Researching M-Libraries
From Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki
(Difference between revisions)
(New page: As developing M-libraries services is a fairly new idea, researching how effective they are or what users want from them is even newer. This page is a space to discuss research methods an...) |
(Added section on Research Methods) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
Attached are posters created for a workshop on Researching M-Libraries held at the Second International M-Libraries conference. The posters include outcomes from the workshop, as written by participants. | Attached are posters created for a workshop on Researching M-Libraries held at the Second International M-Libraries conference. The posters include outcomes from the workshop, as written by participants. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Research Methods == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * '''Action research''' evolves as practice happens; responds to real time and life occurrences | ||
| + | * '''Sponsored use programmes''' offer low cost access to equipment but what of vested interests? | ||
| + | * '''Case studies''' - highly individual. Of limited value beyond the contexts that generate them? | ||
| + | * '''Video/audio diaries''' exploit affordances of the mobile tools but can simply become performances? | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Alternatives''' | ||
| + | * '''Involve participants''' in the design of the research & road-testing | ||
| + | * '''Analysis of existing data''' (e.g. search logs; equipment ownership statistics) | ||
| + | * '''Surveys''' – online/print/voice - must be clearly worded and take account of local language and culture | ||
| + | * '''Equipment/user tracking''' | ||
Revision as of 15:22, 25 August 2009
As developing M-libraries services is a fairly new idea, researching how effective they are or what users want from them is even newer.
This page is a space to discuss research methods and examples of research into m-library services in order to share practice and support one another in this burgeoning area.
Attached are posters created for a workshop on Researching M-Libraries held at the Second International M-Libraries conference. The posters include outcomes from the workshop, as written by participants.
Research Methods
- Action research evolves as practice happens; responds to real time and life occurrences
- Sponsored use programmes offer low cost access to equipment but what of vested interests?
- Case studies - highly individual. Of limited value beyond the contexts that generate them?
- Video/audio diaries exploit affordances of the mobile tools but can simply become performances?
Alternatives
- Involve participants in the design of the research & road-testing
- Analysis of existing data (e.g. search logs; equipment ownership statistics)
- Surveys – online/print/voice - must be clearly worded and take account of local language and culture
- Equipment/user tracking
