Conducting Original Research for Your Library

A book that delves into the rationale and numbers for improving and enhancing library services that patrons want and need. Each chapter begins with focus questions that set the pace for the content and ends with a summary of main points and implementation ideas for prioritized next steps, including a list of key vocabulary terms and references for further study. The initial chapters answer the questions of “why” one should consider conducting research and “what” to do, including creating a sound question and the corresponding hypothesis development. Here, the authors share their Reflective Inquiry Model as a visual representation of the research process. The heart of this book envisions librarians as astute research practitioners distinguishing statistics, statistical literacy, and statistical information literacy for their own projects, as well as excellent practitioners able to proactively aid students in the most current and high-end science of the research process. Even with the use of complex language, like errors, populations, and samples, the authors know their educated audience; the tone of the writing not only informs, but encourages librarians to step up their practice by helping their own libraries while moving the profession to new levels. The title concludes on an introspective note, nudging the reader to imagine an ultimate world in which the library is better for the knowledge, collaboration, and actions of professionals working toward a common goal and vision.