6A. The fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
6B. The central research findings and research literature of the field.
6C. The principles and methods used to assess the actual and potential value of new research.
ALA Competency 6:
Research
Davis and Bentley’s 1979 article, Factors Affecting Faculty Perceptions of Academic Libraries is a good starting point for those looking for literature for their research. The authors’ literature review was very well done and they did a thorough job of explaining previous studies. It is clear that they have a good understanding of their field, and in particular, the expectations of faculty.
INFO 5080 - Research Methods & Analysis | Spring 2021
Project Description: Read through the research article carefully. Using what you have learned in the class, describe and evaluate the article. Finally, make a statement as to what you would say about this article to a client who is doing research in this area.
ALA Competencies: 1I, IJ, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C
The Mayor of Blue Springs wanted to know if the gender of visitors to the Blue Springs Public Library represented the proportion of gender of the population of Blue Springs. Using the data provided, we concluded that if another sample of library users was taken, we could be at least 95% certain that there would be a difference in gender ratio in library users and the population of Blue Springs.
INFO 5080 - Research Methods & Analysis | Spring 2021
Project Description: As a group, use the data given to create a mock research study. Research project should include communication to Library Director, description of population and sample, hypothesis, testing, and analysis.
Contributions: Introduction, Methods, Analysis for Type 1 & Type 2 Errors, Copyediting
ALA Competencies: 1I, IJ, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C
Controlled vocabularies (CVs) are important tools in the cataloging and retrieving of information. There are four types of CVs: lists, synonym rings, taxonomies, and thesauri. The purpose of CVs is to organize information so that similar and relevant content can be indexed according to a set standard, which in turn makes the content easier to find during retrieval. CVs help in limiting and defining information so that indexers can consistently input data. Created before digital content, CVs face challenges that emerged with advancing technology. A major challenge of CVs involves users who search for content by keyword. Without an understanding of the methodology behind CVs, users may abandon a search that did not yield the expected results. The timeliness of additions and corrections to CVs is also a challenge when users expect correct and accurate data updates promptly.
INFO 5200 - Introduction to Information Organization | Summer 2020
Project Description: 750-1000 word research paper on a topic that is drawn from class. The assignment gives practice in using library databases for research purposes, gives exposure to relevant professional literature, and gives practice in citing professionally.
ALA Competencies: 1I, 1J, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6A, 6B, 6C