Danuta A. Nitecki, Dean of Libraries, Drexel University April 26, 2013 Concordia Professional Forum Montreal T angible I nsights P reparing S cholarship EIGHT

#1 Problem statement: grab and keep the reader 1. Lead-in 2. Originality 3. Direction 4. Value

#2 Literature Review: synthesize and “mind the gap” Literature Review Theoretical Framework

#3 Logical Structure: see where you are going Visual diagram of problem direction Study objectives  Research Questions  Hypotheses

Identify barriers to publishing research among academic librarians. BARRIERSPUBLISHING RESEARCH ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS - Incentives - Motivation -LIS journals -Discipline-oriented -- Education level -- Research experience -Funding -Time -Peer reviewed -Invited -- Age -- Years in profession -Interview skills -Statistical training -Blogs -Journal, book formats -- Gender -- Ethnic origins -- Language -Fear -Confidence -Open Source -Author fees -- Institution type -- Faculty status

Study Objectives Research Questions Hypotheses To describe, determine, identify To relate, compare, contrast

#4 Research Design: how to conduct the research  Who [population/sample/size]  Where  When

#5 #5 Methodolay #5 Methodology: match protocol to the problem  Qualitative  Quantitative

#6 Data Quality: clarify limitations  Reliability :  Extent data are consistent  Validity: extent findings are:  generalizable to population [external validity], or  accurately measure [internal validity]

#7 Manage: research project like a pro  Costs and resources  Time and timing  People and protections [IRB]

#8 Presentation: lay out your contribution  Findings  Discussion  Conclusions

Preparing Research for Publication 1. Problem statement 2. Literature Review 3. [Logical Structure] 4. Research Design 5. Methodology 6. Data Quality 7. [Manage to conduct study] 8. Presentation

Publication structure 1. Abstract [past tense, concise] Questions, methods, major findings, conclusion 2. Introduction [active voice] PROBLEM STATEMENT—context, knowledge gap, purpose, rationale for direction 3. Literature review [consistent tense] LITERATURE REVIEW -- Synthesis, gap, theoretical framework 4. Methods [past tense] RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY [DATA QUALITY] 5. Results [past tense] FINDINGS organized without interpretation, 6. Analysis/Discussion [active voice] DISCUSSION [DATA QUALITY] & CONCLUSION 7. References [journal’s style] Literature cited 8. Appendices [optional] Instruments, raw data, figures & tables

Thank you for your attention Danuta A. Nitecki: Peter Hernon, Robert E. Dugan, and Danuta A. Nitecki. Engaging in Evaluation and Assessment Research. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2011.