Novice Guide

​Welcome to the fascinating world of library research and scholarly communication! Here's a beginner-friendly rundown of what these terms mean and why they matter in the context of a library.

​Library Research: Digging for Treasure

​Imagine you're on a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you're after knowledge. That's what library research is all about. It involves:
  • Literature Review: Like mapping the terrain before the hunt, you review what's already been discovered in books and articles. This helps you understand what's known and what gaps you might fill with your research.
  • Research Design: Planning your hunt. You decide whether to dig (experimental), survey the land (survey research), observe the wildlife (ethnographic), or count the types of plants (bibliometric study).

​Scholarly Communication: Sharing the Booty

​Once you've found your knowledge treasure, it's time to tell the world about it. That's scholarly communication. It involves:
  • Publication Process: Writing about your treasure in a way that other treasure hunters can understand. This includes getting your work checked by peers (peer review) to ensure it's a valuable find.
  • Open Access Movement: Sharing your treasure map for free so everyone can find the treasure, not just those who can afford to pay for the map.

​Collecting the Jewels: Data Collection Techniques

​Now, let's talk about how you actually pick up those gold coins and jewels (data) from your treasure hunt.
  • Surveys and Questionnaires: Like asking the locals for clues, these tools help you gather information from many people quickly.
  • Interviews and Focus Groups: Sitting down with the wise elders or a group of locals to hear their stories and insights.

​Polishing the Gold: Data Analysis

​You've got your gold, but it's covered in dirt. Cleaning it up is like data analysis.
  • Statistical Analysis: Using tools and methods to brush off the dirt and see what kind of treasure you've got. Is it really gold, or just shiny rocks?
  • Thematic Analysis: Sorting your treasure into piles—gold coins, emeralds, rubies—based on themes or patterns.

​Telling Tall Tales: Writing and Publishing

​Now you want to share stories of your adventure.
  • Academic Writing: Crafting your story carefully, making sure it's clear and follows the rules of telling tales in the scholarly world.
  • Choosing the Right Journals: Finding the best taverns and audiences who would love to hear your tales.

​Maps and Compasses: Citation and Reference Management

​Navigating and recording your journey is crucial.
  • Citation Styles: Different worlds use different maps. Some use MLA, others APA or Chicago. It's how you credit the tales and maps you used on your journey.
  • Reference Management Tools: Magical tools that help you keep track of all the maps and guides you've used.

​Building Your Legend: Scholarly Networking and Visibility

​You're not just a treasure hunter; you're becoming a legend!
  • Researcher Profiles: Like painting your flag or insignia on your ship, create profiles that show off your achievements and discoveries.
  • Networking: Joining other treasure hunters at feasts (conferences) to share tales and form alliances.

​The Code of the Sea: Ethics and Intellectual Property

​There's a code among hunters. You must respect the treasures and tales of others.
  • Research Ethics: Getting permission to share others' stories, ensuring their secrets are kept if they ask for it.
  • Intellectual Property: Not claiming others' maps or tales as your own. This includes understanding the laws of the sea (copyright law) and fair use.

​New Horizons: Trends in Scholarly Communication

​The world is changing, and so is the way we hunt for and share treasures.
  • Digital Scholarship: Using new tools to create virtual maps and exhibits or analyze texts in new ways.
  • The Future of Publishing: Watching out for false treasure maps (predatory journals) and embracing the new ways treasure hunting stories are told (like open science).
​As a newbie to library research and scholarly communication, think of this guide as your compass. It will help you navigate the basics and understand the importance of each step in the journey of turning your research quest into a legendary tale. Happy hunting!