Centre for Information Studies
Library and Information Science
Research Methods for Students, Academics and Professionals: Information Management and Systems (2nd edition)
Table Of Contents Sample Chapter
Kirsty
Williamson et al. (2002)
Topics in Australasian library and information studies No 22. 350pp. soft cover
ISBN 978 1876938 42 0
Research is such an important subject for information professionals that there will always be a need for effective guides to it. Research skills are a prerequisite for those who want to work successfully in information environments, an essential set of tools which enable information workers to become information professionals. This book focuses on producing critical consumers of research. It also goes some way towards producing researchers in the fields of information management and systems.
The first edition of this book was enthusiastically received by researchers, students and information professionals in Australia and beyond. Reviews of the first edition considered it a “a worthwhile addition to any information professional’s or research student’s reference shelf” (Archives & Manuscripts). This new edition has an additional chapter on ethics, to address the importance of the ethical implications of research. It also has (as did the first edition) two unique characteristics: it is Australian-focused, distinctive among research texts for information professionals; and it has a multi-disciplinary focus, with its authors being drawn from information management (librarianship, archives and recordkeeping) and information systems. The numerous examples throughout the book are drawn from these multiple disciplines. The first edition of this book was road-tested with students from several disciplines who are studying in several universities. Its Introduction noted that "In research terms, the content have been refereed and found to be authoritative!" To this can be added the many satisfied users of the first edition.
"The strengths of this work include its coverage of a very wide range of methods, clear and straightforward explanations of often quite complex issues, and simple, useful diagrams… this is a worthwhile, well written text which should, and undoubtedly will, join postgraduate reading lists across the country. For many, it could well be a first choice."
Australian Academic and Research Libraries"Williamson's text is carefully crafted around themes moving from an analysis of the major traditions of research through to the deconstruction of method and techniques… A very readable, cogent and accessible text… A glossary and clearly illustrated graphics are both valuable to the new researcher and vital to the overall clarification of ideas expounded within the text."
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Table Of Contents
List of figures, tables and boxes
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Section 1 Introduction to research methods
Chapter 1 Introduction to research in relation to professional practice
Chapter 2 The two major traditions of research
Chapter 3 The beginning stages of research
Chapter 4 Ethics in research
Section 2 Methods
Chapter 5 Survey research
Chapter 6 Case study research
Chapter 7 Experimental research designs
Chapter 8 Systems development in information systems research
Chapter 9 Action research
Chapter 10 Ethnography
Chapter 11 Historical research
Chapter 12 The Delphi method
Section 3 Techniques
Chapter 13
Research techniques: Sampling
Chapter 14
Research techniques: Questionnaires and interviews
Chapter 15
Research techniques: Focus groups
Chapter 16
Ethnographic techniques
Section 4 Data analysis
Chapter 17
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
Chapter 18
Evaluation of published research
Postcript Seven questions for information
management and systems researchers
Glossary
Notes on contributors
Index