University Library News Release
Date: November 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, NMSU Library, (575) 646-7492, jcsmith@lib.nmsu.edu
Library Faculty Member Announces Her New Book on Research Methods
Susan E. Beck of the NMSU Library faculty announces the publication of her new book, Practical Research Methods for Librarians and Information Professionals. The book, co-authored with former NMSU librarian Kate Manuel, was published in November by Neal-Schuman. The book is available through Amazon.com.
Beck, the Library's collection development coordinator, said, "It is a guide to research methods for the real world."
Library and information professionals are increasingly called upon to justify budgets, services and programs. The book offers step-by-step guidance for using traditional research methods to help improve, validate and ultimately advance the day-to-day work and purpose of libraries. It shows how different methodologies such as focus groups, usability tests, action research, classroom research and bibliometrics, can be used to evaluate and enhance library functions, including instruction, web site usability, program development, content analysis, user interactions and more.
Each chapter outlines a particular methodology's process, including selecting the research topic, formulating questions, defining the population, gathering data, interpreting evidence and telling the story. There is also specific advice for navigating legal and ethical concerns, avoiding incorrect inferences, overcoming communication obstacles and working with institutional review boards. The book serves as a guide for practitioners and an introduction for library school students.
For more information, contact Beck at (575) 646-6171 or susabeck@nmsu.edu.
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