The seventh edition of this frequently adopted textbook features new or expanded sections on social justice research, data analysis software, scholarly identity research, social networking, data science, and data visualization, among other topics. It continues to include discipline experts' voices. The revised seventh edition of this popular text provides instruction and guidance for professionals and students in library and information science who want to conduct research and publish findings, as well as for practicing professionals who want a broad overview of the current literature. Providing a broad introduction to research design, the authors include principles, data collection techniques, and analyses of quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as advantages and limitations of each method and updated bibliographies. Chapters cover the scientific method, sampling, validity, reliability, and ethical concerns along with quantitative and qualitative methods. LIS students and professionals will consult this text not only for instruction on conducting research but also for guidance in critically reading and evaluating research publications, proposals, and reports. As in the previous edition, discipline experts provide advice, tips, and strategies for completing research projects, dissertations, and theses; writing grants; overcoming writer's block; collaborating with colleagues; and working with outside consultants. Journal and book editors discuss how to publish and identify best practices and understudied topics, as well as what they look for in submissions. Features new or expanded sections on social justice research; virtual collaboration, data collection, and dissemination; scholarly communication; computer-assisted qualitative and quantitative data analysis; scholarly identity research and guidelines; data science; and visualization of quantitative and qualitative data Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and update, especially of research published over the past five years Highlights school, public, and academic research findings Relies on the coauthors' expertise in research design, securing grant funding, and using the latest technology and data analysis software

An essential resource for LIS master's and doctoral students, new LIS faculty, and academic librarians, this book provides expert guidance and practical examples based on current research about quantitative and qualitative research methods and design. Conducting research and successfully publishing the findings is a goal of many professionals and students in library and information science (LIS). Using the best methodology maximizes the likelihood of a successful outcome. This outstanding book broadly covers the principles, data collection techniques, and analyses of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as the advantages and limitations of each method to research design. It addresses these research methods and design by discussing the scientific method, sampling techniques, validity, reliability, and ethical concerns along with additional topics such as experimental research design, ethnographic methods, and usability testing. The book presents comprehensive information in a logical, easy-to-follow format, covering topics such as research strategies for library and information science doctoral students; planning for research; defining the problem, forming a theory, and testing the theory; the scientific method of inquiry and data collection techniques; survey research methods and questionnaires; analyzing quantitative data; interview-based research; writing research proposals; and even time management skills. LIS students and professionals can consult the text for instruction on conducting research using this array of tools as well as for guidance in critically reading and evaluating research publications, proposals, and reports. The explanations and current research examples supplied by discipline experts offer advice and strategies for completing research projects, dissertations, and theses as well as for writing grants, overcoming writer's block, collaborating with colleagues, and working with outside consultants. The answer to nearly any question posed by novice researchers is provided in this book. Now in its sixth edition, the book provides new and updated content that is even more comprehensive than before and contains added sections featuring the voices of prominent LIS scholars, researchers, and editors "Voices of the Experts" text boxes provide researchers' advice on specific methods and identify what was most important or most valuable about using a particular method and software for analysis-e.g., NVivo, SurveyMonkey, and log capture Written by coauthors with extensive expertise in research design, securing grant funding, and using the latest technology and data analysis software