Researching M-Libraries
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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. | 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. | ||
| − | + | The ideas below were generated by participants in a [[Researching M-Libraries workshop|workshop]] on Researching M-Libraries held at [http://www.library.ubc.ca/borrserv/mlibraries/welcome.html the Second International M-Libraries conference]. | |
| + | |||
| + | == 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? | ||
| + | |||
| + | See [http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B859nG04GV83NjFkYjQ0NDAtMmRiMi00ZDAwLWEwNzAtNDNjODBhYjNmZTNi&hl=en_GB posters on Qualitative and Quantitative research methods] developed by Anne Hewling. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''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''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Possible Issues == | ||
| + | Please add tips from your own experience | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Reasons to be cheerful === | ||
| + | * Sample population could also be used to comment on behaviours of non-users (their peers) | ||
| + | *Paper form used outside coffee shop (Tim Hortons) with incentive of $1 gift certificate resulted in a good –sized sample of a mix of people. Anecdotally seemed to be more successful than a draw for an iPod. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Things to be aware of === | ||
| + | * Value of researching information-seeking habits (what do we really learn?) | ||
| + | * Speed of change | ||
| + | * Have we defined mobile? What is mobile device? | ||
| + | * Privacy issues | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | == Example Projects == | ||
| + | These were generated by [[Researching M-Libraries workshop|workshop]] participants at [http://www.library.ubc.ca/borrserv/mlibraries/welcome.html the Second International M-Libraries Conference]. Please add your own examples to help others learn when particular methods are appropriate. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Problems and prospects of m-libraries development in Bangladesh === | ||
| + | * Joint research project between developing country and Bangladesh. | ||
| + | * Could outsource the development of the survey. | ||
| + | * Sample mobile users what they thing of possible services – examples, government services notices, weather notification for fishermen | ||
| + | * Survey would need to be voice and in local language. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === How to deliver surveys as Users' Interest Surveys === | ||
| + | * What devices users have and want | ||
| + | * Using IT dept and registrations data for campus no.s of laptops | ||
| + | * Health sector – intranet not internet. Have need to make own versions of Google Analytics. | ||
| + | * Privacy issues - collect but don’t look at. | ||
| + | * What actually produces changes in behaviour & does it improve learner care? | ||
| + | * Issue – speed of change | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | === Example posters of search – what do folks look for? === | ||
| + | * Analysis of search logs. | ||
| + | * Top 1000 search terms | ||
| + | * Mobile user vs. users – differences, overlap | ||
| + | * Mobile delivery (endpoint) vs. mobile discovery (tool) | ||
Latest revision as of 13:08, 27 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.
The ideas below were generated by participants in a workshop on Researching M-Libraries held at the Second International M-Libraries conference.
Contents |
[edit] 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?
See posters on Qualitative and Quantitative research methods developed by Anne Hewling.
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
[edit] Possible Issues
Please add tips from your own experience
[edit] Reasons to be cheerful
- Sample population could also be used to comment on behaviours of non-users (their peers)
- Paper form used outside coffee shop (Tim Hortons) with incentive of $1 gift certificate resulted in a good –sized sample of a mix of people. Anecdotally seemed to be more successful than a draw for an iPod.
[edit] Things to be aware of
- Value of researching information-seeking habits (what do we really learn?)
- Speed of change
- Have we defined mobile? What is mobile device?
- Privacy issues
[edit] Example Projects
These were generated by workshop participants at the Second International M-Libraries Conference. Please add your own examples to help others learn when particular methods are appropriate.
[edit] Problems and prospects of m-libraries development in Bangladesh
- Joint research project between developing country and Bangladesh.
- Could outsource the development of the survey.
- Sample mobile users what they thing of possible services – examples, government services notices, weather notification for fishermen
- Survey would need to be voice and in local language.
[edit] How to deliver surveys as Users' Interest Surveys
- What devices users have and want
- Using IT dept and registrations data for campus no.s of laptops
- Health sector – intranet not internet. Have need to make own versions of Google Analytics.
- Privacy issues - collect but don’t look at.
- What actually produces changes in behaviour & does it improve learner care?
- Issue – speed of change
[edit] Example posters of search – what do folks look for?
- Analysis of search logs.
- Top 1000 search terms
- Mobile user vs. users – differences, overlap
- Mobile delivery (endpoint) vs. mobile discovery (tool)
