Learning outcomes

• identify the dissertation process and recognise issues of time management;
• analyse general questions of research design, methodology and method;
• carry out the requirements of the research proposal;
• distinguish between different forms of information seeking and literature searching;
• describe the nature of academic writing styles, citation conventions and forms of literature review;
• identify local, national and international research opportunities;
• access information on organizations supporting and outlets for the dissemination of library and information studies research.

Brief description

• the dissertation framework (process and structure)
• dissertation project management (including time management)
• research design (general questions of research design, methodology and method)
• the research proposal (including its purpose and role in assessment for the module)
• searching for information (including information seeking and literature searching)
• literature review (including academic writing, citation, forms of literature review)
• data collection (overview of data collection techniques)
• data analysis (overview of data analysis techniques)
• the research report (overview of different styles and forms of report writing)
• ways of disseminating the results of library and information studies research (journals, conferences, reports, monographs)

The module will also cover the three principal research streams in library and information studies research. These are:

• social research
• humanities research
• information systems research

Aims

• provide an introduction to the variety of library and information studies research methods;
• prepare you for your dissertation project;
• introduce you to the wider context of library and information studies research;
• raise awareness of the importance of research in library and information studies.

Reading Lists