Describes ways in which content analysis is being used in library and information science research. Methodological concerns are addressed, including selection of target documents, selection of samples to be analyzed, selection of categories for analysis, and elimination of researcher bias to assure reliability. (35 references) (LRW)

Provides an introduction to and analysis of hermeneutics as an alternative research method for library and information science, discussing its philosophical advantages over quantitative research. The triadic process of interpretation is described as particularly suitable for advancing the theoretical foundations of library and information science.…

Analyzes and characterizes issues and trends in library and information science research published in 91 English-language journals in 1984. Data presented in tables include: (1) broad subject areas; (2) subdivisions of applied subject category; (3) library types; (4) research methods; and (5) research method percentages for given years. (MES)

This study describes the research articles published during 1980 in 41 core library journals and reports data for each source article: journal, research methodology, subject, total number of references, and number of references to journal articles. List of journals included in study and 12 tables are appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Discusses the study of libraries as complex organizations and describes theoretical organizational models that have been used to investigate libraries. The concepts of complexity, centralization, and formalization are examined; occupational specialty, professional training, and knowledge specialization are explored; and further research is…

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Presents conceptual framework for library and information science research and analyzes research methodology that has application for information science, using as example results of study conducted by authors. Rationale for use of qualitative research methods in theory building is discussed and qualitative and quantitative research methods are…

Reviews the use of propositional analysis in library and information science research. Evidence that different analysts produce similar judgments about texts and use the method consistently over time is presented, and it is concluded that propositional analysis is a reliable and valid research method. An example of an analysis is appended. (32…

This study examines and compares the purpose, content, and form of the problem statement by researchers in disciplines other than library and information science (LIS). Their assessments of the attributes of a problem statement were compared to the literature and an evaluation of problem statements evidenced by researchers within LIS. (Contains 16…

Examines various characteristics of authors of library and information science journal articles published in 1986. Comparisons are made between the author characteristics of articles that resulted from funded research and articles that were not supported by funding, and patterns of collaboration and possession of a doctoral degree are also…

Examines library availability studies for the past 50 years as a measure of library effectiveness and looks at their differing sources of study samples, methods for gathering data, categories of nonavailability, and data analysis. The Kantor branching technique developed in 1976 is described as the standard analysis method. (Author/EM)

Develops a conceptual model which places public library use in the context of a series of interrelated decisions made by consumer about allocating time to various activities based on relative costs and benefits, and tests the model against available data on the characteristics of public library users. Seventeen references are included. (EJS)

A model for the organization of multitype library networks was tested on the l43 networks in the United States with public, academic, school, and special library members. Eight indicators of organization and their interdependence were measured: planning, governance, funding, communication and delivery, configuration, administration, evaluation,…

Describes study that examined both currently operational and planned programs where academic libraries are involved in cooperative programs either financed or encouraged by state coordinating agencies of higher education. Limitations of the study are discussed, and a questionnaire and interview questions are appended. (eight references)…

Public library effectiveness efforts are placed within the context of theoretical and empirical research on organizational effectiveness. The construct, measures, and determinants of public library effectiveness are investigated, and a possible model of the determinants of public library output measures is presented. (Author/EM)