Qualitative research and the modern library

Qualitative Research and the Modern Library examines the present-day role and provides suggestions for areas that might be suited to this type of research for the purposes of evaluation. The author discusses how the results from such research might be applied, and the overall impact of using this type of research to inform development of a more user-centred organisation. The book provides a thoughtful look at the implications of using qualitative research to inform decision-making processes within libraries and is written by an author and library researcher with international experience in various types of libraries, implementing/improving programs and services, and supporting user needs.

A brief overview of qualitative research -- Examples of qualitative research in non-library settings -- Ethnographic research practices in library settings -- Eyes wide open : using trends, professional literature, and users to create a research canvas in libraries -- Inside the mind of the user : qualitative approaches to understanding user experience in library settings -- Narrowing the field : using qualitative approaches to explore specific areas of interest -- What about us? Using qualitative methods to explore the library as workplace -- A place in the world : qualitative research as a way to study global libraries -- Learning more about qualitative research -- Qualitative research as a way to explore change in the modern world.