http://tametheweb.com/2008/03/18/no-myspace-facebook-at-mishawaka-library/
social networks in the library, the need for privacy programming, but the need to keep computers available for others as well.
something to keep in mind for the future. How libraries approach services to teens, incorporate current digital trends into their services, and approach conflict management.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Journal draft - the evolution of research
http://vodpod.com/watch/4384910-growing-knowledge-the-evolution-of-research?u=persei&c=persei
discusses how research is changing and becoming more digital thus making larger amounts of data available to researchers and how researchers are using and sifting through that large amount of data.
discusses how research is changing and becoming more digital thus making larger amounts of data available to researchers and how researchers are using and sifting through that large amount of data.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Journal #14 - methodology, online vs in-person
Currently in the process of writing and developing my research proposal paper, the question of online versus paper data collecting has crossed back and forth in my mind. Is one better then the other? What are the pros and cons? For instance the idea of collecting data via surveys: online vs. in-person. Online surveys allow the researcher to send surveys to a large number of people easily (via email or websites) and cheaply (no costs for stamps or paper). But in person surveys allow a person to be present to explain any questions that a person may have and they might better target your intended audience (in this case people visiting the library). Online surveys can use computer software to tally answers and sort through data. In person surveys can better interpret data and detect typos or other human errors. Case & Yang (2009) present a few more pros and cons of online versus in-person surveys in the literature review of their article.
Whichever method I decide to use, it seems that there will always be weaknesses and strengths to every method of research. The best thing that I can do is be aware of them during my research and adjust for them when possible. I also have discovered how important it is for me to determine and outline my goals, as these goals can determine the methods I use. Do I need to reach a large population? Do I need indepth and personal responses? Do I need data from those participating in a certain event or activity? Do I need to collect a large amount of data or just have a few quick questions? When reading over other people's research at the beginning of the semester, their pre-determined goals didn't seem as important as the results of the research. Over the course of the semester I became more aware that the choice of a researcher's methodology really does affect the type of results and conclusions that are gathered. Good research is well developed not only by obtaining results and obtaining data but by its very beginning development.
Whichever method I decide to use, it seems that there will always be weaknesses and strengths to every method of research. The best thing that I can do is be aware of them during my research and adjust for them when possible. I also have discovered how important it is for me to determine and outline my goals, as these goals can determine the methods I use. Do I need to reach a large population? Do I need indepth and personal responses? Do I need data from those participating in a certain event or activity? Do I need to collect a large amount of data or just have a few quick questions? When reading over other people's research at the beginning of the semester, their pre-determined goals didn't seem as important as the results of the research. Over the course of the semester I became more aware that the choice of a researcher's methodology really does affect the type of results and conclusions that are gathered. Good research is well developed not only by obtaining results and obtaining data but by its very beginning development.
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