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THEORY & PRAXIS

Goal IV: Theory & Praxis

 

Students have a critical grounding in theoretical perspectives that draw on research in LIS as well as other fields of knowledge, that inform their professional practices including research, organization, management, and access to information.

IV.a. Students will describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science.

LIS6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science: Research Proposal

The purpose of this assignment was to serve as an opportunity to synthesize the key concepts learned and knowledge gained in this course by developing a formal research project grant proposal. Based on the teachings of research methodologies, I applied my knowledge to library and information science research. Working in a group based on a library type (academic, public, school, etc.), I selected a topic in library and information science of interest and developed an idea for a grant proposal for a research project related to that topic.

 

In this proposal, it is posited that my group consists of academic librarians writing a grant proposal for conducting scholarly research for a university's library. According to the assignment's instructions, there is no limitation on the period of research project and no limitation on the amount of funds requested. As a group, we wrote a research proposal that demonstrates the significance of the study, proposes an appropriate research design, and shows our capability for conducting research so that reviewers select the research proposal for funding. My group prepared a formal, typed proposal for a study that, in theory, could be carried out. Note that in this class, students developed research proposals, but they did not actually conduct data collection or perform data analysis. In other words, the assignment was to just plan the research project. Research proposal contents include:

  • Cover Page

  • Needs Assessment

  • Literature Review

  • Statement of Need & Significance of Study

  • Research Goals & Questions

  • Research Design (e.g., Survey Questionnaire, Interview)

  • Project Resource (e.g., Personnel, Time, Budget)

  • Reference

  • Appendix

 

LIS6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science: LIS Research Summary Critique

For this assignment, I located a scholarly article that employs research methods for collecting data. The purpose of this assignment was to serve as an opportunity to review and critically evaluate a research project in the discipline and published in the scholarly literature, providing a limited view on how research is conducted and reported in LIS. In the review, I critically review the selected article, describing why the researchers conducted the research, why the research is important, and what the researchers’ objectives were (or goals, hypotheses). Then, I briefly describe the sampling process, research approaches (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed), and study limitations. 

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LIS6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science: Qualitative Study Critique

I selected a research report which employs forms of qualitative research methods discussed (e.g. ethnographic, grounded theory, historic, etc.). The purpose of this assignment was to help students see how researchers in LIS employ these methodologies and methods, and how they present them for other LIS professionals and scholars. In the review, I briefly describe the purpose and objectives of the research along with the research design in detail, including any relevant aspects of how the study was conducted.  Then, I critically discuss strengths and weaknesses of the research study.

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IV.b. Students will identify opportunities for research and develop plans for research in applied settings in library and information science.

LIS6409 Introduction to Library Administration: Research Paper ("Strategic Merchandising in Public Libraries")

I prepared a research paper that evidences course competencies, along with knowledge and understanding of:

  • The history and development of management thought

  • Planning: problem solving, policies and objectives, strategic planning, and decision-making

  • Organizing: organization theory, authority and responsibility delegation, task creation and assignment, and job enrichment

  • Controlling: budgets, performance evaluation, and work measurement

  • Staffing: selection and training of personnel, non-discriminatory testing, and interviewing

  • Directing: motivation, leadership, and communication

  • Change management

After a thorough review of the relevant literature, I defined and described the topic to be examined, including its historical context within librarianship.

 

LIS6409 Introduction to Library Administration: Issue Briefing ("Sustainability and the 'Green' Library")

For this assignment, I prepared a briefing report for an issue that has played an important role in the cultural or technological landscape of information service. I used relevant library literature to analyze the issue. My issue briefing includes a clear, concise description of the issue, cogent explanations of each side of the issue, identification of principles, ethics, or values that underlie each perspective, and identification of relevant professional standards. 

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