Qualitative Research for the Information Professional: A Practical Handbook, 2nd ed.

Citation

Secker, J. (2005), "Qualitative Research for the Information Professional: A Practical Handbook, 2nd ed.", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 285-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330510610645

I was extremely interested to read the second edition of Gorman and Clayton's Qualitative Research for the Information Professional. The first edition appeared in 1997 when I was midway through my doctorate and I found it invaluable after having spent much of the previous year struggling to digest various books on research methods aimed more generally at the social scientist. This book is ideal for research students or those writing their masters dissertation, however, it is also aimed at those working in the profession. It is probably more true today than it was eight years ago, that librarians and information professionals find themselves cast into the field of research with the plethora of projects funded by bodies such as the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), the New Opportunities Fund (NOF). In addition technology has moved on a pace since 1997, therefore, it is highly timely for the authors to update their excellent first edition. Overall I found this book highly readable, practical and relevant to the information professional.

The preface to the second edition usefully sets out the key changes to this work. As would be expected references throughout have been updated and online sources suggested where relevant. However, there are also two entirely new chapters, Chapter 2 on evaluating qualitative research and Chapter 14 which provides a case study report. Other changes to note include updating and revising Chapter 10 on historical investigation and the chapter on data analysis has been significantly updated to include more detail about available computer software. The chapter on content analysis has largely been removed from this edition, although the technique is discussed in Chapter 12.

Each chapter starts with focus questions and ends with a review. Along the way various “Research Scenarios” are presented which provide valuable illustrations and examples. Each chapter also has a “Where to now” section at the end, where a number of activities are suggested. For example, you are asked to read a sample piece of research (the case study in Chapter 14 is referred to several times) and assess it against specific criteria. The reader can really test their understanding of each chapter in having to apply some of the concepts.

Chapter 1 provides an excellent definition of qualitative research making a clear distinction from quantitative research. The chapter also sets out why qualitative research is relevant to the information professional. Chapter 2 discusses evaluation in qualitative research and by placing this topic early on in the book the authors are emphasising the importance of evaluation. Too often in the past it has been seen as something to be done at the end of a project. However, this book focuses the reader's attention. It is also useful to understand evaluation criteria and the chapter had pointers for those who are asked to evaluate (or review!) other's work. Chapter 3 considers research design and is really an introduction to the techniques that are described in far more detail in later chapters. Chapter 4 is a detailed look at case study research. It examines in some depth the role of reliability and validity in qualitative research.

Chapter 5 is particularly useful for those new to research – it describes how to undertake a literature review and techniques such as note taking. In describing how to carry out a literature review, the book states “Telling an information professional how to conduct a literature review would be akin to showing a used car salesman how to wind back an odometer”. Chapters 5 and 6 are very useful for those new to conducting fieldwork. They are very clear and concepts, such as establishing a theoretical framework, which many information professionals will struggle with, are explained in plain English avoiding the use of jargon. In particular, Chapter 6 discusses the problem of gaining access to people and organisations in some detail. This is often overlooked by many research‐method books. The importance of piloting your proposed methodology is also stressed.

Chapters 7 to 10 look at some specific qualitative research methods: observation, interviewing, group discussion techniques and historical investigation. Each chapter sets out the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, variations in the approach and key characteristics. The chapter on interviewing I read with particular interest and also that on group discussion techniques. They are both highly practical, setting how to go about using such methods, and discussing issues such as whether or not to record and transcribe interviews. They provide invaluable guidance and really explain the “nitty‐gritty” of each research method. Chapter 9 on group discussion techniques looks at focus groups, but also the nominal group technique (NGT).

Chapter 10 on historical investigation looks at the characteristics of this method and describes identifying and locating sources, recording and interpreting sources, including both primary and secondary. Critical methods to establish authenticity, veracity and validity of the data collected are described including techniques known as external and internal criticism. The chapter looks at the specific issues associated with the “virtual information setting” on p. 169 and also considers some of the strengths and problems associated with the use of oral history in information settings. Finally, the chapter looks at writing history to engage the readers and disseminate the results in a convincing manner, for example the importance of creating a chronology.

Chapter 11 considers note taking and generating field notes. Page 189 provides eight steps to better field notes and recommends that in general it is better to make too many notes. It looks at data recording in different types of research methods and finishes by considering transcription in some detail.

Chapter 12 is about the process of analysing data and how to achieve depth. It looks at the difference between data analysis and interpretation. It also considers how computer technology can facilitate data analysis. The book describes data analysis as “the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data” (p. 206). It looks at techniques such as coding, content analysis and ethnographic analysis. It also considers the use of computer software to facilitate data analysis and warns how this should not lure us into quantitative research because of its ability to deal with large volumes of data. On page 223 a list of software is available and while this is highly useful it is an area of the book that will date quickly.

Chapter 13 discusses writing qualitative research reports, something many of us are now expected to routinely do, with too little guidance. It considers basic topics such as the importance of devising a writing schedule and where and when to write as well as the structure of a typical research report and styles of writing. The chapter points out the most important thing to focus on when writing is your audience. The chapter ends by looking specifically at writing for publication (pp. 242‐4) and the authors urge information professional researchers to publish widely. Finally, Chapter 14 is a case study and referred to in many chapters as a sample piece of research that has been written up. It is referred to in the “where to now” part of several chapters.

Overall the book is extremely well structured and well written. In general it avoids the use of jargon and complex issues are explained clearly and concisely. Plenty of further reading is suggested and each chapter is nicely illustrated with relevant research scenarios. In addition to masses of further reading and references in each chapter, the book also contains a bibliography, which is organised by topic and useful for focused reading on a topic. The book also contains a well‐structured index. The book is particularly well suited to students undertaking a dissertation or information professionals working on research projects. Research methods is a topic only recently added to library school curricula, so many established professionals will find this book excellent as part of their continuing professional development.