The competency of “knowledge of and practices with public library research and evaluation methods” involves the following:
Research design (case study, observation study, historical, longitudinal study, etc.)
Instrument and protocol design (observations, surveys, interviews, & focus groups)
Plan for data documentation & management
This competency is intended to help public library staff understand and effectively utilize the various forms of research and evaluation methods used in public libraries. To become familiar with this step will allow public library staff to move into the next phase of data analysis.