THOMAS NAD DOROTHY LEAVEY LIBRARY

The Thomas and Dorothy leavey library serves the students andfaculty of the University of Southern California. Staff at the busylibrary wanted to know more about its patrons, what libraryresources they find helpful, and whether they are satisfied withthe library’s services. However, like many libraries, thisorganization had a tiny budget for business research. As a result,the goal was to conduct exploratory research while spending less$250.

Staff members studied surveys conducted by other libraries toget ideas for a one –page printed questionnaire. Colleagues on thelibrary staff provided suggestion and a few undergraduates testedthe survey for clarity, next, the survey schedule was to choose:36

continuous hours that did not conflict with any holidays orexams.

The fieldwork involved setting up and staffing a table offeringthe survey and then inviting library patrons to stop and fill out aquestionnaire. Possible locations included space near an elevator,stairs, or computers, but the lobby area offered the greatopportunity because everyone passed through the lobby when usingthe facility’s only entrance. The survey’s planners divided thetime into 60 slots and recruited students with jobs at the libraryto serve as the fieldworkers. Other members of the library staffalso volunteered to fill time slots. The students of the librarywere enthusiastic about investing library patrons to completequestionnaires. A bowl of candy for participants was a smallincentive, combined with a raffle for donated prizes.

1. imagine that you were asked to help prepare for this survey.what fieldwork challenges would you expect to arise in a surveysuch as this, to be carried out by inexperienced fieldworkers?

2. What training would you recommend for the students and otherlibrary staffers conducting this survey? Suggest topics to coverand advice to give these fieldworkers?