What are students doing in our library? Ethnography as a method of exploring library user behaviour

Authors

  • Joanna Bryant

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/lirg95

Keywords:

ethnography, research methods, use of space, university libraries

Abstract

Summarises an ethnographic study conducted at Loughborough University in 2007 which investigated user behaviour in a new open-plan learning environment. Seeks to encourage wider use of ethnography within library and information science research. Recommends the method as a particularly effective way to explore how library space is used. Encourages both practitioner-researchers and academics to consider using the methodology more frequently.

Author Biography

Joanna Bryant

Joanna Bryant graduated from Loughborough University’s Department of Information Science in 2007 with an MSc in Information and Library Management. She now works as an Information Specialist in a government library.

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Published

2009-05-22

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 103 (2009)

Section

Invited Contributions

License

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