Qualitative Research and the Modern Library

4

Eyes wide open: using trends, professional literature, and users to create a research canvas in libraries

Abstract:

This chapter explores the ways in which librarians and others might use the current literature and other professional resources to help define a research focus and better understand users. Trends in technology as possible areas for discovery are discussed.

Key words

born digital

academic libraries

cloud computing

mobile devices

Developing a “research agenda” is often an uphill battle for libraries. It can be a difficult task, especially if the agenda is completely unattached to documented user needs and service developments. A research agenda in and of itself is virtually useless—it is time-consuming, can yield a lot of data ...