluation activities should be viewed as key components of evidence-based practice in a variety of libraries. Whether student or practitioner, information professionals in all types of libraries can benefit from incorporating research and evaluation into their regular planning activities." - Endnotes: The Journal of the New Members Round Table

From the Publisher