Education for Information - Volume 15, issue 4

Authors: Zeitlyn, David | Bex, Jane

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15401

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 281-282, 1997

Authors: Forrester, Michael A. | Ramsden, Christopher | Reason, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The research interview constitutes one of the main methods for obtaining information from library users. Typically, interviews are now recorded and then analysed later by the interviewer. In this paper we consider the advantages and disadvantages of using discourse and conversation analysis when examining users' responses. We focus upon two concrete examples; a study employing discourse analysis when re-designing an index, and research in which conversation analysis is used as part of the evaluation procedure for interface design. Our suggestion is that discourse analysis is particularly useful when seeking information of a general nature, whereas conversation analysis has the advantage …of uncovering implicit models and metaphors employed by people when using library services. Our primary aim in. this paper is to highlight some of the costs and benefits of utilising discourse and conversation analytic methods for library staff. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15402

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 283-295, 1997

Authors: Banwell, Linda | Edwards, Catherine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper is based on current and recently completed research at the Department of Information and Library Management, University of Northumbria at Newcastle. It will examine the development and use of novel qualitative research methods in LIS in projects in the education, health and library sectors. The methodology developed in work funded by the British Library, on school governors (in the projects “school governors' access to information”, and “GINN: investigating school Governors INformation Needs”), and public libraries (in the project “LOGOPLUS: the impact of LOcal GOvernment re-organisation on Public Library Users and Staff”), is discussed. As well as using a …mix of “conventional” qualitative research methods, the projects are fostering the development of a more experiment-based information tracking technique which aims to improve the objectivity and validity of the qualitative data obtained. Work being undertaken in the project IMPEL2 (the “IMpact on People of Electronic Libraries”), which is being funded by the JISC under the eLib programme, is also described. QSR NUD.IST, a qualitative data analysis software package, is being used as a management tool in the management of this very complex multistrand project and this paper will focus on the co-ordinated development of an index structure which improves the validity of cross-project analysis. Shortcomings of the technique are highlighted and an approach combining qualitative computing with more traditional methods of qualitative data analysis are suggested. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15403

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 297-303, 1997

Authors: Rosenberg, Duska

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Advanced information technology can change the traditional services offered by libraries. Paper-based documents can now be accessed electronically and users have more control over information retrieval. The image of the library as a place where books can be found and read is giving way to the main function of the library as an information provider. In this paper the library is discussed as a model for the design of information provision in the workplace where information search is part of decision-making tasks. Special emphasis is placed on the role of information in facilitating cooperation and communication in the workplace, with …examples from fieldwork in manufacturing and construction industries. A specific application of multimedia, People and Information Finder, is considered in some detail as it provides a rich information environment for information gathering, interpretation of the information found as well as communication and dissemination of the results. The role of multimedia technologies in achieving effective information provision is also discussed with reference to its potential for revealing the social and organisational contexts of user tasks and activities. The conclusion is that effective information provision of libraries in the workplace also includes considerations of their contribution to the more general notion of information services in the workplace. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15404

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 305-322, 1997

Authors: Squires, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes the methodological developments in two linked research projects concerned with the use of interactive information systems in academic research. The first project, funded by the King's College Research Strategy Fund, was a short-term (one year) exploration of issues concerned with researching this area, with the prime aim of developing a methodological framework. The subsequent project, funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre, developed and refined the framework developed in the exploratory study. The resulting methodology is a hybrid approach which borrows very heavily from the ethnographic tradition. Research techniques common in other areas of research, …e.g. concept mapping, and purpose designed techniques have been used to augment the ethnographic approach. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15405

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 323-330, 1997

Authors: Goulding, Anne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: While focus groups are a frequently-used research method in other disciplines, they are still something of a novelty in library and information studies, particularly in the UK Scanning the LISA1 1 Library and Information Science Abstracts database (in December 1996) there are only 43 references to focus group and most relate to US studies. Often, focus groups are seen as a way of obtaining views on the research subject prior to the investigation proper. This paper will argue, however, that focus groups have great potential as the principle data-gathering method. Library and Information Science Abstracts …This paper will discuss: • what focus groups are; • why focus groups should be considered an appropriate research tool in library and information services; • the advantages of using focus groups; • the practicalities of running a focus group session; and • the type of data generated in focus groups and methods of analysis. It is concluded that focus groups are a valuable research method which simultaneously gives participants a social space in which they can voice their concerns, while allowing the researcher/moderator to control (to whatever extent) the discussion. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15406

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 331-341, 1997

Authors: Nicholas, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Many methods are used in the determining of information needs but most of them – and certainly the most commonly-used ones, are at best inappropriate and at worst misleading. Probably in no other area of information work does the research method influence so greatly what is discovered. It is generally recognised that information use data is no substitute for information needs data, yet researchers proceed to collect such data and continue to make bogus claims as to its provenance. The principal reason for this is that use data is easy to collect – often it's to hand (automatically produced by …library/database management systems). And we must not overlook information managers' love affair with statistics either. Information needs data by its very nature can be obtained only through open-ended interviews and, less satisfactorily, through diaries and observation. The paper examines the structure of the information needs interview and makes some telling comparisons with use data – especially that gleaned from transactional log analysis. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15407

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 343-349, 1997

Authors: Zeitlyn, David | Bex, Jane | David, Matthew

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents results from research into the uses and usefulness of electronic bibliographic databases in academic contexts, using ethnographic and focus group techniques. This research looks at the processes of sense-making (and the breakdown of such attempts) in the ethnographic context of particular academic departments. The ethnographic and focus group data was gathered from students and staff of three faculties at three universities, addressing relations between cultural and technical networks in knowledge production and information management.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15408

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 351-361, 1997

Article Type: News

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15409

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 363-379, 1997

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15410

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 381-381, 1997

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15411

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 383-384, 1997

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1997-15412

Citation: Education for Information, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 385-387, 1997