Knowledge and experience of research is a fundamental part of what makes an information professional, and the possession of research skills is an essential tool for achieving success in the information environment. With the increasing need for accountability in enhancing service delivery and provision in the information workplace, research can be used to carry out benchmarking exercises, service planning and strategic development; to map user behaviour, plan operational changes, demonstrate value to stakeholders, and much more. Added to these practical benefits is the sometimes underestimated need to engage in the questioning process that allows the individual practitioner to grow, and to increase the body of knowledge that makes up the profession. This unique new handbook is the first to focus entirely on the research needs of the information and communications community. It provides a reference guide to the research process in the fields of information studies, communications, records management, knowledge management and related disciplines, and is designed to be of continuing use throughout the student and professional lives of its readers. The text explores the full range of research options, including the emerging field of internet communications research, and provides the student with sufficient knowledge of the research process to embark on their own empirical research. It has a primarily practical focus, taking the reader step by step through the whole research process, and is fully supported by examples and exercises that reinforce the text and provide practical guidelines. This essential book is of value not only to students of information and communications studies and archives and records management, but to those on a variety of courses across the disciplines, and can be used by all practitioners beginning a piece of research.
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