Related research

I wanted to use this space to summarize the main points of other research conducted related to my topic as I consider my literature review.

ILA Reporter--Bringing in New Users and Nonusers. Jan Laroche. 2010
   This article offers preparatory advice for libraries who are asking WHO is the non-user of their community library and helped me to define the research questions by allowing me to consider the 'who' of the proposal.  The first step is defining what a non-user is--is it a cardholder who is inactive, a person who uses the computers but does not have a card?  The second step is to reach out to the non-user to find out WHY they are non-users and HOW the library may be able to change that.  She discusses three libraries who conducted research into the non-user population and who used that research to positively change their libraries.  The goal is to identify underserved populations and use that information to reach out to those groups.

Scandinavian Library Quarterly--In Pursuit of Non-Users.  Haien 2011.
  Although the geographical area is quite different, the concept of the study is related to research into the non-user.  This outlines a three year project with research being conducted through focus groups and phone interviews with patrons who had not used the library in over one year.  They found that the majority of non-users (or one year delay in using users) had little knowledge about library services.  They also found that age was a factor in library visiting frequency.  This study cites that the clearest message was, "Remind us that you are there, and then we will use you more."  Pretty straightforward!  The information obtained in the study helped the system to create mini portable libraries to bring into the community.

Colorado Libraries--Who Are They? In Search of the Elusive Non-Users.  Kathy Harris 2001
This study approached their research from quantitative research perspective with three goals in mind.  "To achieve a solid data collection that would paint the picture of individuals who do not have a Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) card; to reach out to potential patrons, and to issue new library cards" (16).  They cited the primary goal as data collection with a secondary goal of new card sign-ups.
Their direct mail survey included demographic questions ranging from age, household income, education level, to number of kids in the households.  A test mailing was sent to 1000 randomly selected households with the second mailing to 10,000 households.  They found that the main reasons for not using the library were lack of time and a preference of purchasing books rather than checking them out.  The survey also included a list of library services; the research also showed that many were unaware of some of the services the library has to offer.

Afr J Libr Arch Info Science--Info Behaviours of Non-Users of Libraries in Botswana. 2010
Another geographical area much different than Richland County.  This study used a 'snowball sampling method to select 302 respondents from 34 research facilities' (1).  The research showed that time and distance were both barriers to using the library.  What is also interesting about this survey is its search not only for 'why' they were non-users, but to also identify the information needs of these non-users.  This survey delves deeper into the needs of the non-user and how they achieve them if not through the library.

Library and Info Science Research--Use and Non-Use of Public Libraries in an Information Age. Sin and Kim-2008
This is the only national-level survey I was able to locate.  (Note that this survey used much of the language from the book. It was nice to see those terms I've been familiarizing myself with were dispersed in an actual study relevant to my topic.  Triangulation and generalizability are examples.)
They acknowledge that much research related to non-users is done locally and is specific to the corresponding community needs.  They also say most research is done about "user side variables" rather than 'supply side variables.'  The acknowledge also that there are inconsistent findings with various research due to the differences in the sample populations.
This study used information about library non-use fro the 2002 Current Population Study of 50,000 households and evaluated non-use by household rather than individually.  This study also showed that distance and convenience are factors to consider when addressing the non-user issue.

Who, What, Where, When, Why

My literature review has revealed several similar case studies that seek to identify the non-user population of the public library in various markets, from Botswana to small town America.  I was also able to locate a study conducted on a national level using census data about library usage in American households.  Google Scholar is a new research tool for me and I have enjoyed learning about its usefulness.  Google expanded my search results, and I was able to access the specific journals online through the Thomas Cooper databases.My worry as I was formulating my research questions was that my research was too similar to the existing research.  The goal of my research would be specific to the Richland County Library system, however, I hope that any patterns identified will prove useful to other institutions with similar situations.  The difference with my questions lies in the fact that the research doesn't only seek to identify the non-user, rather seeks to also identify how to convert them into library users.  Is it their perception of the library that leads them to believe it cannot meet their information needs or is it a lack of relevant programs or resources at the library?  

My questions are as follows: 

•  Are non-users defined by certain demographic characteristics such as age, ethnicity, or education level:
• How do non-users achieve their information and entertainment needs? 
•   How do non-users perceive the public library?
• Is there a potential to turn non-users into users by meeting their needs or changing their perceptions?

Chapter 10 and the FFT this week were very helpful as I consider the best strategy for data collection.  Surveys are tricky, but the tips offered this week are making me less uneasy about the formulation of the survey.  A pre-test will definitely be used for initial data collection as was suggested in other studies I have read.  The questions will need to be simple and straightforward, and I want to make sure to keep out the negativity.  I don't want those being surveyed to feel as if the library is blaming them for not using their services, rather that the library is reaching out to find out what it can do better to attract a larger population.  I am nervous but excited to think about how to arrange the data collection strategy to most effectively answer the research questions.