Qualitative Research in Information Management

Qualitative research, as a method of data collection and analysis, places a major emphasis on gaining an empathetic understanding of societal phenomena. This work defines qualitative research, discusses its relationship to quantitative methods, considers the rationale for using qualitative methods, and describes some techniques applicable to library and information settings. Actual studies are presented that utilize various techniques ranging from the case study to focused group interviews. A chapter on computer analysis of qualitative data is also included. Ronald Powell has also written Basic Reference Sources: A Self-Study Manual and Basic Research Methods for Librarians .