LIS 5713 Research Methods / Spring 2019

Instructor: Dr. Susan Burke

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Student Learning Objectives:

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• Define and appropriately use the concepts and language of research.

• Identify and provide examples of major research methodologies.

• Identify various data sources and techniques 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.

• Identify and discuss ethical issues in data collection and use, particularly, in regards to human subjects.

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My experience:

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     Research Methods is a required core course of the MLIS, and I can certainly agree to its importance.  I not only learned and applied much of the concepts taught by Dr. Burke, I also enjoyed it immensely because I had never had a professional or classroom experience quite like this one.  It was by chance, that the college and  academic library that I worked for was embarking on a major website redesign when I started this class in spring of 2019. 

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     The class was designed in a way that students from the beginning module through the last one, were instructed through lectures, discussions, and assignments, to begin their own research projects.  I learned from other classes the importance of the different types of research and methodologies that were presented in class.  I connected some of these methods to previous assignments in other classes i.e. surveys and focus groups when creating a library strategic plan to meet the needs of stakeholders, community, and user needs.

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     For me, the experience of applying what Dr. Burke taught us to my real-life project at Durick Library, was amazing and most gratifying.  Working with other library staff, we chose to create a UX design project to ascertain what verbiage and home page format would be the most organized and intuitive for students to interact with to easily find the library services or research support they need. 

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     Through the project from the beginning proposal and the actual UX design and study, to writing the methodology paper afterwards, I was able to apply each concept whether it was part of my actual project or not, and to make decisions on what type of research methods to use in order to gain more information on the problem at hand.  My understanding is that the results from our UX design project will assist in the creation of a much-improved architecture on the Durick Library homepage.

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     Two of my favorite assignments, included content (qualitative analysis). I used a controversial book for this assignment.  I also really enjoyed the experimental design assignment and I applied it to my town museum and library for their historical walking tours.  I had an amazing experience in this class and will use what I have learned as a valuable resource in my LIS toolbox. 

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