Out of the many methodologies and reasons for conducting research that may exist, there are three notable areas of research that can be thought of when referring to Library and Information Science. One, is obviously our job to do internal library research. As Librarians to assist patrons in research topics. To do this, a Librarian must both understand the resources available and have basic research techniques in place to be able to assist patrons in their own search. Furthermore, understanding information-seeking behavior also affects the way patrons approach research, so being able to present those resources in a way that patrons can relate to is crucial.
Secondly, Librarian's must have an the ability to research information at a scholarly level and be able to present it at a professional level for many reasons. A librarian may need to apply for grants, or petition for services, they must rationalize or defend best practices, train, and all these possible scenarios (and many more) but be backed up with research, facts, and information. Knowing what is accepted as professionally accepted material, for example peer-researched scholarly articles, will give a librarian the edge to present whatever information they need to, in almost any situation, to any professional force such as a board of directors, bosses, Government funding organizations, and so on. Without this skill librarians cease to be professional forces and experts on information. This skill is part of what sets them above as authorities on information and professional protectors of information.
Thirdly, Librarians need to research their own practices, patron usage, statistics, and information seeking behaviors within their community (just to name a handful). Having the ability to track, research, and professionally record and present this information can make or brake the future and function, funding and rational for a library. When financial crisis hits, librarian's need to present facts and research that defend their practices and vie for resources. The ability to work together and research best practices also affects the way a library functions. With the less is more environment, librarian's need to research best practices to survive and make the best of hard times. There is no doubt that without this skill one can not be a professional force in libraries today.
Demonstrative Works
In Artifact 1, in an assignment for 285, Research Methods, I present a simple paper using a familiar and entertaining topic to illustrate my philosophy on research in action as a way of improving working conditions and bettering ourselves as a team in a learning organization. Based on Action Research theories, a reflective process used by workers in learning organizations, to learn as you go to address problems and work more efficiently with research in action at its core. In this article, I present the 1970's film Jaws the main characters clash as they try to defeat this monster shark that keeps coming a shore to eat summer beach goers. Nobody wants to work together. They also never seem to learn from pst experiences. Sound familiar? It is my experience that within the work place, going forward doesn't usually include the reflective process. With this reflective process the main character in the film is able to think about how they can use their past experiences to defeat the shark. Similarly, if employees, had regular, reflective meetings, the working environment would vastly improve, consequently services, time, and money is saved. Including a learning process and research i action, we can confidently say, "I think we need a bigger boat" metaphorically speaking of course.
In Artifact 2, which was written for LIBR 200, is my term paper that demonstrates my ability to gather data and research on a topic and present it professionally. In this paper, I research librarian stereotypes. This paper includes professional references, a literature review, and the standard APA format which is a required standard in the profession of library sciences. Furthermore, I present my findings in a way that addresses the main issues that Librarian's face in terms of stereotype. Stereotypes include pop-culture, gender issues, sexuality issues, generational issues and ultimately how we can use these stereotypes to our advantage rather then against us or a point of contention. This is both an example of my ability to conduct formal research as well as how I can use research to better our profession as a whole.
In Artifact 3, I present proof of my completion of the requirement, within LIBR 285 Research Methods, to complete an online training that education employees that research human subjects (such as librarians must do in collecting data on information seeking behavior or library usage and other research and statistical needs librarians conduct while collecting facts and data about their library) on the background and history of research on human subjects. The certificate is issued by The National Institute of Health and called the NIH Certificate.
Artifact 1: Action Research & Jaws
Artifact 2: Librarians and Stereotypes
LIBR 200 Term Paper
Artifact 2: Librarians and Stereotypes
LIBR 200 Term Paper
Artifact 3: NIH Certificate
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