On Memorial Day 2024, I began the virtual 10-day Institute for Research Design in Librarianship (IRDL). Participating in this institute was a transformative experience that significantly enhanced my understanding of the research design process and various research methods. This intensive program was structured to guide participants through every stage of designing a robust library science research project, and it delivered on all fronts.

For context, when applying for IRDL, I submitted a proposal outline of a research project Morgan and I are planning to undertake in Spring 2025. This research is centered on the intersection of information literacy, research skills and experiential learning; particularly as it relates to the consulting projects in the business school. Our plan is to develop and conduct a survey of the Masters of Management (MSM) and Masters of Business Analytics (MSBA) students who participate in consulting projects. These students are recipients of our library instruction multiple times throughout the year and we often consult with their teams outside of class as well via PRS. Our survey will explore these students’ perceptions and valuations of library instruction, the research skills utilized in completing their projects, and any real world applications of these skills to their future, or current, careers. This is the research project I iterated on throughout my time in IRDL.

From the very beginning, the workshop emphasized practical application. We didn’t just learn about research design; we actively engaged in writing research questions, selecting appropriate methods, and we were constantly encouraged to consider our original research proposal with different methods. The instructors, including Lili Luo, Ph. D., Professor, San José State University iSchool and Greg Guest, Ph.D., owner of Social Research Solutions, provided invaluable guidance and personal consultations, ensuring that each of us received tailored feedback on our projects from both the library science and social science perspectives.

One of the standout features of the workshop was the focus on both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sessions on qualitative data collection techniques, such as in-depth interviews and focus groups, were particularly enlightening. I found the exercises on creating and conducting these interviews incredibly useful, as they gave me hands-on experience and really highlighted how these methods are not as ‘easy’ as one would think. The sessions on quantitative data collection boosted my confidence in using these methods. Previously, I engaged in research utilizing a survey so it was nice to gain relevant vocabulary and a more in-depth understanding of how to design, conduct and analyze a survey ethically and effectively.

The regional cohort and peer feedback sessions were another highlight. Reviewing the material from the day and reflecting on what I’ve learned with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds brought fresh perspectives to my project and helped me refine my ideas. The regional cohort progress check-ins were particularly effective in fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

In addition to the practical exercises, the workshop also provided comprehensive resources. The books supplied, such as Bernard’s “Social Research Methods” and Guest’s “Applied Thematic Analysis,” were excellent references that I will continue to use in my research endeavors. The books were only one perk, the IRDL coordinators also sent us a subscription to Snack Magic where we were able to purchase snacks for each day of IRDL and they sent us little gifts to open up each day. The entire program was extremely organized, well thought out and the extra attention to detail could be felt through the positive and engaged energy of the cohort – which is no small feat for a 12-5pm Mon-Fri workshop held over zoom.

Overall, the 10-day workshop was a rich and rewarding experience. It not only deepened my understanding of library science research but also equipped me with practical skills, vocabulary, and tools to apply in my work. I have come out of this workshop more confident and feeling really supported. The IRDL community has multiple ways to stay in contact through the year as we all attempt to complete our research projects and each cohort member has been assigned a mentor from a previous IRDL cohort to meet with monthly. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to enhance their scholarship and professional achievement via completing original research to make meaningful contributions to the field of library science.