Systematic review methodology can be distinguished from narrative reviews of the literature through its emphasis on transparent, structured and comprehensive approaches to searching the literature and its requirement for formal synthesis of research findings. There appears to be relatively little use of the systematic review methodology within the…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 14th International Conference on Mobile Learning 2018, which was organised by the International Association for Development of the Information Society, in Lisbon, Portugal, April 14-16, 2018. The Mobile Learning 2018 Conference seeks to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of mobile…

We explore the benefits and limitations of traditional academic research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination, and discuss the potential of blogs towards better meeting the higher education research community's needs. We present possible parameters of use, reward structures, and how the field can model this innovative means of academic…

How can libraries best assess and improve user space, even if they are not in a position to undertake new construction or a major renovation? Staff at New Mexico State University used a variety of ethnographic methods to learn how our spaces were being used as well as what our users considered to be ideal library space. Our findings helped us make…

Mobile handheld devices are increasingly being used in education. In this paper, we undertook a review of empirical based articles to summarise the current research regarding the use of mobile handheld devices (personal digital assistants/PDAs, palmtops, and mobile phones) in K-12 and higher education settings. This review was guided by the…

This paper is designed to identify effective methods and to lay out steps that can be used in a customer feedback survey process. In order for the results of any customer survey to stimulate useful changes in an organization, it is essential that the support of key players be present from the beginning. Developing a customer feedback process is a…

Suggests Web-based logs contain useful empirical data with which World Wide Web designers and design theorists can assess usability and effectiveness of design choices. Enumerates identification of types of Web server logs, client logs, types and uses of log data, and issues associated with the validity of these data. Presents an approach to…

Presents a case study of a pilot test of usability testing with farm instructions for applying pesticides. Discusses adapting usability testing to the field setting; selecting a topic, usability testing sight, and participants; developing the usability scenario and securing institutional review board approval; conducting usability testing in the…

Outlines research basics for technical communicators collecting qualitative information in a workplace environment. Discusses: developing researchable questions from workplace experiences; searching existing literature for credible research reports; using observation, artifacts, and interviews as sources of information for answering workplace…

Presents results of study conducted at Physical Sciences Library, University of California, Davis, employing unobtrusive observation techniques to determine user browsing activity. Tables indicating circulation, observed browsers, total browsers, books removed, books replaced, time duration, and browsing frequency by time of day are appended. (EJS)

This report on the first phase of a two-part program to determine the extent of television use for instruction by colleges and universities in the United States discusses the research methodology used for a census study of all higher education institutions in the United States; the second will involve a random sample follow-up of institutions…

Argues that information designers can obtain a better understanding of users by using the contextual inquiry methodology, which involves conducting open-ended conversations with users while they perform their work. Notes that information designers using contextual inquiry depend on context, partnership, and focus to make design decisions. Relates…

Concludes that researchers cannot predict subjects' reactions to television programs from a knowledge of their viewing orientations. (FL)

A study of periodicals usage conducted at I.D. Weeks Library, University of South Dakota, used computerized databases to isolate journals important to individual departments and establish criteria for periodical subscription budget cuts. Three search methods used and costs incurred are outlined. Four references and search examples are provided.…

To explore the influence of digital libraries on knowledge work, this study investigated the use of paper and electronic materials by academic researchers in four disciplines at eight U.S. research universities. Results indicated that, at a given point, the match between "material mastery" and features of using a particular digital…