Good example no. 2 of the encyclopaedia task

Qualitative research and the current role of information professionals
“Qualitative research...describes research that focuses on how individuals and groups view the world and construct meaning out of their experiences; it is essentially narrative-orientated.” (1) Qualitative research gathers in-depth data in verbal form, from the perspective of those involved, in a natural context. In addition to first-hand observation, interviews and even participation, qualitative data gathering methods include video or tape recording, photography, or studying records kept by participants. The qualitative researcher attempts to refrain from limiting the content of the information gathered, or predicting any findings. In contrast, the quantitative researcher selects the factors thought to be relevant before collecting data in statistical form, while remaining detached from events.

“While the bulk of basic research in library science has taken the form of quantitative research...qualitative research methods have been employed to a greater degree in more recent years.” (2) Although quantitative research is less time-consuming and allows the information professional to obtain a greater breadth of information across a larger population, such as conducting a survey regarding user education, qualitative research lacks predetermined categories, providing richer data, different perspectives, and potentially broader insights, for example interviewing library staff to elicit their view of a specific service. As argued by Kaplan and Maxwell (1994), “ the goal of understanding a phenomenal point of view of the participants and its particular social and institutional context is lost when textual data is quantified.” (3) Considering the complex, social and ever-changing environment of the information world, the value of qualitative methods, ideally alongside quantitative research, is undeniable, especially as pressure grows to meet both staff and user expectations.

(1) Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualitative_research (Accessed 6 Oct 2005)
(2) Powell, R. (1991) Basic research methods for librarians, second edition, New Jersey: Ablex Publishing Corporation, pp.47
(3) Myers, M. (1997) Qualitative research in information systems, Living Scholarship from MISQ. Available at: http://www.qual.auckland.ac.nz/ (Accessed 8 Oct 2005)