Students have a critical grounding in theoretical perspectives that draw on research in LIS as well as other fields of knowledge, that inform their professional practices including research, organization, management, and access to information.

IV.a. Students will describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science.

For this group project, we proposed a multi-disciplinary approach and combined qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to examine how archival institutions used social media and what impact it had on community engagement with archival collections. This assignment allowed me to develop skills in research and research design, and to progress from theory to practice in an applied library setting.

Research Proposal: Impact of Social Media Use by Archives
Submitted as partial fulfillment of LIS 6271

IV.b. Students will identify opportunities for research and develop plans for research in applied settings in library and information science.

After conducting a needs assessment, my group determined what actions could be taken in the Morgan Library & Museum to improve the collections through new acquisitions combined with a weeding process. The primary aim of the action plan is to realize an “extraordinary collection” in accordance with the overall Collection Development Policy (see Leadership & Innovation, Goal I.a.). Through this assignment, more broadly, I learned the very practical actions that can be taken in a real-world library to achieve their mission.

Collection Development Action Plan: The Morgan Library & Museum
Submitted as partial fulfillment of LIS 6511