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On October 13th the Nova Scotia Provincial Library will host the first of two audio conferences that will be offered by the Education Institute this fall on Selecting Appropriate Research Methods with Lisa M. Given, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta.  In this session titled "An Introduction to Survey Methodology" Professor Given will examine how to select appropriate survey methods to match your research goals. Interviews, questionnaires, observation, and other survey methods will be discussed - with a particular focus on when to use (or not use) each one. Related topics, such as how the results of each method differ and how results can be used to inform decision-making, will be explored.

The Benefits
Provides an overview of key decisions that need to be made in selecting appropriate survey methods.
Includes practical library-related examples, across a range of survey methods (e.g., interviews; questionnaires; observation).
Includes discussion time - so participants can ask questions about the methods they have used in the past or would like to use in future.

Who Should Participate?
Librarians working in any setting (academic, public, special libraries - or other information settings) who want to learn more about selecting appropriate research methods. The topic of the session will apply to a range of content areas - from health sciences to children's services.

Key Topics You Will Explore
"Methodology" vs. "method" - what is the difference, and how does this affect research design?
When should you use (or not use) particular methods?
What methods are best for particular settings, user populations, research topics, etc.?
How do time, money and other factors affect method choice?

Method of Instruction
One hour teleconference with accompanying handouts.

Lisa M. Given
Lisa M. Given is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. She teaches graduate-level courses in research methods, Web design and information literacy. Her research interests include individuals' information behaviours, Web usability, the design of library space, and information use in the context of higher education. She has experience with a range of research methods - including observational work, qualitative interviews, questionnaires, and other survey approaches.

Developed for the Education Institute by the Saskatchewan Library Association.  The second of these two audio conferences on Selecting Appropriate Research Methods will be "Advanced Discussion of Survey Methodology" on November 17th.

SESSION DETAILS:
Time: Thursday, October 13th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Conference Room, Nova Scotia Provincial Library, 3770 Kempt Road, Halifax
This session is free
Parking is available in front of the building.

Please respond to Carol Morris at [log in to unmask] or by phone at 424-2477 if you would like to attend this session.

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We respectfully request that you refrain from wearing any scented products, including perfume, hair spray, cologne, deodorant, etc. and we thank you for your cooperation.
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