Mixed methodology: Implications for library and information science research
MURTALA ISMAIL ADAKAWA, Librarian –I, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
KABIRU DANLADI GARBA, Head Librarian, Skyline University Nigeria
KABIRU DANLADI GARBA, Head Librarian, Skyline University Nigeria
Abstract
The paper discusses the implications of using mixed methodology in library and information science research. Library and information science is an interdisciplinary field with origin from several other disciplines like psychology, sociology, information systems management, information technology, business, and humanities. Evidences show that, many researchers employ mixed research methodology in conducting research. Mixed methodology gave and continues to give rise to misunderstandings, is used by many scholars, is acutely doubted, received criticisms, and provoked greater disagreements and discussions among researchers. This paper sets out to bring out the implications of such a methodology in the field of library and information science. The paper is a conceptually based paper that highlights the contradictions of using positivism and constructivism in a single research. It is indicated in the paper that, many researchers are of the opinion that mixing of two different philosophies is almost impossible: citing issues like design and instrument, application of theories and contradictory philosophies. The paper therefore recommends that, design should be made simple to indicate schemes a researcher intends to employ; theories either should be used as a lens or for testing phenomena and mixing of philosophies should be avoided for allowing replication and repetition of researches elsewhere possible.
Keywords: Discipline; Library and Information Science; Mixed Methodology; Paradigm; Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies
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536Notes on contributors
Mr. MURTALA ISMAIL ADAKAWA CLN, has been a practicing librarian for almost a decade. He is currently working at University Library, Bayero University Kano. He has participated in various committees at different capacities. He served as head, Mudi Sipikin Library, Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research & Training, BUK. He has attended many international and local conferences and published several journal articles. He authored a book (though in press) titled “Royal Library in Kano Palace: A Catalyst for Knowledge Society in Kano State.”
Mr.KABIRU DANLADI GARBA, CLN, A dynamic professional librarian with more than 10 years’ cognate practical experience in Librarianship. Currently working as the Pioneer University Librarian of Skyline University Nigeria. He is a Chartered Librarian of Nigeria (CLN) and a Member of Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU). Equally, he is an active review member of the Esteemed Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research; A reviewer in The Fourth International Conference on Digital Information Processing, Data Mining and Wireless Communication; A reviewer in The Seventh International Conference on Digital Information and Communication Technology and Applications; and A reviewer in the The Fourth International Conference on Education Technologies and Computers He has consulted for a number of Universities, Colleges, and Schools in Nigeria for effective library development. He has presented papers in International/Local Conferences, contributed and published 18 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He has attended more than 38 International Webinars organized by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), African Library and Information Association & Institutions (AfLIA), Library of Congress, USA, Ansal University, India, Tezpur University, India, MIT World Peace University of India, Indira Ghandi National Center for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Institute of Information Management, Emerald Publishing, Elsevier, ProQuest, Ebscohost etc on different theme on Librarianship and ICT. He has also received a number of trainings such as Innovative Services Delivery in Libraries and Information Centers sponsored by Goethe-Institut in collaboration with US Consulate and on eLibrary Sustainability Project sponsored by Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria.
