Competency L: research

“Core Competency L — demonstrate understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and of the evaluation and synthesis of research literature.”

Introduction

As a novelist, I have done my share of research. I am adept at it and I have become more adept at helping others with their research in my role as a librarian. I have had the opportunity to fine tune my research skills, particularly in the area of finding and evaluating reliable sources, analyzing and interpreting data, and applying that data to create new knowledge. Research is an invaluable tool for information specialists as we are constantly seeking to remain in step with emerging and advancing information technology. In addition to our own research, we are called to assist in information retrieval for others, particularly patrons who come to our library or archive for the purpose of conducting research.

Access to and evaluation of materials

One of the primary roles librarians provide to information seekers is access. We not only protect people’s right to access to information, we curate and preserve that information in all forms to ensure that it is available to be studied and used.  analyzed an article as part of a class discussion on the subject of allowing access to rare materials in the context of the article’s value in research (see L_Evidence_1). I believe this analysis demonstrates my ability to evaluate research materials for accuracy, reliability, and relevance or usefulness to the research project.

Analyzing Data

Gathering data is only the first step. I have collected articles with a topic in mind only to find that the information in the article is not germane to my topic. Research itself does not draw conclusions; analysis of the data discovered in research leads the researcher to make connections and draw conclusions from those connections, conclusions that are supported by the data. In connection with a class I took in library school, I examined an article which was dominated by a graph and left the analysis to the reader ( L_Evidence_2). I believe my ability to effectively analyze this type of data is demonstrated here.

Critical Review of data

A critical review of data includes assessing the research problem, the research methods and findings, as well as  recommendations. It also means evaluating the overall quality of the report. Of equal importance is the usability of the research in solving the problem which initiated the research. I offer a critical review of an article on preservation I did as evidence of my competence in this aspect of research (see L_Evidence_3).

Conclusion

Information professionals are particularly concerned with research. Research, ours and that of others who come to us for assistance, is at the heart of our practice. We serve our community’s information needs, whether our community is a neighborhood or a university campus. We need to be able to evaluate sources and materials for accuracy, reliability, and usability or relevance. I believe that the body of work I have completed and presented here demonstrates my competence in this area.