Page 52 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Unit 8: Techniques and Tools of Library Surveys

Notes

The key point here is that the data you collect is unique to you and your research and,
until you publish, no one else has access to it.
There are many methods of collecting primary data and the main methods include:
• questionnaires, interviews, observation, case-studies, diaries, critical incidents, portfolios.

8.2 Questionnaires

Questionnaires are a popular means of collecting data, but are difficult to design and often require
many rewrites before an acceptable questionnaire is produced.

Advantages:
• Can be used as a method in its own right or as a basis for interviewing or a telephone survey.
• Can be posted, e-mailed or faxed.
• Can cover a large number of people or organisations.
• Wide geographic coverage.
• Relatively cheap.
• No prior arrangements are needed.
• Avoids embarrassment on the part of the respondent.
• Respondent can consider responses.
• Possible anonymity of respondent.
• No interviewer bias.

Disadvantages:
• Design problems.
• Questions have to be relatively simple.
• Historically low response rate (although inducements may help).
• Time delay whilst waiting for responses to be returned.
• Require a return deadline.
• Several reminders may be required.
• Assumes no literacy problems.
• No control over who completes it.
• Not possible to give assistance if required.
• Problems with incomplete questionnaires.
• Replies not spontaneous and independent of each other.
• Respondent can read all questions beforehand and then decide whether to complete or not.
For example, perhaps because it is too long, too complex, uninteresting, or too personal.

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