It is always a pleasurable experience to review a book that you can wholeheartedly recommend and where the content, style and approach fit the purpose – that is, planting the seeds for successful research and encouraging both graduate students and professionals in the information environment to explore the joys of research. Research Methods in Information is such a book. In its second edition it has built on the praise and feedback received on the first edition, strengthening its coverage of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research as well as online research methods and techniques. It succeeds very well in reaching the main target group – graduate students. In this sense I can echo the words of Elena Maceviciute (2007) when she reviewed the first edition: “I have found it! Finally I have found what I was looking for […] a book that makes it clear”. But more importantly, also a book that shares the practicalities of research to consider, the importance of substantiating your choices, challenging yourself to use research methods and data collection techniques fitting the purpose (even though these may be complicated), and emerging oneself in the rich diversity of textbooks on research methods once you have mastered the basics.
Research Methods in Information includes an introduction and 25 chapters, as well as a very useful glossary, and detailed 15 page index. The Introduction gives an overview of the purpose and context of the book, as well as the structure of the book. The chapters are divided in five parts: starting the research process, research methods, data collection techniques, data analysis and presenting the research, and then the glossary and list of references. Part 1 covers an overview of major research paradigms (adding a philosophical tone), reviewing the literature, defining the research, the research problem, sampling, research data management and ethics in research. Part 2 covers research methods such as case studies, surveys, experimental research, usability testing, ethnography, Delphi study, action research, historical research, and grounded theory – with the question for the last being whether it is a research method or a method of analysis (p. vi). The data collection methods discussed in Part 3 include interviews, questionnaires, observation, diaries, focus group interviews and the analysis of existing, externally created material such as citation analysis and transaction logs. In Part 4 various approaches to qualitative and quantitative analysis are covered in two chapters, followed by a chapter on presenting the research. Chapter 6 on research data management (written by Julie McLeod, Sue Childs and Elizabeth Lomas) and chapter 22 on the analysis of existing documents including transaction log analysis (written by Andrew Shenton) are two very useful new additions to the second edition. Each chapter concludes with a practical exercise, and a list of suggested reading. All chapters reflects a good balance in the detail that is needed for making choices and applying methods and techniques.
Research Methods in Information is written in a very clear, easy to follow style. Although meeting with academic rigour, the author, Alison Pickard, does not hesitate to share her opinion, preferences and personal research experiences – even the problematic experiences that might easily have turned to failures. Throughout the book the advice offered is practical, realistic and to the point – reflecting a very sound knowledge of the key publications on research and practical experience in doing and supervising research. Her approach strengthens the importance of acknowledging the need for honesty and critical reflection in research. Alison Pickard’s explanations throughout the text sets a good example to novice researchers in acknowledging choices and the diversity of opinions and approaches found on all facets of research.
What particularly struck me from Research Methods in Information is the inviting and encouraging tone. At the start of the book, Alison Pickard cites Hurston (1942/1996): “Research is formalised curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose” (p. xvi). In a later section she continues: “I see research as a grand adventure and researchers as intrepid explorers seeking out their own truth, however, small the question may be” (p. xvi).
Research is done by human beings who need to rise to the challenges and belief in their abilities, but who also need to be au fait with the complexities and challenges of research and data collection methods. The discussion on grounded theory is a good example: “One of the most difficult aspects of grounded theory research is the ability of the researcher to follow where the data leads and not be forced by preconceived ideas about the topic. Could you be a grounded theory researcher?” (p. 187). In Chapter 21 focus groups are another example. It is described as a technique for data collection requiring special skills and some experience. “Every researcher has to start somewhere […] As with every data collection technique, if it fits the purpose, then I would recommend you go for it but not without testing your ability as a moderator first, and not without immersing yourself in the topic and being very clear about why you are there” (p. 243).
I would recommend Research methods in information for all masters and doctoral students in Library and Information Science, as well as related fields with a focus on information. I would also strongly advise practitioners to get acquainted with the content, and especially for those involved in collection management. The textbooks cited with each chapter give a very good idea of publications belonging in the library collection for research textbooks. More importantly Research Methods in Information should be on the shelves of all library and information professionals. It is certainly an introductory text that can help to build research capacity in the library and information community and to stimulate research interest: I agree with Alison Pickard: “The joy of research cannot be bestowed on an individual but it is sincerely hoped that this book will go some way to planting the seed and encouraging at best that joy, and at least the inquisitive nature that defines the researcher” (p. xvi). With this in mind, I would like to suggest that edition 3 of this book should include examples of, or a chapter on, the translation of research outcomes from a theoretical point of view into practice, collaboration in information seeking and research, and a bit more on methods for practitioners to present research outcome e.g. posters and conference papers.
