Discusses methodological issues concerning qualitative research and describes research practices that qualitative researchers use to address these methodological issues. Topics discussed include the researcher as interpreter, the emergent nature of qualitative research, understanding the experience of others, trustworthiness in qualitative…

Describes the participant-observation technique for data collection and proposes its usefulness as a research methodology in library science. Procedural steps are outlined and suggestions are offered for successful completion of participant-observation research. (10 references) (Author/MES)

Examines development of social libraries (formed by associations for member use) in New England and rest of United States before 1850, and social and public library growth between 1850 and 1900. Opinions of contemporaries and seven aspects of American life indicating reluctance to abandon social library are highlighted. (27 references) (EJS)

Investigates cognitive effects of history doctoral students writing information about names pertinent to their study on index cards and recognizing patterns among the data elements. Highlights include schemata theory; theories on expert cognition; the development of expert thinking; and an information retrieval system that facilitates name…

Describes geographic information systems and the assembly of data for analysis for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (Indiana). Presents examples of possible analyses: distribution of library patrons; distances patrons travel to use libraries; branch library services and characteristics of populations served; numbers of patrons served…

For more than five years the Houston Public Library has collected statistics for measuring networked collections and services based on emerging guidelines. While the guidelines have provided authority and stability to the process, the clarification process continues. The development of information discovery software, such as federated search tools…

Reports on the development and current status of archival education within North American library schools. Highlights include the future of archival education; program identification; curriculum; and faculty, including a roster of archival educators in North America. Includes nine tables. (LRW)

The American Institute of Physics is cited as example of a professional society as publisher, noting 1982 budget, educational services activities, 1982 journal publishing expenses, and income from subscriptions to six archival journals. Computer photocomposition, electronic publishing and document delivery, telecommunications networks, and…

Describes and discusses metanalysis and criticisms of the methodology. Reports on a pilot study which tested the feasibility of metanalytic methods in library science research using the literature on paper- or computer-based information retrieval. (28 references) (EA)