Action Research Key Concepts by Katlyn Anderson

Key Concepts on

Action Research

by Katlyn Anderson

Action research can mold to the needs of almost any issue

In the discussion of 3 seperate teacher-librarian scenarios, Martin and Tallman's article emphasizes that action research can be applied to almost any issue within a library and provide meaningful results. This concept from Martin and Tallman's article reminds me that as a future librarian it is important that I approach any issues with my library with an open mind for how to solve them. By raising questions specific to the needs of my library, collecting and analyzing data, engaging with literature, and ultimately implementing real, intentional change within my library, my research efforts will be more impactful to my library program.

It is important to select a data collection method that is most relevent to the research problem/purpose at hand

Chapter 5 of the textbook discusses the three methods in which librarian can collect data: quetionnaires, interviews, and observation. The selection of which method to use is dependent upon the research problem/purpose each librarian is facing. This chapter shows me that as a future librarian I will need to be intentional in how I choose to collect data within my library. Furthermore, I will need to be aware of my own personal biases when choosing and/or designing my data collection method in order to ensure that my results are a true reflection of the research question(s) posed.

Statistic are only as good as the quality of the reseach design that is implemented

Chapter 9 of the textbook discusses the types of statistical analysis methods that can be utilized on the data collected in the research process. Something that stands out in this discussion of the different statistical analysis methods is the importance of having sound research that leads to data that can be an accurate representation of the research question(s) posed. This chapter of the textbook is significant to me as an aspiring librarian because it draws attention to the importance of taking every part of the action research process seriously and treating each step with meticulous care. In order to collect data that can provide me with reflective statistics to analyze, I need to ensure first that I am designing a research plan and data collection process that will yield these results.

References

Martin, J. & Tallman J. (2001). The teacher-librarian as action researcher. Teacher Librarian, 29(2), 8-10. Connaway, L., & Powell, R. R. (2010). Chapter 5: Data collection techniques (pp. 145-184)Links to an external site.. Basic research methods for librarians (5th ed., Library and information science text series). Santa Barbara, Calif.: Libraries Unlimited. Connaway, L., & Powell, R. R. (2010). Chapter 9: Analysis of data (pp. 261-285)Links to an external site.. Basic research methods for librarians (5th ed., Library and information science text series). Santa Barbara, Calif.: Libraries Unlimited.