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.