Ethnographic Research Methods in Library Assessment

Abstract

Ethnography – the study of cultural groups and their practices – and ethnographic research methods are becoming increasingly prevalent in library assessment. Library users and potential users on a particular campus make up a cultural group. Through a variety of observational and interactive methods, we may learn more about how and why they use libraries, collections and services, and the feelings, beliefs and needs that influence their use. Users may even participate in the design of services and spaces, and this process can build connections with library users that last beyond the assessment research process. This presentation will introduce various methods and examples for conducting ethnographies in libraries.