Prevalence of methodological transparency in the use of mixed methods research in library and information science research in South Africa and Nigeria, 2009–2015

Methodological transparency facilitates rigorous, trustworthy, and reliable mixed methods research (MMR). Because divergent views on the conceptualization of mixed methods can create confusion for researchers, methodological transparency can help researchers to replicate methods in other studies and attract them to mixed methods research. Many studies have been conducted to assess the utilization of mixed methods research in several disciplines, but few in library and information science (LIS) have studied how authors describe the methods used. This study investigated the clarity and detail provided about methodology in mixed methods research articles in LIS, focusing on South Africa and Nigeria. Content analysis was used to assess 104 doctoral theses, of which 10 used mixed methods. Results suggest that methodological transparency in MMR research is underrepresented in LIS. This study contributes to the discussion on how LIS can enhance the quality of mixed methods research studies by underscoring the importance of methodological transparency in such studies. Researchers and LIS educators can use the gaps identified by this study to use and report mixed methods appropriately in future research.     

Report of the UNESCO “Training the Trainers in Information Literacy” (“TTT”) Workshop Ankara,Turkey, September 3–5, 2008

The purpose of this article is to explore the use of mixed methods research (MMR) in articles published in library and information science (LIS) journals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2004 to 2008. A mixed methods research framework provided in the methodological literature is used to determine how this method was practiced within the LIS scientific community in SSA. Six hundred and eighty five articles published in nine peer-reviewed LIS journals in SAA were reviewed, finding the dominant research methods in these journals to be survey designs and historical research. The use of MMR was limited: 48 out of 685 articles used the mixed methods approaches that were identified in the methodological literature. A paradigm shift and a change of mindset are recommended for LIS researchers in SSA so that they may exploit the advantages offered by mixed methods research in conducting their studies.     

Mapping mixed methods research in library and information science journals in Sub-Saharan Africa 2004–2008

The purpose of this article is to explore the use of mixed methods research (MMR) in articles published in library and information science (LIS) journals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2004 to 2008. A mixed methods research framework provided in the methodological literature is used to determine how this method was practiced within the LIS scientific community in SSA. Six hundred and eighty five articles published in nine peer-reviewed LIS journals in SAA were reviewed, finding the dominant research methods in these journals to be survey designs and historical research. The use of MMR was limited: 48 out of 685 articles used the mixed methods approaches that were identified in the methodological literature. A paradigm shift and a change of mindset are recommended for LIS researchers in SSA so that they may exploit the advantages offered by mixed methods research in conducting their studies.     

Are we there yet?: Mixed methods research in library and information science

Mixed methods research (MMR)—which integrates qualitative and quantitative methods in one study to improve the study's quality—is not common in library and information science (LIS) and has not been discussed in its literature. While still evolving and generating much discussion about its nature and standards for its evaluation, MMR has been employed in the social and behavioral sciences for more than three decades. It is already considered the third approach to research, along with the quantitative and qualitative approaches. How did this approach shape research in LIS? An analysis of 465 articles published in four major LIS research journals revealed that 22 articles (5%) employed MMR. However, the recognition of MMR by name or as a research method was absent from these articles and from the methodological literature in LIS. The various strengths of MMR suggest that being cognizant of its possible use in LIS would benefit researchers in the field.     

Developing systematic search methods for the library literature: Methods and analysis

Comprehensive yet efficient search methods are essential for any systematic or scoping review. This article outlines the stages of development of a systematic search methodology for a scoping review within the library and information science (LIS) literature. The effectiveness of the database search strategies (LISTA, LISA, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science) and supplemental search techniques are measured through a retrospective analysis of performance metrics. Findings show that for research topics limited to the library setting, it may be more effective to search fewer databases (LISTA and Scopus only) for peer reviewed journal articles and allot more time to alternate search techniques such as web searching to identify non-journal literature. The article provides an evidence-based, methodological approach to developing a systematic search plan, unique to LIS researchers, that accounts for time and resource needs.     

Cartographies of research designs in library information science research in Nigeria and South Africa, 2009–2015

Research designs are key to the research process and the production of knowledge that supports performance and development. The appropriateness of the methodologies used in research has implications for the trustworthiness and validity of the outcomes of research and practice. The research designs used in library information science (LIS) research in Nigeria and South Africa between 2009 and 2015 were investigated. The objective was to map out the contours of the research designs that are utilised in LIS, particularly to keep the profession abreast of the trends in the field and the patterns in research designs used. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine 104 PhD dissertations, using six taxonomies to categorise research designs used in the two countries. Positivist epistemologies and quantitative methodologies predominated research in LIS. A handful of studies used basic mixed method research designs. Questionnaires and interviews were commonly used for data collection, but the triangulation of methods was not prevalent. The value of this study lies in that it will lead to the accumulation of knowledge of research designs and provide a baseline for studies on methodological practices.     

The study of research methods in LIS education: issues in Korean and U.S. universities

This study investigates the current state of research methods education in Korean library and information science (LIS) programs and compares research methods education between Korea and the United States. The definition of research methods is consistent and homogeneous across Korean schools, whereas research methods are defined loosely and differently in the United States. Research methods in both the United States and in Korea appear to be in a state of methodological uncertainty where dominant methods may be taught but not necessarily applied by graduate students. Research methods, as shared knowledge, offer fields the tools needed to investigate problems and understand the process by which they are studied. Thus, if LIS wants to increase its research capacity and improve its research quality, then it will need to require research methods of all students. While the range of topics covered in Korean research methods courses may need to be expanded, those in the United States may need greater depth of coverage.     

Developing the methodological toolbox for information literacy research: Grounded theory and visual research methods

The growing complexity of information environments calls for a reconsideration of the ways in which grounded theory method is employed within library and information science (LIS). This methodological discussion explores the synergies between grounded theory, information literacy and visual research to establish a research agenda for the extension of grounded theory method within LIS. The discussion draws upon recent theoretical and methodological advances to outline the challenges and opportunities of the proposed shift in focus for the development of a LIS researchers methodological toolbox. The ongoing exploration of grounded theory method is vital for the creation of richer and more complex theorising about the ways in which people engage with information within evolving settings and spaces.     

Visual research in LIS: Complementary and alternative methods

Although visual methods are emerging as a valuable and versatile tool in qualitative social studies research, confusion around terminology, options, and best practices persists. Consequently, LIS scholars who wish to employ innovative visual approaches in their research face barriers to discovering and deciding which visual options best suit their goals. Based on a review of the literature, this article identifies and describes the scope of participatory and non-participatory visual methods currently in use in the social sciences, with particular attention paid to LIS contexts. While visual methods bring clear benefits to qualitative research in terms of data quality, modes of expression, and alternate perspectives, challenges remain, including logistic issues of implementing visual study designs and ethical considerations.     

2005～2010年图书情报教育改革国际研究综述

围绕LIS教育所处的环境、面临的挑战及应对思路,对2005年以来国际图情教育改革的研究成果进行总结,发现近几年来该领域的研究主题主要集中在以下几个方面:iSchool及其评价、LIS教育模式及其变革、LIS课程体系建设、LIS教学方法的研究及各国LIS教育进展和国际合作的研究。研究者多由LIS领域的教学科研人员组成;观察、问卷调查和网络调查、访谈等实证方法广为应用;新的理论和研究工具被引入该领域的研究,开辟了新的研究思路。2005至2010年间,LIS教育领域的研究成果数量众多,国内外研究人员在很多问题的基本观点上表现出一定的共性。     

Examining nonsuicidal self-injury content creation on TikTok through qualitative content analysis

Qualitative content analysis is a methodological approach for the subjective interpretation of data. Using empirical research to illustrate the methodological advantages and disadvantages of qualitative content analysis, this article examines the suitability of qualitative content analysis for the field of LIS and illustrates how the method can be used to inform LIS information practices research of marginalized populations through emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs). Specifically, this article examines the suitability of qualitative content analysis through its application in an ongoing study exploring how individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury circumnavigate algorithmic exclusion in the emerging ICT TikTok. Qualitative content analysis can advance LIS research and practice by refuting deficit thinking and understanding information creation practices in context. Methodological shortcomings relate to the reduction of data and the inability to determine cause-and-effect relationships. The author recommends that researchers supplement qualitative content analysis with additional qualitative approaches to address these limitations.     

图书馆情报学主要研究方法:了解、选择及使用

[目的/意义]研究方法在学术研究中发挥着至关重要的作用。确认图书馆情报学领域主要的研究方法，并对它们进行了解熟悉，以在开展研究时能合理选择、灵活使用，确保研究质量。[方法/过程]对近2 000篇图书馆情报学领域的研究文献以及相关研究方法论文进行内容分析，在此基础上对研究方法的类分命名、图书馆情报学界主要的研究方法的确定、特点和使用注意事项进行介绍和讨论。[结果/结论]研究方法应以数据收集法而不是数据分析法命名。图书馆情报学领域常用的研究方法包括实验法、问卷法、理论研讨法、内容分析法、访谈法和书目计量法，每种方法都有各自的特点。因而在选择使用时，既应根据具体研究课题及研究方法之特性，也要考虑使用注意事项，并尽量在同一研究中采用两种或更多的方法，以扬长避短，更有效地展开研究。     

Concept analysis for library and information science: Exploring usage

Although several library and information science (LIS) and information needs, seeking, and use (INSU) scholars have called for improving the discipline's conceptual and theoretical foundation, the LIS literature presents surprisingly few models for exploring and clarifying central concepts. While models for concept exploration such as the treatise or explication focus on determining “the” definition of a concept, other approaches, such as discourse analysis, have clear methodological and theoretical premises but lack sufficiently identifiable methods for application. The purpose of this paper is to describe, a collection of innovative approaches of concept analysis (CA) from nursing scholarship. While individual approaches to CA differ slightly from each other in terms of theoretical standpoint and method, all share the goal of clarifying individual concepts to establish a foundation for empirical research. This paper describes the theoretical foundations and application of CA approaches from nursing scholarship and presents an abbreviated case of its application to usage, a concept of interest to the LIS community. CA holds a great deal of potential for LIS scholars who seek to clarify the discipline's concepts, whether foundational and basic, or more obscure and specific.     

Awareness of,and Attitudes Towards the Paradigm Shifts Among Library and Information Science (LIS) Faculty Staff in Zimbabwe

The study is informed by the Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The integrative theoretical approach allowed for methodological pluralism and enabled the researcher to discuss two distinct types of change, namely evolutionary change and revolutionary change. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed. The qualitative methodology was dominant, while the quantitative methodology was supplementary. The study integrated case study and survey research methods within a single research design. Respondents in the case study were surveyed using survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The population of the study comprises all LIS faculty staff, Deans/Heads of Departments (HODs) in higher education institutions (HEIs) offering LIS education in Zimbabwe. The study found that LIS faculty members have high awareness levels and optimism about paradigm shifts in the fields of library and information science. Despite this awareness, knowledge and optimism, LIS faculty staff are victims of paradigm effects and paradigm paralysis. This suggests that for any change initiatives to succeed, LIS faculty members need to break the chains of paradigm effects and paralysis. Until the chains are broken no meaningful evolutionary or revolutionary change can happen in LIS education and training in Zimbabwe. The findings provide fundamental information for decision makers at national and institutional levels. The information can be used for the purpose of analysis, advocacy and strategic planning for educational reforms.     

如何成功地在国际图情期刊上发表论文？——IFLA Journal研讨会回顾

提高研究素养是图书馆从业人员和图情院系学生都面临的挑战。在2019年8月22~23日的IFLA Journal研讨会上,国际图情期刊编辑与各国代表就如何在国际期刊发表论文、如何像讲故事一样研究与写作、如何设计和评估研究以及如何认识学术规范等方面进行了交流与对话。文章回顾该次会议议题及其讨论,以期对我国图情研究和研究者如何成功地在国际图情期刊上发表论文有所启示。     

Research methods: What's in the name?

Research methods are applied in all kinds of studies, though no consensus exists regarding what constitutes a research method and how research methods should be categorized. Over 1900 research articles were obtained from three major journals published between 2001 and 2010 in library and information science (LIS). Each selected article was coded using a schema of research methods developed in this study. The coded data, along with related publications, were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. This exploration shows that research methods comprise data collection techniques (e.g., interview, observation) and data analysis techniques (e.g., qualitative, quantitative). Research methods should perhaps be categorized by data collection technique, as it makes more sense than if research methods are labeled as qualitative or quantitative. This study is one of the many efforts to facilitate a better understanding of research methods in LIS and help scholars make more informed decisions about research method selection in their endeavors. Its implications can be extended to LIS research education, training, and advocacy. Because research methods themselves are not discipline-specific, researchers beyond the LIS field would benefit from this study as well.     

图书馆学研究中的实验法:回顾与前瞻

文章回顾了国内外图书馆学研究对实验法的应用,在此基础上,考察了实验法应用于图书馆学研究的优势,并对其局限性及其认识论根源进行了分析。结合图书馆学的具体研究领域,分析了实验法的应用前景,并对基于设计的研究(Design-based Research)和混合方法研究(Mixed Methods Research)进行了简要评析。     

Fusing research into practice: The role of research methods education

A survey was conducted among library and information science (LIS) practitioners to examine the effect of the research methods course on LIS practitioners' work. Findings suggest the research methods course is a valuable component of the master's in library and information science (MLIS) program. Taking the research methods course increases LIS practitioners' research interest and assists them by helping them critically evaluate published literature and apply it at work, provide better assistance to library patrons, produce valid and reliable data to facilitate decision making, identify problems at work and design and implement studies to solve them, and write grants and for publication. Suggestions are made to improve the research methods curriculum and enhance the educational experience for LIS practitioners.