Naturalistic Inquiry for Library Science

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Naturalistic Inquiry for Library Science Methods and Applications for Research, Evaluation, and Teaching

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By Constance Ann Mellon

Foreword by Robert C. Bogdan

ISBN: 0-313-25653-5

ISBN-13: 978-0-313-25653-0

DOI:

218 pages, figures

Greenwood Press

Publication: 3/9/1990

List Price: $119.95 (UK Sterling Price: £70.00)

Availability:

Media Type: Hardcover

Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4

Subjects:

Library & Information Science » Information Science

Series Title: Contributions in Librarianship and Information Science

Series Number: 64

Reviews:

. . . Mellon's book is a very readable explanation of the process of naturalistic inquiry based on her own experiences. She provides the librarian with guidelines and advice for setting up, conducting, and presenting a naturalistic study. . . . Mellon's work provides library scientists and librarians with an alternative to these traditional research methods, one which can produce more insightful and useful research on libraries.
—Library Journal
. . . I found this book to be a very useful introduction to the methods employed by naturalistic investigators, and I would recommend it to students of library studies interested in learning about this important inquiry methodology.
—Library Quarterly

Description: Research does not have to mean getting buried in statistics, claims Constance Mellon, and in this unique study she describes an approach to applying the naturalistic inquiry of anthropology and sociology to the field of information science. Drawing on the author's experience in the design of instruction, the book outlines a humanistic and relevant method of naturalistic research whose aim is understanding rather than prediction. Unlike other books on the topic, here the method is directed specifically toward librarianship and its particular needs and problems, and made clear through a series of concrete examples. Not only is it the first book of its kind in the field, but its direct and simple style will make it accessible to everyone from beginners to experienced researchers. The book explains, in a step-by-step fashion, the various aspects of naturalistic inquiry, with the chapters following an organization similar to the stages of a study. Chapters 1 and 2 provide a background to the theory of such studies, as well as practice studies that can aid new researchers in getting started; chapters 3 through 5 describe the methodology of naturalistic inquiry, including data collection, analysis, and report writing; and the final three chapters present a variety of practical suggestions for applying naturalistic inquiry to the library field. This volume will be an appropriate text for courses in quantitative research methods and library information studies, sociology, anthropology, and education. It will also be a relevant work for librarians and administrators interested in research methods and evaluation, and a valuable addition to both university and public libraries.

Table of Contents:

Foreword by Robert C. Bogdan
Preface
The Theory Underlying Naturalistic Inquiry
Selecting, Defining, and Limiting Your Study
Collecting and Analyzing Naturalistic Data: An Integrated Activity
Intensive Analysis for Theory Generation
Presenting Your Findings
Naturalistic Inquiry for Research in Library Science
Naturalistic Inquiry for Evaluation in Library Science
Naturalistic Inquiry as a Teaching Method in Library Science
Selected Bibliography
Index

LC Card Number: 89-27276

LCC Class: Z669

Dewey Class: 020


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