Successful patron services and spaces require knowledge of patron needs and preferences. Qualitative research methods, like focus groups, allow for gathering data that is rich in detail and nuance. Another benefit is the establishment of collaborative relationships with target patron groups. These relationships may provide opportunities to obtain regular input and feedback as projects develop.
Turning Qualitative Research Into Action Space, Grad. Support Plan, Research Database Uta Hussong‐Christian, Margaret Mellinger & Hannah Gascho Rempel Oregon State University Libraries, ACRL 2011 Philadelphia
ADMINISTRATION Hannah Hann han
Teaching, Focus Group Method Data Analysis 8 prompts Career Services 36 students from Semi‐formal manner COLLEGE or UNIT 8 colleges Responses transcribed 4 focus groups Responses coded for themes Focus Group Demographics 3 librarians Services Spaces Support Library Services Private Spaces Communication Library Resources Social Spaces Collaboration Campus Services Ambience Mentoring Training Technology GTA needs Themes examined for frequency, extensiveness, intensity 16 pizzas Survey Presentation Space, Study Rooms, Circulation, Document Delivery INTERNAL “Thanks for conducting this research and sending us some of the results from your study!” Q: Scope of question is limited. A: Only pre‐defined answer options. “Thanks for your time and dedication in working with us and for the follow‐up. It was a joy to know that the librarians are thinking about the difficulties students encounter in a university that is so dehumanized. Thanks again. Keep up the good work.” Survey (with open­ended questions) All Possible Limiters Q: Scope of question can be broad or narrow. Short Term Limits Mid Term Limits Personnel Money Space Power Policies Relationships Relationships Time Relationships Power Long Term Limits A: Generally one or two sentences/phrases relating to personal experience. Focus Groups Q: Scope of question can be broad or narrow; opportunity for follow­up or clarifying questions. Time Power Money Personnel Space Policies Relationships Money Personnel A: Substantive response relating to personal or second‐hand experience but also comparison/contrast with other group members’ experiences. Interview Q: Scope of question can be broad or narrow; opportunity for follow­up or clarifying questions. A: In‐depth response relating to personal or second‐hand experience and contextual details that may not be shared in focus group setting. Qualitative data, while rich in detail, can be difficult to analyze. Identifying specific priorities is challenging. Analyze with “limiters” in mind to discover actionable items. Identify short, mid and long‐term activities to highlight 1) opportunities for quick service or space enhancements and 2) the need to enhance or develop collaborative relationships to progress with longer‐term activities.
Change study room policies to increase access. Improve promotion of services and spaces. Use existing spaces in new ways to support graduate student study. PHOTO CREDITS Daniel Miller, USFS, Dave Powell, USFS (2), Robert Vidéki, DoronicumKft. All from Bugwood.org http://www.flickr.com/photos/osuvalleylibrary/455894463 http://www.flickr.com/photos/osuarchives/2937640767/ (permission granted by OSU archives) SNAP QR CODE for REPORT