Knowledge into action : research and evaluation in library and information science

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Where to find it

Information & Library Science Library

Call Number
Z669.7 .W35 2012
Status
Available

Summary

The only book currently available that comprehensively integrates research and evaluation for evidence-based library and information science practice.

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.

Contents

  • List of Figures p. vii
  • Introduction p. 1
  • 1 Knowing, Research, and Evaluation p. 5
  • 2 Research and Evaluation Processes p. 39
  • 3 Ethics and Politics in Library and Information Science Research and Evaluation p. 67
  • 4 Published Reports and the Professional as Consumer p. 97
  • 5 The Project Plan or Proposal p. 113
  • 6 Measurement, Populations, Samples, and Sampling p. 135
  • 7 Historical Methods p. 159
  • 8 Descriptive Methods-Questionnaires and Interviews p. 179
  • 9 Descriptive Methods-Observation p. 211
  • 10 Experimental Methods p. 227
  • 11 Bibliometrics and Citation Analysis p. 241
  • 12 Data Analysis and Presentation p. 265
  • 13 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics p. 291
  • 14 Funding for Research and Evaluation p. 331
  • 15 Research, Evaluation, and Change p. 343
  • Glossary p. 353
  • Bibliography p. 365
  • Index p. 377

Other details