Moving Beyond Citation Analysis: How Surveys and Interviews Enhance, Enrich, and Expand Your Research Findings

Abstract

A traditional mixed methods research model of citation analysis, a survey, and interviews was selected to determine if the Bruce T. Halle Library at Eastern Michigan University owned the content that faculty cited in their research, if the collection was being utilized, and what library services the faculty used. The combination of objective data gleaned from the citation analysis and survey coupled with the personal, in-depth information gained from the interviews was instrumental in increasing the value of the study for its use in collection management decisions, and showed how effectual the services and collection are in supporting the research needs of the faculty at EMU.