Paper presented at 13th Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries International Conference (QQML2021) (virtual conference), 25-28 May 2021. Full text available at https://www.napier.ac.uk/~/media/worktribe/output-2755729/using-a-multi-location-longitudinal-focus-group-method-to-conduct-qualitative-research.pdf
Digital Public History and Collaborative Teaching InitiativesHarriett Green
The document discusses digital public history and collaborative teaching initiatives between librarians and instructors. It describes how libraries in the late 19th century served as laboratories, workshops, and schools to educate new librarians in collaboration with instructors. Public history is defined as collaborations that make the past useful to the public. The initiatives involve mixed online and in-person instruction, collaborative teaching, publishing student projects online, and translating research into multimedia narratives by adapting digital humanities tools.
Charleston Conference
Thursday Afternoon Plenary
November 4, 2010, 4:30 PM
Panel presentation by: John Dove, President, Credo Reference; Casper Grathwohl, Vice President and Online and Reference Publisher, Oxford University Press; Phoebe Ayers, Wikimedia Foundation and University of California at Davis; Jason B. Phillips, Librarian for Sociology, Psychology, Gender and Sexuality Studies and American Studies, New York University; Michael Sweet, CEO, Credo Reference
What Does the Public Say? Analyzing Online News Article Comments About LibrariesMargot
The document summarizes a content analysis of 693 public comments on 54 online news articles about libraries. The researchers analyzed comments to understand public perception and views on libraries. Key findings included:
- The most prevalent comment topics were about the value of free access to information in libraries, their physical collections, role in preserving history, and positive impact on communities.
- When commenting, 368 people expressed valuing the role of libraries, while 230 did not value them.
- Notable quotes showed views on both sides, with some commenting that libraries are outdated while others see value in their role for access to information and as community spaces.
The Role of Outreach in Academic Libraries 2009Heidi Card
This document discusses the role of outreach in academic libraries. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the library is visible on campus and connecting with all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff and external groups. It provides examples of outreach activities libraries can undertake such as information literacy sessions, embedded librarians, social media presence and partnering with other campus departments. The goal of outreach is to establish the library as a central and vital part of the learning community.
Value and impact of public libraries - Leo Appleton Northumbria July 2015Leo Appleton
The document summarizes Leo Appleton's PhD research on how public libraries demonstrate their impact on citizenship development in the UK. It outlines the background, theoretical concepts, research questions, methodology, and results of a pilot focus group study. Next steps include conducting longitudinal focus groups in 5 UK cities over 2 years to understand how library use influences access, integration, and knowledge and how this relates to concepts like social capital and information society. The anticipated findings are compelling evidence on the value and impact of public libraries.
Using a longitudinal focus group methodology to measure the value and impact ...Leo Appleton
Methodological paper delivered as part of the student forum at the 12th International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries, Oxford, UK, 31st July - 2nd August 2017
Who do they think we are? Addressing library identity perception in the academyAnnis Lee Adams
This document summarizes a presentation given at the CARL Conference on April 6, 2014. It discusses a presentation given by Margot Hanson from California Maritime Academy and Annis Lee Adams from Golden Gate University titled "Who do they think we are? Addressing library identity perception in the academy." The presentation looked at how librarians are perceived by others and discussed research into how academics write about libraries and librarians online. It provided an overview of several studies and articles on topics such as the value of academic libraries, how academics use online forums, online disinhibition effects, and analyzing comments on library-related articles. Attendees were asked about their experiences with online commenting.
Digital Public History and Collaborative Teaching InitiativesHarriett Green
The document discusses digital public history and collaborative teaching initiatives between librarians and instructors. It describes how libraries in the late 19th century served as laboratories, workshops, and schools to educate new librarians in collaboration with instructors. Public history is defined as collaborations that make the past useful to the public. The initiatives involve mixed online and in-person instruction, collaborative teaching, publishing student projects online, and translating research into multimedia narratives by adapting digital humanities tools.
Charleston Conference
Thursday Afternoon Plenary
November 4, 2010, 4:30 PM
Panel presentation by: John Dove, President, Credo Reference; Casper Grathwohl, Vice President and Online and Reference Publisher, Oxford University Press; Phoebe Ayers, Wikimedia Foundation and University of California at Davis; Jason B. Phillips, Librarian for Sociology, Psychology, Gender and Sexuality Studies and American Studies, New York University; Michael Sweet, CEO, Credo Reference
What Does the Public Say? Analyzing Online News Article Comments About LibrariesMargot
The document summarizes a content analysis of 693 public comments on 54 online news articles about libraries. The researchers analyzed comments to understand public perception and views on libraries. Key findings included:
- The most prevalent comment topics were about the value of free access to information in libraries, their physical collections, role in preserving history, and positive impact on communities.
- When commenting, 368 people expressed valuing the role of libraries, while 230 did not value them.
- Notable quotes showed views on both sides, with some commenting that libraries are outdated while others see value in their role for access to information and as community spaces.
The Role of Outreach in Academic Libraries 2009Heidi Card
This document discusses the role of outreach in academic libraries. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the library is visible on campus and connecting with all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff and external groups. It provides examples of outreach activities libraries can undertake such as information literacy sessions, embedded librarians, social media presence and partnering with other campus departments. The goal of outreach is to establish the library as a central and vital part of the learning community.
Value and impact of public libraries - Leo Appleton Northumbria July 2015Leo Appleton
The document summarizes Leo Appleton's PhD research on how public libraries demonstrate their impact on citizenship development in the UK. It outlines the background, theoretical concepts, research questions, methodology, and results of a pilot focus group study. Next steps include conducting longitudinal focus groups in 5 UK cities over 2 years to understand how library use influences access, integration, and knowledge and how this relates to concepts like social capital and information society. The anticipated findings are compelling evidence on the value and impact of public libraries.
Using a longitudinal focus group methodology to measure the value and impact ...Leo Appleton
Methodological paper delivered as part of the student forum at the 12th International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries, Oxford, UK, 31st July - 2nd August 2017
Who do they think we are? Addressing library identity perception in the academyAnnis Lee Adams
This document summarizes a presentation given at the CARL Conference on April 6, 2014. It discusses a presentation given by Margot Hanson from California Maritime Academy and Annis Lee Adams from Golden Gate University titled "Who do they think we are? Addressing library identity perception in the academy." The presentation looked at how librarians are perceived by others and discussed research into how academics write about libraries and librarians online. It provided an overview of several studies and articles on topics such as the value of academic libraries, how academics use online forums, online disinhibition effects, and analyzing comments on library-related articles. Attendees were asked about their experiences with online commenting.
This document discusses collaborative approaches to outreach for academic music libraries. It defines outreach as investigating community activities and supporting them, whether on or off library premises. The primary user group for music libraries are music students, faculty and staff who need scores, multimedia, books and online listening. Secondary groups include the wider university community and outside community. The document recommends using social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to promote services and build relationships with students, faculty and the local community. It provides examples of outreach activities like orientation events, lectures, concerts and collaborations that target different user groups.
The Prescott Library 2010-2011 report summarizes the library's activities and statistics for the school year. Key highlights include the addition of new databases like JSTOR, the use of social media to connect with students, and investigating ways to integrate eReaders into the library program. The library saw over 3,300 items circulated, hosted 245 class sessions, and saw peak usage of its online resources and guides in October and May. Going forward, the library aims to expand its eReading options and research instruction.
Enriching the Academic Experience: the Library and Experiential Learning at Middle Tennessee State University
William Black, Christy Groves and Amy York, Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University adopted its experiential learning program as part of the 2006 academic accreditation process. Experiential learning (EXL) merges classroom teaching with the work environment to enhance the overall educational experience. Through EXL, students, faculty and external organizations collaborate to strengthen learning.
The James E. Walker Library has taken a proactive program approach to EXL @ MTSU, through the creation of partnerships with instructional faculty and student groups. Through these partnerships, members of the library faculty have been engaged in a number of entrepreneurial activities to enhance student education and involve the library more directly in the university’s mission to develop educated men and women.
We propose to talk about some of the library’s entrepreneurial partnerships that enhance learning through experience. These programs include initiatives such as the Student Art Partnership which offers the Library as a learning site for art installations that raise student awareness, the Printing Press Project which brings the library’s locally crafted 18th century reproduction printing press into university and county K-12 classrooms, and the Assessment Project which utilizes skills of Management & Marketing and Anthropology students to evaluate library effectiveness across campus.
We will discuss a representative sample of EXL partnerships at MTSU, describe the activities and outcomes, and assess how, by thinking entrepreneurially, the programs have strengthened the library’s relationship with students and brought the library more fully into the educational process.
William Black is a Professor & the Administrative Services Librarian
Christy Groves is an Assistant Professor & the Coordinator of User Services
Amy York is an Assistant Professor & the Distance Education Librarian
User Engagement with Digital Archives: A Case Study of Emblematica Online Harriett Green
This presentation discusses a usability study conducted on Emblematica Online, a digital archive of emblem books. The study involved interviews and usability testing with scholars to understand how they engage with digital collections and what features would help their research. Key findings include that digital collections expand access to rare materials and interdisciplinary research. Users wanted improved searching, annotation tools, and contextual information. The presentation argues digital collections could advance scholarship by facilitating interdisciplinary work and innovative teaching while complementing print materials.
Wilbury Crockett Library End of Year Report 2011deethellis
The Wilbury Crockett Library at Wellesley High School saw increases in circulation, database usage, and eBook usage from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011. New resources like Kindles and an improved website were introduced. Classes taught in collaboration with librarians also increased. Looking ahead, the library plans to utilize social networking, LibGuides, and a new automation system to better connect with and serve students and teachers. Managing priorities include strategic planning, coordinating with staff on the library's upcoming move to a new location.
Presents the structure and strategy for a research project focused on information literacy instruction in public libraries. Important topics include data collection methods and tools, data analysis procedures, and the scope and significance of the proposed research.
Collaborative Digital Pedagogy for Digital Literacies in Humanities ClassroomsHarriett Green
This document summarizes a presentation given by Anita Chan and Harriett Green on using collaborative digital pedagogy to teach digital literacies in humanities classrooms. They discuss using tools like Omeka and Scalar for student projects, as well as conducting research visits to local farms and businesses. A food networks class provided an example where students created websites on food sustainability after visiting organic farms and cooperatives in Illinois and Sweden. The presentation emphasized taking a holistic approach to digital literacies training by integrating various skills like information, visual, media and critical literacies throughout project-based assignments.
This document provides references to resources on library-classroom collaboration, including books and articles. It lists 5 books owned by the Los Rios Libraries on topics such as information literacy collaborations, digital libraries for online teaching and learning, and relationships between teaching faculty and librarians. It also lists 3 articles from databases on studies of faculty-library collaboration, assessing academic librarian/faculty partnerships, and collaborating to meet the needs of at-risk students. The resources cited provide information on collaborations between libraries and classrooms.
Bridging the Scholarly Resource Gap: The Potentials of Open Access Resources for Academic & Research Purpose during COVID-19
OA Databases, Books, Repositories, Images and Sounds
Sharing is caring keynote 'Enriching cultural heritage collections through a ...Mia
Today I'd like to present both a proposal for something called the 'Participatory Commons', and a provocation (or conversation starter): there's a paradox in our hopes for deeper audience engagement through crowdsourcing: projects that don't grow with their participants will lose them as they develop new skills and interests and move on. This talk presents some options for dealing with this paradox and suggests a Participatory Commons provides a way to take a sector-wide view of active engagement with heritage content and redefine our sense of what it means when everybody wins.
[I was invited to Copenhagen to talk about my research on crowdsourcing in cultural heritage at the 3rd international Sharing is Caring seminar on April 1. I'm sharing my notes in advance to make life easier for those awesome people following along in a second or third language, particularly since I'm delivering my talk via video. My notes are at http://openobjects.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/sharing-is-caring-keynote-enriching.html ]
The document discusses how librarians' mission is to facilitate knowledge creation through improving access to information. It considers how open access publishing is changing the role of librarians and libraries. Key points discussed include how open access affects acquisition of resources, cataloging, collection development, and tracking of faculty publishing and metrics. The document outlines stakeholders within the library and university that will be impacted by these changes and proposes service plans to address issues around acquisitions, cataloging, collection development, and more to adapt to the age of open access.
"From Open Data to Open Pedagogy: An Introduction to Integrating Open Practices into the Classroom" is a hands-on workshop offered by UTA Libraries during Open Education Week 2017.
Digital Research in the Arts and Humanities: some thoughts on what, why, and ...James Baker
Slides for a talk I gave at CHASE Digital Training Programme Opening Conference, Open University, 20 February 2015.
Notes: https://gist.github.com/drjwbaker/a95f4cee472af0d1773f
This document discusses how academic librarians think about library instruction and their teaching role. It explores different conceptions of instruction found in the literature, such as teaching, training, and facilitation. It also examines how librarians view the role and value of instruction in their work. The document then discusses research on how teachers' beliefs shape their practice and an ecological model for understanding teaching librarians. The rest of the document provides examples and implications using an ecological model to frame brief profiles of five librarian participants in the author's research on conceptions of instruction.
The document summarizes a presentation by Larissa Halishoff from the SFU Surrey Library about partnering with the Computing Science Department. It introduces Larissa and describes the library's mission to support teaching, learning, and research. It then outlines areas for potential partnership, including improving student learning through instruction and resources, collaborating on collection development, providing research assistance to faculty, and advising on publishing and scholarly communication.
An elephant in the room: information literacy in the narrative of UK public l...LISDISConference
The document summarizes the findings of a dissertation that analyzed how information literacy is positioned in UK public library advocacy narratives. The key findings were: 1) Advocacy materials focus on digital inclusion and literacy over information literacy; 2) Libraries are portrayed as providing access to technology rather than actively developing users' skills; 3) There is no clear relationship presented between information literacy and public libraries in advocacy narratives. The dissertation recommends greater collaboration to link digital and information literacy and recognize library professionals' roles in developing these skills.
This document discusses collaborative approaches to outreach for academic music libraries. It defines outreach as investigating community activities and supporting them, whether on or off library premises. The primary user group for music libraries are music students, faculty and staff who need scores, multimedia, books and online listening. Secondary groups include the wider university community and outside community. The document recommends using social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to promote services and build relationships with students, faculty and the local community. It provides examples of outreach activities like orientation events, lectures, concerts and collaborations that target different user groups.
The Prescott Library 2010-2011 report summarizes the library's activities and statistics for the school year. Key highlights include the addition of new databases like JSTOR, the use of social media to connect with students, and investigating ways to integrate eReaders into the library program. The library saw over 3,300 items circulated, hosted 245 class sessions, and saw peak usage of its online resources and guides in October and May. Going forward, the library aims to expand its eReading options and research instruction.
Enriching the Academic Experience: the Library and Experiential Learning at Middle Tennessee State University
William Black, Christy Groves and Amy York, Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University adopted its experiential learning program as part of the 2006 academic accreditation process. Experiential learning (EXL) merges classroom teaching with the work environment to enhance the overall educational experience. Through EXL, students, faculty and external organizations collaborate to strengthen learning.
The James E. Walker Library has taken a proactive program approach to EXL @ MTSU, through the creation of partnerships with instructional faculty and student groups. Through these partnerships, members of the library faculty have been engaged in a number of entrepreneurial activities to enhance student education and involve the library more directly in the university’s mission to develop educated men and women.
We propose to talk about some of the library’s entrepreneurial partnerships that enhance learning through experience. These programs include initiatives such as the Student Art Partnership which offers the Library as a learning site for art installations that raise student awareness, the Printing Press Project which brings the library’s locally crafted 18th century reproduction printing press into university and county K-12 classrooms, and the Assessment Project which utilizes skills of Management & Marketing and Anthropology students to evaluate library effectiveness across campus.
We will discuss a representative sample of EXL partnerships at MTSU, describe the activities and outcomes, and assess how, by thinking entrepreneurially, the programs have strengthened the library’s relationship with students and brought the library more fully into the educational process.
William Black is a Professor & the Administrative Services Librarian
Christy Groves is an Assistant Professor & the Coordinator of User Services
Amy York is an Assistant Professor & the Distance Education Librarian
User Engagement with Digital Archives: A Case Study of Emblematica Online Harriett Green
This presentation discusses a usability study conducted on Emblematica Online, a digital archive of emblem books. The study involved interviews and usability testing with scholars to understand how they engage with digital collections and what features would help their research. Key findings include that digital collections expand access to rare materials and interdisciplinary research. Users wanted improved searching, annotation tools, and contextual information. The presentation argues digital collections could advance scholarship by facilitating interdisciplinary work and innovative teaching while complementing print materials.
Wilbury Crockett Library End of Year Report 2011deethellis
The Wilbury Crockett Library at Wellesley High School saw increases in circulation, database usage, and eBook usage from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011. New resources like Kindles and an improved website were introduced. Classes taught in collaboration with librarians also increased. Looking ahead, the library plans to utilize social networking, LibGuides, and a new automation system to better connect with and serve students and teachers. Managing priorities include strategic planning, coordinating with staff on the library's upcoming move to a new location.
Presents the structure and strategy for a research project focused on information literacy instruction in public libraries. Important topics include data collection methods and tools, data analysis procedures, and the scope and significance of the proposed research.
Collaborative Digital Pedagogy for Digital Literacies in Humanities ClassroomsHarriett Green
This document summarizes a presentation given by Anita Chan and Harriett Green on using collaborative digital pedagogy to teach digital literacies in humanities classrooms. They discuss using tools like Omeka and Scalar for student projects, as well as conducting research visits to local farms and businesses. A food networks class provided an example where students created websites on food sustainability after visiting organic farms and cooperatives in Illinois and Sweden. The presentation emphasized taking a holistic approach to digital literacies training by integrating various skills like information, visual, media and critical literacies throughout project-based assignments.
This document provides references to resources on library-classroom collaboration, including books and articles. It lists 5 books owned by the Los Rios Libraries on topics such as information literacy collaborations, digital libraries for online teaching and learning, and relationships between teaching faculty and librarians. It also lists 3 articles from databases on studies of faculty-library collaboration, assessing academic librarian/faculty partnerships, and collaborating to meet the needs of at-risk students. The resources cited provide information on collaborations between libraries and classrooms.
Bridging the Scholarly Resource Gap: The Potentials of Open Access Resources for Academic & Research Purpose during COVID-19
OA Databases, Books, Repositories, Images and Sounds
Sharing is caring keynote 'Enriching cultural heritage collections through a ...Mia
Today I'd like to present both a proposal for something called the 'Participatory Commons', and a provocation (or conversation starter): there's a paradox in our hopes for deeper audience engagement through crowdsourcing: projects that don't grow with their participants will lose them as they develop new skills and interests and move on. This talk presents some options for dealing with this paradox and suggests a Participatory Commons provides a way to take a sector-wide view of active engagement with heritage content and redefine our sense of what it means when everybody wins.
[I was invited to Copenhagen to talk about my research on crowdsourcing in cultural heritage at the 3rd international Sharing is Caring seminar on April 1. I'm sharing my notes in advance to make life easier for those awesome people following along in a second or third language, particularly since I'm delivering my talk via video. My notes are at http://openobjects.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/sharing-is-caring-keynote-enriching.html ]
The document discusses how librarians' mission is to facilitate knowledge creation through improving access to information. It considers how open access publishing is changing the role of librarians and libraries. Key points discussed include how open access affects acquisition of resources, cataloging, collection development, and tracking of faculty publishing and metrics. The document outlines stakeholders within the library and university that will be impacted by these changes and proposes service plans to address issues around acquisitions, cataloging, collection development, and more to adapt to the age of open access.
"From Open Data to Open Pedagogy: An Introduction to Integrating Open Practices into the Classroom" is a hands-on workshop offered by UTA Libraries during Open Education Week 2017.
Digital Research in the Arts and Humanities: some thoughts on what, why, and ...James Baker
Slides for a talk I gave at CHASE Digital Training Programme Opening Conference, Open University, 20 February 2015.
Notes: https://gist.github.com/drjwbaker/a95f4cee472af0d1773f
This document discusses how academic librarians think about library instruction and their teaching role. It explores different conceptions of instruction found in the literature, such as teaching, training, and facilitation. It also examines how librarians view the role and value of instruction in their work. The document then discusses research on how teachers' beliefs shape their practice and an ecological model for understanding teaching librarians. The rest of the document provides examples and implications using an ecological model to frame brief profiles of five librarian participants in the author's research on conceptions of instruction.
The document summarizes a presentation by Larissa Halishoff from the SFU Surrey Library about partnering with the Computing Science Department. It introduces Larissa and describes the library's mission to support teaching, learning, and research. It then outlines areas for potential partnership, including improving student learning through instruction and resources, collaborating on collection development, providing research assistance to faculty, and advising on publishing and scholarly communication.
An elephant in the room: information literacy in the narrative of UK public l...LISDISConference
The document summarizes the findings of a dissertation that analyzed how information literacy is positioned in UK public library advocacy narratives. The key findings were: 1) Advocacy materials focus on digital inclusion and literacy over information literacy; 2) Libraries are portrayed as providing access to technology rather than actively developing users' skills; 3) There is no clear relationship presented between information literacy and public libraries in advocacy narratives. The dissertation recommends greater collaboration to link digital and information literacy and recognize library professionals' roles in developing these skills.
Libraries and Librarians: Nexus of Trends in Librarianship and Social MediaIdowu Adegbilero-Iwari
Outline:
Libraries and Librarians
Traditional libraries vs Modern libraries
Library trends
Nexus of trends in librarianship and social media
Social media and libraries
Why social media in libraries?
Social media Strategy for Libraries
Uses of social media in libraries
Who does social media in library?
Library social media policy
Web tools for managing platforms
Social media in American libraries
So what must we do?
What if?
A talk delivered by Lauren Smith at the Anybook Oxford Libraries Conference 2015 - Adapting for the Future: Developing Our Professions and Services, 21st July 2015
Library as a third place and her contribution to social capital皓仁 柯
This document discusses public libraries as places that contribute to social capital. It outlines research on libraries as meeting places and third places based on prior studies. The document then presents research questions about how library users in Taiwan utilize public libraries, the perceived outcomes of libraries, whether libraries serve as meeting/third places, and the types of social capital libraries contribute to. The methodology discusses plans to distribute a questionnaire to library users in Taiwan to collect data on demographics, library space use, perceived outcomes, and social capital. Preliminary results on respondent demographics are also presented.
Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: Findings from an Action-or...OCLC
Connaway, Lynn Silipigni, and Alan Carbery. 2017. “Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: Findings from an Action-oriented Research Agenda.” Presented at the ACRL Leadership Council at the ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois, June 23.
Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: Findings from an Action-or...Lynn Connaway
Connaway, Lynn Silipigni, and Alan Carbery. 2017. “Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: Findings from an Action-oriented Research Agenda.” Presented at the ACRL Leadership Council at the ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois, June 23.
Abqla 20130507 j mc kenna assessment of library space postingABQLA2013
This document provides an overview of Julie McKenna's presentation on assessing library space at the ABQLA conference in Montreal. Some key points:
1. Library space assessment is important to understand how users interact with resources and services and to inform planning and management.
2. Traditionally, decisions were made based on assumptions rather than facts, but a culture of assessment uses research and data.
3. Effective space assessment considers the library's mission and users, and uses both quantitative and qualitative methods like surveys, observations, and space criteria.
Engaging students through user experience (UX) at UALSandra Reed
The document discusses a user experience (UX) project conducted at the University of the Arts London (UAL) libraries to engage students and inform the development of library spaces. The project used ethnographic methods like observations, touchstone tours, focus groups, and reflective logs to understand student behavior and needs. A student UX team helped with mapping, observing, and gathering feedback. The project provided recommendations for existing spaces and new buildings based on the findings. It demonstrated how UX methodology can provide valuable insights for improving services and facilities from the student perspective.
The document discusses strategic responses for academic librarians facing disruptive changes in technology and user needs. It suggests five strategic responses: 1) creating digital libraries of rare holdings, 2) establishing institutional repositories, 3) providing infrastructure for open access journals, 4) increasing partnerships with faculty, and 5) transforming service models like reference desks. The discussion addresses how these may differ from traditional library functions and implications for LIS education.
The liaison librarian: connecting with the qualitative research lifecycleCelia Emmelhainz
A discussion of user needs in anthropology and ways in which academic liaison librarians could support the lifecycle of qualitative research in a holistic way.
Milena Dobreva (University of Malta, MT): How to Index Biographical Data from Archival Documents Using the Methods of the Citizen Science
co:op-READ-Convention Marburg
Technology meets Scholarship, or how Handwritten Text Recognition will Revolutionize Access to Archival Collections.
With a special focus on biographical data in archives
Hessian State Archives Marburg Friedrichsplatz 15, D - 35037 Marburg
19-21 January 2016
Leeds Beckett University librarians Laurence Morris and Kirsty Bower discuss their experiences with embedded librarianship. They describe initiatives where librarians collaborated with nursing students, social work students, and prisoners to improve information literacy. Feedback showed these efforts helped students feel more prepared and like equal partners. The librarians also partnered with health organizations on resources and helped make the university curriculum more diverse.
Casting a Wide Net: The Library's Role in Transforming Partnerships Across Ca...JenniferRaye
Sally Neal, Associate Dean of Bulter University Libraries, presents from the Association of College and Research Libraries Conference in Baltimore, MD.
Leaders and partners: strategic positioning for transformative services - Wen...CONUL Conference
Librarians are well-positioned to take on leadership roles and partner with other university departments due to their expertise in areas like data management, curation, and ensuring inclusive and ethical use of information. As technologies like artificial intelligence advance, librarians can help address privacy concerns and make sure AI systems are optimized for both human and machine use of information. Their skills in organizing and providing access to information also make libraries important partners in developing the data capabilities needed for institutions to successfully implement AI.
This document summarizes challenges faced by academic libraries and strategies for addressing them. It notes that academic libraries have changed more in the past 20 years than the previous 200 due to technology. Libraries face risks of reduced relevance if their value is not effectively communicated. Students now begin research with search engines rather than libraries. The document outlines best practices such as setting expectations for cultural change, collaborating with faculty, and investing in research support services.
This document discusses three main trends affecting academic libraries and research/instructional librarians: 1) increasing use of technology and digital resources, 2) need for localized, user-oriented services, and 3) tightening budgets. These trends will require librarians to engage in planning, needs assessment, collaboration, and quantitative assessment to adapt services and resources for users in a digital environment with constrained finances.
Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: A Collaborative EffortLynn Connaway
Connaway, Lynn Silipigni. 2017. “Communicating Library Impact Beyond Library Walls: A Collaborative Effort.” Presented at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2017, Wrocław, Poland, August 23.
Semelhante a Using a multi-location, longitudinal focus group method to conduct qualitative research into the role of public libraries (20)
Preparation of the PhD thesis for examinationHazel Hall
Training materials used with doctoral students faced with the challenge of writing up their research and asking themselves 'How do I write up my doctoral study?'
Presentation delivered by Professor Hazel Hall at the RIVAL Reunion event in Edinburgh, 25th May 2023. Further details of the event at https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/social-informatics/2023/05/rival-reunion-event-25-may-2023/
Platform to Platform project lightening talkHazel Hall
Lightning talk on the AHRC/Creative Informatics funded Platform to Platform project to create a podcast series based on Lorna Lloyd's 'Diary of the war', and assess audience engagement with archives in two different digital formats - (1) a Blipfoto journal of text and images, and (2) sound in podcast episodes.
Undertaking a part-time LIS PhD: 10 tips in 20 minutesHazel Hall
This document provides 10 tips for undertaking a part-time PhD from Dr. Hazel Hall based on her experience supervising and completing part-time PhDs. The tips address deciding if a part-time PhD is right, choosing supervisors and a topic, getting employer support, presenting research along the way, accepting feedback, and ensuring the thesis contributes new knowledge to the field. Key advice includes only pursuing a part-time PhD if committed to independent study for 6 years, choosing a stable supervisory team, negotiating support from employers, and publishing parts of the research as it is completed.
Platform to Platform: initial findings from the empirical studyHazel Hall
Initial findings from the empirical study of the Platform to Platform project are presented. The research centred on the creation of a podcast series based on the war diary of Lorna Lloyd (available at https://rss.com/podcasts/lornalloyd/), and the evaluation of audience engagement with it as compared with engagement with online text and images in a Blipfoto journal at http://blipfoto.com/lornal. The research was funded by the AHRC through the Creative Informatics programme.
Digital options: an assessment of audience engagement with a digitised set of...Hazel Hall
Paper presented at the Archives and Records Management conference, 2nd September 2022 on audience engagement with Lorna Lloyd's Diary of the war as a Blipfoto journal, and as a podcast series.
Professor Hazel Hall introduced the fourth event of the RIVAL Network at Edinburgh Napier University. Since the last meeting, output teams have been working on deliverables and a joint funding application was unsuccessful. Lessons from RIVAL helped inform the Digital Proxies project. The teams then met to discuss progress and next steps, with an upcoming deadline of February 12th for further output team meetings and a wrap-up plenary session.
The document summarizes a presentation by Professor Hazel Hall at the Research, Impact, Value & LIS (RIVAL) Network Event 3 in Edinburgh on November 19th, 2020. The presentation discussed practitioner research, specifically focusing on the value and impact of such research, as well as research priorities. It provided an introduction of Professor Hall and outlined some of the activities of the RIVAL network since the previous event, including presentations, a joint funding application, and interactions between members.
Research, impact, value and library and information science (RIVAL): developm...Hazel Hall
The research-practice gap in Library and Information Science (LIS) is well documented, especially in respect of the difficulties of translating research into practice, and resultant lost opportunities. While many researchers attempt to explain this research-practice gap, few suggest strategies to address it. The creation of researcher-practitioner networks, however, is one approach that has been proved empirically to bridge the distance between the two communities. Such a network is currently operating in Scotland, funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Research, Impact, Value and Library and Information Science (RIVAL) is part-way through its implementation based around four knowledge exchange events for a network membership of 32 from a wide variety of LIS sectors. RIVAL’s successful delivery depends in part on the project leads’ experience of undertaking, and evaluating the impact of, a UK Arts and Humanities Research Council funded grant: the Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project. Already there are indications that RIVAL is delivering value to network members. There is a strong expectation for this to be enhanced, both in the remainder of the funding period and beyond, offering theoretical contributions to the study of social networks, especially in respect of social capital development to support knowledge exchange.
Collaboration and networking: learning from DREaM and RIVALHazel Hall
Discusses the extent of networking and collaboration amongst library and information science researchers and practitioners who took part in the AHRC-funded Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project in 2011/12, and the extent to which learning from this grant has influenced the delivery of the Royal Society of Edinburgh funded Research Impact and Value and Library and Information Science project in 2019/20.
Research into Practice case study 2: Library linked data implementations an...Hazel Hall
The document summarizes a presentation given by Dr. Diane Pennington and Laura Cagnazzo on library linked data implementations and perceptions. The presentation discussed the evolution of the semantic web and linked open data principles. It provided an overview of a study on the status and perceptions of linked data among European national libraries and Scottish libraries. The study found lack of awareness and expertise to be challenges for implementation. Benefits included improved data visibility and opportunities for collaboration. Recommendations focused on training, collaboration, and developing implementation guidelines and case studies.
Catalysing research into practice from the ground upHazel Hall
David Stewart, CILIP President for 2019 and Regional Director of Health Library and Knowledge Services North, presents on his key presidential theme: the importance of evidence to underpin the difference that library services make. He provides an overview of CILIP’s plans for greater collaboration and co-ordination, and also shares details of work undertaken in NHS England. This includes (a) national research on return on investment, and (b) details of the Catalyst scheme in the North of England, which has been designed to develop librarian research capability and a ground-up, small-scale research programme.
This document summarizes the agenda and notes from a November 7, 2019 event hosted by the RIVAL Network in Edinburgh. The event focused on practitioner research, value, and impact. It included formal presentations from Professor Hazel Hall and others, as well as informal presentations from network members and discussions on opportunities to influence the development of the RIVAL Network and plan future events.
The document summarizes discussions from the first event of the RIVAL network in Edinburgh on July 11, 2019. Participants hoped the RIVAL program would: 1) improve the use of LIS research in practice and practice in research; 2) foster better collaboration between LIS departments and practitioners; and 3) identify priorities for future research areas like AI. They also hoped it would increase appreciation of LIS skills, encourage more research, and develop tangible outcomes. For future events, participants suggested building connections between events, advertising more widely, and including unstructured program elements. Barriers included understanding different sector restrictions and determining the network's ambitions. For the final event, ideas were to take RIVAL on tour, celebrate successes, and ensure
Scotland's school library strategy: advocacy and impact by Martina McChrystalHazel Hall
Vibrant libraries, thriving schools: a national strategy for school libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 is Scotland’s school library strategy. By showcasing the impact an excellent school library service can deliver, the strategy is intended to be used to influence decision-making in respect of school library provision. Martina's presentation outlines about her involvement in the development of the strategy as Chair of the National School Library Strategy Advisory Group, the strategy’s role in advocacy, and its anticipated impact.
Getting research into action: issues, challenges, solutions by Dr Sarah MortonHazel Hall
Sarah Morton has worked across research, policy and practice for most of her career, and will draw on examples from different settings encountered over this time in her presentation. She is keen to interrogate our learning about effective evidence use from the last 20 years, and review how this can be supported from research and practice perspectives. She will present a vision for the effective use of evidence of all kinds to plan, develop and improve policy, practice, and services. As part of this she will explain some of the ways that she is currently developing tools and support for effective evidence use.
Professor Hazel Hall introduces RIVAL - a collaborative network of Scotland-based Library and Information Science (LIS) researchers and practising library and information professionals interested in maximising the impact and value of library and information science research. The project, which runs in 2019 and 2020, is funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is the first of the four networking events.
Research, Impact, Value and LIS = RIVAL.
Participatory Budgeting, São Paulo, BrazilHazel Hall
Summarises a research project on participatory budgeting in São Paulo, Brazil undertaken by Edinburgh Napier University researchers Dr Wegene Demeke and Dr Bruce Ryan, and supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund.
Research Impact Value and LIS, Edinburgh 11th July 2018: speaker slidesHazel Hall
This document summarizes a presentation on practitioner research given at the "Research, Impact, Value and Library and Information Science" event. It discusses two past projects - the Library and Information Science Research Coalition from 2009-2012 and the Developing Research Excellence and Methods project from 2011-2012. For both projects, it examines their goals, activities, outputs and measured impact, which was largely at the professional level rather than in direct services delivery. Challenges in measuring research impact in the library and information science field are also outlined.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
it describes the bony anatomy including the femoral head , acetabulum, labrum . also discusses the capsule , ligaments . muscle that act on the hip joint and the range of motion are outlined. factors affecting hip joint stability and weight transmission through the joint are summarized.
हिंदी वर्णमाला पीपीटी, hindi alphabet PPT presentation, hindi varnamala PPT, Hindi Varnamala pdf, हिंदी स्वर, हिंदी व्यंजन, sikhiye hindi varnmala, dr. mulla adam ali, hindi language and literature, hindi alphabet with drawing, hindi alphabet pdf, hindi varnamala for childrens, hindi language, hindi varnamala practice for kids, https://www.drmullaadamali.com
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
Traditional Musical Instruments of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh - RAYH...
Using a multi-location, longitudinal focus group method to conduct qualitative research into the role of public libraries
1. Using a multi-location, longitudinal
focus group method to conduct qualitative
research into the role of public libraries
13th Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries
International Conference, 25th – 28th May, 2021,
Athens, Greece
Dr Leo Appleton,
Information School,
University of Sheffield, UK
Professor Hazel Hall,
School of Computing,
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
3. Multi-location,
longitudinal focus groups
5 key ingredients of a focus group:
“… (1) people who (2) possess certain characteristics, and (3) provide
qualitative data (4) in a focused discussion (5) to help understand the topic of
interest.”
(Krueger and Casey, 2009, p. 6).
4. Pilot study: Liverpool, 2014
Age Gender Occupation Nationality
Participant 1 45 - 54 F Lecturer Indian / British
Participant 2 75 - 84 M Retired professor Indian
Participant 3 65 - 74 F Retired mental
health worker
British
Participant 4 16 - 24 M College student British
Participant 5 55 - 64 M Retired German
Participant 6 35 - 44 M Photographer Venezuelan
Participant 7 55 - 64 F Retired British
Participant 8 55 - 64 F Social worker British
Visitliverpool.com
5. Pilot study - themes
Theme Questions
Feelings and attitudes
towards the public
library
What are your feelings towards the public library (i.e. how do you
feel when you are making use of the library?)
What would you say your attitude was towards the public library?
Library users Who do you think libraries are for and why?
What do you think libraries contribute to society?
What would happen if there were no libraries?
What do you think about the future of information?
Citizenship and public
libraries
What do you think is meant by the term citizenship?
How do you think your citizenship is affected by using the library?
Have you been able to do anything different as a result of using the
library?
6. Pilot study evaluation
Strengths
•Safe environment that
encouraged proactive
discussion
•Anecdotal evidence was
captured then validated
when participants
reflected on one
another’s observations
•All the participants were
able to contribute to the
discussion
Potential weakness
• Domination of
discussion by individuals
• Hijacking discussion
• Insufficient time
7. Main study 2015 - 2018
Library authority Type of authority
Liverpool City council authority
Newcastle-upon-Tyne City council authority
Edinburgh City council authority
Lincolnshire County council authority
Essex County council authority
Devon County council authority
Redbridge (London Borough) Metropolitan borough council authority
Sutton (London Borough) Metropolitan borough council authority
8. Phase one : 2015-2016
Themes:
• Attitudes and feelings
towards public libraries
• The demand for and
use of knowledge and
information; Library
users
• Citizenship and public
libraries
9. Phase two : 2016-2017
Themes:
• Library usage and
personal development
• Involvement with the
community through
library usage
10. Phase three : 2017 - 2018
Themes and concepts
• Citizenship and the public
library
• Public library usage in
relation to:
– Social capital exchange
– Human capital exchange
– Knowledge capital exchange
– The Information Society
11. Evaluation of multi-location,
longitudinal focus groups
• Time for participant reflection
• Open, deep, rich, personal experiences and
anecdotes
• Enthusiastic to engage in the research process
• Increased sophistication of discussions
• Group checking of validity, reliability and
generalisability of discussion content
13. References
• Fern, E. (2001). Advanced Focus Group Research, Thousand Oaks, Sage.
• Foulkes, S. (1964). Therapeutic group analysis. London: Karnac Books.
• Halpin, E., Rankin, C., Chapman, E. and Walker, C. (2015). Measuring the value of public libraries in the digital
age: what the power people need to know. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 47(1), 30-42
• Huysmans, F. and Oomes, M. (2013). Measuring the public library’s societal value: a methodological research
program. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 39(2), 168-177.
• Krueger, R. and Casey, M.-A. (2009), Focus Groups: a Practical Guide for Applied Research, 4th ed. Los Angeles,
Sage.
• McCahill, D., Birdi, B. & Jones, R.B. (2020). Investigating the public response to local government decisions to
reduce or remove public library services. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 52(1), 40-53.
• McMenemy, D. (2009). The Public Library, London: Facet
• Peachey, J. (2017). Shining a light: how people in the UK and Ireland use public libraries and what they think of
them. Dunfermline: Carnegie UK Trust
• Poll, R. and Payne. P. (2006). Impact measures for library and information services. Library Hi Tech, 24(4), 547 –
557.
• Vakkari, P. and Serola, S. (2012). Perceived outcomes of public libraries. Library and Information Science
Research, 34(1), 37-44
• Vakkari, P., Aabo, S., Audunson, R., Huysmans and Oomes, M. (2014). Perceived outcomes of public libraries in
Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. Journal of Documentation, 70(5), 927-44
• Vakkari, P., Aabo, S. & Audunson, R., Huysmans, F., Kwon, N., Oomes, M. & Sin, S-C. (2016). Patterns of perceived
public library outcomes in five countries. Journal of Documentation, 72(2), 342-61
Notas do Editor
The purpose of this paper is to present details of a multi-location longitudinal focus group method that was deployed in a project on public libraries as a facet of the information society. This approach was developed and implemented in a part-time doctoral study undertaken at Edinburgh Napier University between 2013 and 2020.
At the outset of the study, it was recognised that it was important to select methods that would enable dialogue with library users about their relationship with the public library service. Taking into account research traditions in the field, several qualitative methods were considered for data collection prior to the adoption of a focus group approach. It was possible to implement the focus groups in a longitudinal manner due to the part-time nature of the doctoral study that was completed over a period of seven years in total.
This paper is first concerned with the design and implementation of three rounds of focus groups at eight different public library locations in England and Scotland. These took place in the middle of the PhD registration period between 2015 and 2018. In all instances, the purpose was to collect data to address three main research questions on: the extent to which an individual’s position is advantaged as a result of using public libraries; the impact of public library use on individual and community citizenship; and the role of the public library in the 21st century.
An evaluation of this methodological approach will then be presented as the main contribution of the work as reported in this paper.
Prior research on public libraries in the UK has predominantly used quantitative measures to demonstrate return on investment or value for money. For example, commentators such as McMenemy and Halpin argue that the measurement of outputs and economic impact should provide evidence of public library value, and that statistics contribute to demonstrating value from tangible assets. Similarly, usage figures - such as the number of active users, loans, and loans per user, etc. – can demonstrate the extent to which services and resources offered by public libraries are beneficial to their users .
However, usage is not synonymous with value, and it would be unwise to measure public library service value purely in economic terms. An alternative is to assess the societal value of public libraries. In recent years academic researchers have advocated, and adopted, this approach with particular reference to outcome measures. You will find references to some of these such studies at the end of the presentation, which in general lend themselves to the collection of qualitative data, or deploy mixed methods. These include, for example, Delphi methods, focus groups, observation, and surveying by questionnaire and interview.
The aim of the study discussed here was to explore the three themes as illustrated in the research questions which effectively related to the value of public libraries through the eyes of public library users. This required an approach that allowed for the discussion of, and reflection on, shared experiences amongst members of the community who avail themselves of public library services. It thus necessitated the collection of qualitative data. The focus group method was deemed appropriate for its main ‘ingredients’ of people who possess certain characteristics, and provide qualitative data in a focused discussion to help understand the topic of interest. The part-time nature of the PhD provided a unique opportunity to implement multi-location focus groups in a library and information science research project in a longitudinal manner.
Prior to the wholesale adoption of focus groups for data collection for this study, a pilot focus group was convened in September 2014. This was to test the focus group method and assess its appropriateness for investigating the specific research questions. The site for data collection was Liverpool’s public library service.
The call for focus group members for the pilot study was advertised by posters in and around Liverpool’s central and branch libraries, and publicity information was also included on the council web pages. The goal was to recruit between 6 and 10 which is regarded as good focus group practice. The recruitment campaign invited library users to ‘come and share [their] experiences of using Liverpool City Libraries’. An incentive of a £10 Amazon voucher was offered in exchange for participation. This approach made use of naturalistic sampling in that it was both a convenience sample and also a judgement sample. Recruitment was targeted at active library users who already habitually took advantage of Liverpool public library services. This ensured that those in the sample would be in a position to participate in discussions to address the three themes of the study, as identified in the research questions.
Eight people signed up for the pilot focus group in Liverpool, which was considered an appropriate and workable number, particularly for a pilot. The participant demographics is summarised in the table on this slide and demonstrates representation of different types users.
Four stages of focus group discussion have been identified (Foulkes, 1964). Time and consideration for each stage can optimise the value of data outputs from of focus groups. Social integration is the first factor. Here the opportunity is offered to all for equal participation within the discussion. The second factor is mirror reaction. This allows for the group members’ realisation of shared values, anxieties and experiences of the topic of discussion. Condenser phenomenon follows. At this stage, participants talk freely about the issues raised. In the fourth and final stage labelled exchange, they share key information as the main part of a focus group discussion (Fern, 2001). Care was taken when facilitating the pilot focus group to ensure that the group members passed through these four stages while addressing the key questions for discussion, as summarised in the table presented here. The key questions wer about feelings and attitidues towards the public library, library users an the concept of citizenship
Analysis of the transcript of the recording of the pilot focus group discussion confirmed that the line of questioning was effective in generating data required for the study that could later be analysed with reference to extant knowledge in the field which had already been established through an earlier literature review. In addition, several other positive features of the approach were observed:
There was a sense of a safe environment that encouraged proactive discussion
Anecdotal evidence was captured then validated when participants reflected on one another’s observations
All the participants were able to contribute to the discussion
Tight facilitation mitigated against a number of known potential weaknesses of the approach, including the risk of domination of discussion by one or two individuals, hijacking of the session as a feedback platform on public library services, and insufficient time to cover all the questions due to too much attention devoted to issues of marginal relevance to the study. In addition, care was taken to ensure that the discourse of the discussion was pitched at a general level, rather than deploying technical vocabulary. For example, most public library users don’t speak about their part in the exchange of social and transactional capital (even though the analysis of focus group discussion data at this stage of the study showed that they regularly engaged in this activity). Similarly, unfamiliar terms such as ‘information society’ were not used with the focus group participants on this occasion.
Satisfied with the outcome and outputs of the pilot study, the main study could then commence. Empirical data were collected for this research over three years, from 2015 to 2018. The longitudinal approach of the research strategy meant that the main data collection exercise was implemented in three distinct phases: phase 1 (2015-2016); phase 2 (2016-2017); phase 3 (2017-18).
Approximately 40 public library authorities were approached in order to obtain a representative sample of UK public library users in different types of library administration: county councils, city councils, urban and rural areas. Eight were selected and used for the sample, details of which can be seen in this table.
As was the case for the pilot study, convenience samples of up to ten library users in each authority were assembled through a print and online publicity campaign, with Amazon vouchers as incentives to take part. This resulted in a total of 53 participants for the Phase 1 focus groups. The full sample exhibited a wide diversity in terms of age (ranging from 16 to 84), gender, ethnicity, level of education, nationality and socio-economic status.
Following practice tested in the pilot, the process and objectives of each focus group were related to the participants at the start of each meeting. The need to collect personal details for the later analysis was also explained, and assurance was given that all participants would be anonymous in reports of the study’s findings. An informed consent form was then distributed and read aloud to the participants. The anticipated longitudinal nature of the study was highlighted at these Phase 1 meetings so that the participants were aware that there was an expectation of reconvening the focus groups at later stages of the study.
The informed consent form also included an opt-in section for those participants happy to be photographed and contribute to the assembly of illustrative material could be used in later reports of the study’s findings. An adapted version of the informed consent form was made available for participants who were under the age of 16. This informed parental or guardian consent form was particularly valuable in the London Borough of Redbridge where the publicity about the focus groups reached a local youth parliament and attracted interest from active library users who were under sixteen years of age.
The Phase 1 focus groups were each scheduled for an hour. In this time, the participants discussed a set of themes that was adapted from those tested in the pilot study, which were: Attitudes and feelings towards public libraries; The demand for and use of knowledge and information; Library users; and
Citizenship and public libraries
A key attribute of the focus group members was that they had in common lived experiences of public libraries, and were willing to share their public library stories with others in their focus groups. Despite disagreement on some topics such as noise, children’s spaces in libraries, and technology versus print, the participants respected one another’s opinions, and all appeared to enjoy the experience of the group discussion. As was the case with the pilot study, the interactions of all the focus groups followed the stages of group formation, identified previously as social integration, mirror reaction, condenser phenomenon, and exchange.
The Phase 2 focus group meetings lasted one hour, took place in the same locations as Phase 1, and included 32 of the original 53 participants. This time participants were asked to discuss and reflect on their personal development and involvement in their communities in the intervening period since the last focus group meetings, and to consider whether any of this had been facilitated through their public library use. The intention here was to prompt reflection on individual and community learning and development supported by public library services.
The participants soon became comfortable with one another when they convened for a second time, speaking about the issues under consideration and sharing their experiences with ease. This allowed for intense and informative discussions of self and community development. Some of the anecdotes related at the Phase 1 focus groups from up to a year before were revisited. For example, at Liverpool, stories related in Phase 1 about the discovery of reading encouraged by librarians resurfaced at the Phase 2 meeting. This reflected shared history of interactions within the groups, and familiarity with the context of one another’s public library use.
The third and final round of focus groups took place up to two years after the first meetings. The 28 participants who returned to take part in the study were immediately familiar and comfortable with one another, the facilitator, and the focus group environment. Some new parameters and stimuli were introduced to the focus groups in anticipation of this quick re-emergence of the group dynamic. These included more abstract and sophisticated themes to discuss over extended two-hour meetings (i.e. twice as long as the earlier focus groups).
At the start of the Phase 3 focus groups, crib sheets were distributed to the focus group members. These provided definitions for all the new concepts to be discussed for the first time in the groups, alongside further consideration of the theme of citizenship. The new terms were: social capital; human capital; knowledge capital; and the information society. The participants were first asked to discuss these concepts in pairs and threes, relating them to their own personal public library use. After 30–40 minutes of small group discussion, the participants reconvened in the larger group to share their stories and experiences of relevance to the concepts listed.
There are several benefits of collecting research data for a study such as this in the way described above. The main one is that it allows time for participant reflection on lived experiences that deepens between meetings. This was evident in all eight Phase 2 focus groups. Here the discussion was more open, deeper, and generated more plentiful and richer personal anecdotes than was the case in Phase 1. In Phase 3 the participants’ obvious comfort with the focus group setting and their desire to engage for a third time was even stronger. By this point the participants came to the focus groups as enthusiasts keen to engage in the research process through active contributions to the discussions, rather than as mere attendees. In some instances, they likened the Phase 3 focus groups as reunions with the opportunity to meet up with old friends. For example, the Sutton participants spoke of their enjoyment of contributing to the study over the three year period, and noted that it felt like meeting with familiar like-minds whenever they engaged in the discussions.
This method also allowed for more topics to be discussed than would normally be the case in a set of focus groups that only brings participants together on one occasion. It also afforded the opportunity to increase the sophistication of the discussions, thus supporting the collection of data of value to later theory development in a doctoral study.
The revisiting of common themes from one phase to the next provided an opportunity for the participants to check the validity, reliability and generalisability of the content of their discussions. This also contributed to these elements of the study’s findings as a whole. These aspects were particularly interesting in a period during which external political developments were exerting an impact on public library service delivery. For example, the Liverpool and Lincolnshire participants exhibited awareness of the financial cuts to their local library services, and in Newcastle the move to community volunteer-led branch libraries was raised as a live issue. These developments had consequences for the library experiences of the participants and, in some cases, brought about better informed and/or changes in opinion at the later focus group meetings.
The main drawback of this approach to data collection is participant attrition and project sustainability In this case these risks were mitigated through careful planning and communication to ensure that there was a critical mass of participants across the study as a hole to see it through to completion.
In conclusion, the main contribution of this work is the assessment of a novel approach to assess the role and value of public libraries. It has been demonstrated that a multi-location longitudinal focus group method can be valuable for data collection in this type of library and information science research, and may be transferable to other research endeavour in the domain. In particular, reconvening the same focus group participants three times over a period of three years allows for development of the quality of participant discussions that, in turn, generates a rich data set for qualitative analysis. The main drawback of this approach, however, is participant attrition.