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Library and its Users
Notes 8.6 Summary
• Questionnaires are a popular means of collecting data, but are difficult to design and often
require many rewrites before an acceptable questionnaire is produced.
• Interviewing is a technique that is primarily used to gain an understanding of the underlying
reasons and motivations for people’s attitudes, preferences or behaviour. Interviews can be
undertaken on a personal one-to-one basis or in a group.
• Observation involves recording the behavioural patterns of people, objects and events in a
systematic manner.
• The case study has been especially used in social science, psychology, anthropology and ecol-
ogy. This method of study is especially useful for trying to test theoretical models by using
them in real world situations.
8.7 Keywords
Data Collection: Data collection is an important aspect of any type of survey.
Questionnaires : Questionnaires can be posted e-mailed or faxed.
Interviewing : Interviewing can be undertaken on a personal one-to-one basis or in a group.
Observation : Observation involves recording the behavioral patterns of people, objects and events
in a systematic manner.
Case Study : Case study is an in depth study of a particular situation rather than a sweeping
statistical survey.
8.8 Review Questions
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires?
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of interviews.
3. Explain observation.
4. Define case study.
Answers: Self Assessment
1. Data collection 2. interviews, questionnaires 3. (a) 4. (a)
5. True 6. True 7. True.
8.9 Further Readings
Girja Kumar: Philosophy of user Education, Delhi, Vikas, 1983
Peter, Fox: Library user education
Line, Maurice (B): Library Surveys, London, Clive Bingley, 1982
Lancaster, (F.W): The measurement and evaluation of Library Services.
Online links http://www.egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/25801/1/Unit2.pdf
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/intrview.php
http://dge.stanford.edu
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