Naturalistic Inquiry For Library Science: Methods And Applications For Research, Evaluation, And Teaching (Contributions In Librarianship And Information Science)

Naturalistic Inquiry for Library Science: Methods and Applications for Research, Evaluation, and Teaching (Contributions in Librarianship and Information Science)

Research does not have to mean getting buried in statistics, claims Constance Mellon, and in this unique study she describes an approach to applying the naturalistic inquiry of anthropology and sociology to the field of information science. Drawing on the author's experience in the design of instruction, the book outlines a humanistic and relevant method of naturalistic research whose aim is understanding rather than prediction. Unlike other books on the topic, here the method is directed specifically toward librarianship and its particular needs and problems, and made clear through a series of concrete examples. Not only is it the first book of its kind in the field, but its direct and simple style will make it accessible to everyone from beginners to experienced researchers.