ERIC Number: EJ866770
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Oct
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1542-4715
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Action Research and Wikis: An Effective Collaboration
Burger, Shannon; McFarland, Mary Ann
Library Media Connection, v28 n2 p38-40 Oct 2009
Action research can be an efficient means for busy library media specialists (LMSs) to assess problems or situations to determine the best course of action in their libraries. According to Jody K. Howard and Su A. Eckhardt, action research is different from traditional scientific research. For example, action research can be used for the analysis and reflection of everyday problems in the practitioner's specific situation versus traditional research, which aims to formulate general statements that are broadly applicable. Howard and Eckhardt describe a continuous research spiral involving reflection, analysis, and implementation. The LMS reflects on an existing practice or problem, collects data, analyzes the data, and subsequently implements a plan of action. The LMS continues the process by beginning a new cycle of reflection, analysis, and implementation. In 2007-2008, the authors' library coordinator facilitated a small group of LMSs who were interested in using action research to improve their practice. They began by studying data decision making and the process of action research; they learned the difference between traditional and action research. In this article, the authors describe how they collaborated using a wiki in addition to face-to-face meetings. (Contains 6 figures.)
Descriptors: Scientific Research, Action Research, Media Specialists, Web Sites, Collaborative Writing, Cooperation, Academic Achievement, Library Services, Surveys, Librarians
Linworth Publishing, Inc. 480 East Wilson Bridge Road Suite L, Worthington, OH 43085. Tel: 614-436-7107; e-mail: linworth@linworthpublishing.com; Web site: http://www.linworth.com/lmc/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A