The Dynamic Data Duo: Quantitative and qualitative data, part 2
In our last post we introduced you to the dynamic data duo—quantitative (number) and qualitative (story) data. Like any good superhero squad, each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Quantitative...
View ArticleDoes the (Data Collection Method) Shoe Fit?
You wouldn’t go hiking in a pair of dress shoes, right? Like the variety of shoes in your closet, there are a variety of data collection methods in all different shapes and sizes. The trick is finding...
View ArticleAre you ready to learn about surveys? Ο Yes Ο No
1. What is a survey? If you’ve ever responded to the U.S. Census, then you’ve taken a survey, which is simply a questionnaire that asks respondents to answer a set of questions. Surveys are a common...
View ArticleBad Survey Questions, part 1
In our last post, we talked about when you should use a survey and what kind of data you can get from different question types. This week, we’re going to cover two of the big survey question mistakes...
View ArticleBad Survey Questions, part 2
Bad Survey Questions – pt. 2 Don’t let those bad survey questions go unpunished. Last time we talked about leading and loaded questions, which can inadvertently manipulate survey respondents. This week...
View ArticleGuest Post: Why Use Inclusive Language
The Colorado State Library (CSL)’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Team (EDIT) is dedicated to raising awareness about EDI issues and spotlighting those values in Colorado’s cultural heritage...
View ArticleColorado Talking Book Library 2020
Results from the 2020 Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) patron survey are in! Survey respondents gave CTBL high marks again with 99% rating CTBL’s overall service as good or excellent in 2020. This...
View ArticleSurveys: Don’t just set it and forget it!
Surveys are the rotisserie oven of the data collection methods. You simply “set it, and forget it!” That’s why it’s important to be strategic about how you’re reaching your target population....
View ArticleWhy Observe? Watch and Learn
When I was a kid, one of my favorite summer activities was staring at hummingbirds. I would sit for hours, moving as little as possible, while I took notes about everything I saw. (Yes, I was a pretty...
View ArticleNothing About Us, Without Us: Equitable evaluation through community engagement
This is a “guest post” from the Colorado Virtual Library Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion blog. When you wake up, one of the first things you might do is open your weather app to see what the...
View ArticleHow to observe: Ask first!
Welcome back! We left off talking about why you would use observations to collect data. Observation can be a great data collection tool when you want to see how different people interact with each...
View ArticleHow to observe without being totally awkward
Happy fall to all you data nerds out there! We appreciate you being here with us. Last time we discussed how to get permission from your participants when you want to do an observation. You might be...
View ArticleNew research: first year college students need support assessing authority
Intro Can I trust this information? We use information constantly to learn, make decisions, and form opinions. Every day library staff in every setting strive to teach people how to find the...
View ArticleNew Season, New Chapter: Qualitative Analysis
Hello Everyone! I am honored to have the opportunity of continuing the LRS series staple Between a Graph and a Hard Place. Our last post began with “happy fall,” and now we are well on our way to...
View ArticleLibraries Invested in Our Planet
Happy Earth Day! The theme for this Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet,” and so it is a fantastic time to reflect on our library’s role within the community, how it supports American Library...
View ArticleMapping the Methods: Content Analysis Part 1
Hello data enthusiasts! Let’s return to our exploration of qualitative analysis. Last time we uncovered a few ways qualitative analysis can expand research findings by looking beyond number data for...
View ArticleMapping the Methods: Content Analysis Part 2
Welcome back! I am excited to dive back into content analysis with you. It is no secret that content analysis can be far from a walk in the park and is possibly more comparable to following a treasure...
View ArticleReading (and Recording) the Room: Focus Groups
Ready to polish up your people skills? This month we are taking a step back from analysis and turning to data collection again. In previous posts we touched on different data collection methods, and in...
View ArticlePlanting Seeds for Success-FULL Focus Groups
Did last month’s post inspire you to incorporate a focus group into your project? Are you too busy at this moment? We understand! However, you never know when conducting a focus group may just turn...
View ArticleA Trauma-Informed Lens: Communities, Libraries and Research
This post will delve into trauma-informed practices for research and everyday interactions for library workers. With that in mind, the key concepts from this piece are shared first, to preface the...
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