Introduction to Qualitative Research

This course is designed to facilitate familiarity with exploratory and open-ended qualitative research approaches such as field observation and interviews and the ways that they might be integrated into the work we do in libraries. It is about connecting research methods to questions about people and practices within and around their institutional contexts in order to improve services and gain insight into the library, campus, and/or community as field sites. The course seeks to develop a spirit of inquiry among participants by helping them to check assumptions and ask critical questions. It is structured around readings and a series of activities, reflective and investigative, intended to provide participants with an opportunity to develop a research mindset and gain practice with qualitative research methods and tools.

* Please note the December 2021/January 2022 session is eight weeks in length, but includes six weeks of content and time for a winter session break.