Exploring multiple spaces and practices : a note on the use of ethnography in LIS-research
Author
Editor
- Tom Wilson
Summary, in English
Introduction. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in ethnographic research within the field of library and Information studies. Although ethnography has been used by information researchers for studying a wide variety of phenomena, discussions concerning methodological developments and directions, as well as ethnography’s wider applicability within the field are rare. Our intent is to contribute to the such discussions.
Method. The article draws on three on-going research projects to illustrate how the analytical and methodological concepts of following and translation are operationalized.
Analysis. Particularly the article addresses the tension between the site specificity traditionally associated with ethnographic methodology, and the fluidity and place transcending but yet situated character of the objects of study in the field.
Conclusion. The authors conclude that an ethnography of following and translation is a tool for handling the movability characterizing the phenomena studied in the field, thus turning the necessary uncertainty of inductive research into an advantage. This allows the researcher to stay open and let the object of study lead the way.
Method. The article draws on three on-going research projects to illustrate how the analytical and methodological concepts of following and translation are operationalized.
Analysis. Particularly the article addresses the tension between the site specificity traditionally associated with ethnographic methodology, and the fluidity and place transcending but yet situated character of the objects of study in the field.
Conclusion. The authors conclude that an ethnography of following and translation is a tool for handling the movability characterizing the phenomena studied in the field, thus turning the necessary uncertainty of inductive research into an advantage. This allows the researcher to stay open and let the object of study lead the way.
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Pages
17-17
Publication/Series
Information research : proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Conceptions of Library and Information Science
Volume
18
Issue
3
Links
Document type
Conference paper
Publisher
T.D. Wilson
Topic
- Information Studies
Keywords
- metodologi
- biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap
- etnografi
- ethnography
- library- and information science
- methodology
Conference name
International Conference on Conceptions of Library and information Science, 2013
Conference date
2013-08-19 - 2013-08-22
Conference place
Copenhagen, Denmark
Status
Published
Research group
- Information Studies
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1368-1613