LIBR 505: Research Methods in Information Organizations -- COURSE SYLLABUS
Program: Master of
Library and Information Studies
Year: Winter Session 2006-2007,
Term 2
Time: Wednesday, 1:30-4:30
Location: FNSC 40
Instructor: Rick Kopak
Office location: TEF 334
Office phone: 604-822-2898
Office hours: By appointment
E-mail address: rkopak@interchange.ubc.ca
*Please Note: This is a preliminary syllabus. The final version of the syllabus will be distributed at the first class.
Course Goals: The purpose of this
course is to introduce the theory and practice of social science
research methods and how they can be used in libraries and other
information organizations. The course provides a framework for
problem solving that can be used to achieve solutions to issues
and challenges in the work environment. Emphasis is on the techniques
and knowledge required to carry out a research project, and also
on acquiring skill in the critical consumption of the research
literature.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- Understand the role that research plays in library and information science.
- Understand why knowledge of research methods is important for information practitioners.
- Be competent in usefully employing social science research methods in information-based environments.
- Be skilled in the critique of published research studies.
- Have knowledge and skill in the preparation of a detailed research plan including problem identification and selection, research questions/hypotheses, relevant variables, literature review, methodological design, sampling design, development of data gathering instruments, design of codebook, and data collection techniques.
- Be aware of the various ethical issues relevant to the research process.
Prerequisites: LIBR
500, 501, 502, and 503, or permission of SLAIS Graduate Advisor
Format of the course: One
three-hour class per week, which may include lectures, guest
speakers, and group discussions.
Required and Recommended Reading:
Required:
- Bryman, Alan. (2004). Social Research Methods, 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
Recommended:
- Powell, R., and Connaway, L. (2004). Basic Research Methods for Librarians. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited.
- Walliman, Nicholas. Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-time Researcher. London: Sage Publications, 2001.
- Williamson, Kirsty. Research methods for students, academics and professionals: Information management and systems. 2 nd ed. Wagga Wagga, NSW: Charles Sturt University – Centre for Information Studies, 2002.
- The Researching Librarian Website - http://www.researchinglibrarian
.com/ - The Research Methods web resources site listed through the
Resources link on the SLAIS web page: http://www.slais.ubc.ca
/resources/research_methods . Page was created by Mary Sue Stephenson, SLAIS webmaster./index.htm
Course Assignments, Due dates and Weight in relation
to final course mark:
The major assignments for this course are #1 and #2.
The others are short exercises that should take three to four
hours each, including the reported assessment. Unless otherwise
noted, assignments must be handed in by midnight of the due
date.
Assignments |
Due Dates |
Weight |
#1 Literature Review (Done in groups of 2) |
February 28 |
30% |
#2 Research Design (same group as Assign. #1) |
April 11 |
40% |
#3 Research Minis a. Self-completion questionnaire b. Structured observation c. Content analysis d. Focus Group Interview
|
Various |
20% Mark out of 5 3 – acceptable 4 – very good 5 – extra special |
#4 Class participation, including attendance |
|
10% |
Course Schedule:
DATE |
TOPICS |
ASSIGNMENT DUE |
January 10 |
Bryman– Chap. 1 |
|
| January 17 |
|
|
January 24 |
Bryman - Chaps. 2 & 26 |
|
January 31 |
Bryman - Chap. 3 |
|
February 7 |
Bryman - 5,6, & 7 |
|
February 14 |
Bryman - 5,6, & 7 |
#3a |
February 21 |
|
|
February 28 |
Bryman - Chap. 4 |
#1 |
March 7 |
Bryman - Chap. 8 |
|
March 14 |
Bryman - Chap. 9 |
#3b |
March 21 |
Bryman - Chaps. 13, 14, 15, 16 |
#3c |
March 28 |
Bryman - Chap. 25 |
#3d |
April 4 |
Bryman - Chaps. 11, 19 & 22 |
|
April 11 |
|
#2 |
Course Policies:
Changes to Syllabus: The instructor
retains the right to alter the course syllabus at any time.
This does not apply, under ordinary circumstances, to assignment
due dates. In the event of a change, an announcement will be
made in class within a reasonable time in advance of the effective
date of the change.
Attendance : The calendar states: “Regular
attendance is expected of students in all their classes (including
lectures, laboratories, tutorials, seminars, etc.). Students who
neglect their academic work and assignments may be excluded from
the final examinations. Students who are unavoidably absent because
of illness or disability should report to their instructors on
return to classes.”
Regular on-time attendance in class is an important and required part of this
course. For sessions you miss, it is your responsibility to obtain from one
of the other class members copies of all handouts distributed.
I recognize that sudden unexpected problems arise for everyone (including myself),
but I expect you to attend and be on time for class. Absences and/or repeated
tardiness will result in a lower course mark or in a request from me that you
drop the course. The size of an attendance-related course mark penalty will
be determined by the instructor. If you ARE late for class (for whatever reason)
please come into the classroom rather than waiting for the break.
Consumption of beverages is okay during class time, and occasional consumption
of food is fine.
Evaluation: Assignments will not
be accepted late unless prior arrangements are made with me. Consideration
will be given to legitimate emergencies. If an extension is granted,
a late penalty may be imposed at my discretion; this will be discussed
when you request an extension.
All assignments will be awarded letter grades using the evaluative criteria
given on the SLAIS
web site.
Assessment for class participation is partly based on attendance and will be
negatively affected by every missed class. If you miss more than 20% of the
classes, e.g. more than 2 classes, your achievement of a “B+” or “A” grade
will be in jeopardy.
Written & Spoken English Requirement: Written
and spoken work may receive a lower mark if it is, in the opinion
of the instructor, deficient in English.
Course Discussion List:
Each of you must sign-up for the class internet discussion
list. From whatever email account you wish to use, send the
following [leave the Subject lineblank]:
address-- To: majordomo@interchange.ubc.ca
message-- subscribe l-505k
end
This is the mechanism that I will use to make announcements to you outside
class. You are also welcome to post comments/questions to the list if relevant
to other students. For particular problems or questions you should e-mail me
directly at rkopak@interchange.ubc.ca,
see me in my office, or call me.
