Lynn Silipigni Connaway is director of library trends and user research at OCLC Research.

Marie L. Radford is chair and professor in the Department of Library and Information Science at Rutgers University.

Illustrations
Text Boxes
Preface

1-Research and Librarianship
Introduction
Definition of Research
The Assessment Imperative
Scholarly Communication
Research Data Management and Reuse
New Modes for Collaboration
Time Management
Overview of Previous Library and Information Science Research
Current Library and Information Science Research Environment
Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Recommendations for Future Research in Library and Information Science
Summary
References

2-Developing the Research Study
Planning for Research: Getting Started
Philosophical Underpinnings and Assumptions
Paradigms That Shape Research Development
A General Outline for Research
Literature Review of Related Research
Identification of the Problem
Characteristics of a Problem Suitable for Research
Statement of the Problem
Identifying Subproblems
The Role of Theory in the Design of Research
Definition of Theory
Research Design
Differences in Quantitative and Qualitative Design
Mixed Methods
Testing or Applying the Theory
The Pilot Study
Summary
References

3-Writing the Research Proposal
Organization and Content of a Typical Proposal
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction and Statement of the Problem
The Literature Review of Related Research
Research Design
Institutional Resources
Personnel
Budget
Anticipated Results
Indicators of Success
Diversity Plan
Limitations of the Study
Back Matter
The Dissertation Proposal: Further Guidance
Characteristics of a Good Proposal
Features That Detract from a Proposal
Obtaining Funding for Library and Information Science Research
Summary
References

4-Principles of Quantitative Methods
Formulating Hypotheses
Definitions of Hypothesis
Sources of Hypotheses
Developing the Hypothesis
Variables
Concepts
Desirable Characteristics of Hypotheses
Testing the Hypothesis
Validity and Reliability
Validity of Research Design
Validity in Measurement
Logical Validity
Empirical Validity
Construct Validity
Reliability of Research Design
Reliability in Measurement
Scales
Ethics of Research
General Guidelines
Guidelines for Library and Information Science Professionals
Ethics for Research in the Digital Environment
Research Misconduct
Summary
References

5-Survey Research and the Questionnaire
Survey Research
Major Differences between Survey Research and Other Methods
Types of Survey Research
Exploratory Survey Research
Descriptive Survey Research
Other Types of Survey Research
Basic Purposes of Descriptive Survey Research
Basic Steps of Survey Research: An Overview
Survey Research Designs
Survey Research Costs
The Questionnaire
Prequestionnaire Planning
Advantages of the Questionnaire
Disadvantages of the Questionnaire
Constructing the Questionnaire
Type of Question According to Information Needed
Type of Question According to Form
Scaled Responses
Question Content and Selection
Question Wording
Sequencing of Questionnaire Items
Sources of Error
Preparing the First Draft
Evaluating the Questionnaire
The Pretest
Final Editing
Cover Email or Letter with Introductory Information
Distribution of the Questionnaire
Summary
References

6-Sampling
Basic Terms and Concepts
Types of Sampling Methods
Nonprobability Sampling
Probability Sampling
Determining the Sample Size
Use of Formulas
Sampling Error
Other Causes of Sampling Error
Nonsampling Error
Summary
References

7-Experimental Research
Causality
The Conditions for Causality
Bases for Inferring Causal Relationships
Controlling the Variables
Random Assignment
Internal Validity
Threats to Internal Validity
External Validity
Threats to External Validity
Experimental Designs
True Experimental Designs
True Experiments and Correlational Studies
Quasi-Experimental Designs
Ex Post Facto Designs
Internet-Based Experiments
Summary
References

8-Analysis of Quantitative Data
Statistical Analysis
Data Mining
Log Analysis
Data Science
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Bibliometrics
Role of Statistics
Cautions in Using Statistics
Steps Involved in Statistical Analysis
The Establishment of Categories
Coding the Data
Analyzing the Data: Descriptive Statistics
Analyzing the Data: Inferential Statistics
Parametric Statistics
Nonparametric Statistics
Selecting the Appropriate Statistical Test
Cautions in Testing the Hypothesis
Statistical Analysis Software
Visualization and Display of Quantitative Data
Summary
References

9-Principles of Qualitative Methods
Introduction to Qualitative Methods
Strengths of a Qualitative Approach
Role of the Researcher
The Underlying Assumptions of Naturalistic Work
Ethical Concerns
Informed Consent
Deception
Confidentiality and Anonymity...