Description
Book SynopsisThis book reports on a study examining ''Imposed Queries in the School Library Media Center,'' and is a follow up to a pilot study on the same topic. The analysis is presented in a way that provides a clear road map for researchers, students, and practitioners who wish to undertake a study of this type, or to advance thinking about the place of imposed queries in information seeking. Particular attention is given to the special nature of the investigative processes undertaken and the concerns researchers have when approaching the study of children in information-providing environments. The research process is described in detail and highlights research questions, methodological issues, and data gathering techniques. The literature on children as a user group and as information seekers is reviewed, and the research findings and conclusions are discussed. Also, advice is offered for readers interested in undertaking their own study of imposed and self-generated queries.
Trade ReviewGross lays out her investigative processes and discusses the concerns that researchers have when studying children's queries and information-seeking behaviors. She also shares her research questions, methodological issues, and data gathering techniques. * American Libraries, November 2006 *
...Gross's research is a much needed addition to the small world of monographs related to youth information seeking... * Library & Information Science Research, Vol. 29, No. 1 (2007) *
Researchers of information science will probably find much from which to springboard. -- Spring 2007 Vol 46, No 3 * Reference and User Services Quarterly *
Gross (information, Florida State University) presents the results of a study examining children's queries in the school library media center. After a review of the literature on children as a user group and as information seekers, she describes the research, highlighting questions, methodological issues, and data gathering techniques. * Reference and Research Book News *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Acknowledgments Part 2 Introduction Chapter 3 1. Children and Research Chapter 4 2. Children in the Library Chapter 5 3. Studying Children's Questions at School Chapter 6 4. Understanding Children's Questions and Information-Seeking Behavior Chapter 7 5. Next Steps Part 8 Appendix A: Human Subject Forms Flyer Part 9 Appendix B: Coding Sheet for Self-Generated and Imposed Queries Part 10 Appendix C: Interview Guides for Students, Teachers, and School Library Media Specialists Part 11 Index Part 12 About the Author
