Library and information science research in the 21st century : a guide for practising librarians and students / Ibironke O. Lawal

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction : Brief history of librarianship; Training for the library and information profession: historical overview; The 1-year Master's programme; Library education: the case for research capabilities; Why library schools fail; European perspective; Conclusions -- The significance of research in the library and information profession : What is research?; Origin of the research enterprise in library and information science; Justification for research methods course in the library and information science core curriculum; Digital Natives versus Digital Immigrants; Conclusions and suggestions -- Overview of the research process : Getting started; Where to find ideas; Hypothesis formulation; Review of current literature; Database searching; Library literature and information science; Ethical issues; Conclusions -- Research designs : Variables; Experimental designs; Non-experimental design; Qualitative research methods; Focus groups; Conclusions -- Data collection : Population and sampling; Gathering quantitative data; Data gathering for a qualitative study; Conclusions -- Data analysis : Quantitative data analysis; Qualitative data analysis; Conclusions -- Collaboration : Definitions of collaboration; The mechanics of collaboration; Tools; Challenges of collaboration; Conclusions -- Preparing and publishing research reports : Types of writing; Writing for peer-reviewed publication; Preparing a research manuscript for publication; Increasing your chances of acceptance; Finding a suitable journal; Rejection; Writing; Some tips on writing

A theoretically informed research guide that pays particular attention to electronic media, this book explores the nexus of theory and practice, and offers suggestions for collaborative projects and further research. Also included are tips on survey instrument design.