Graduate School of Library and Information Science. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Doi
Abstract
The case study method, and in particular the multiple???case studies
design, offers LIS researchers a proven tool for achieving a deep
understanding of a specific phenomenon???-for example, the information-
seeking behavior of a particular user group. Although the
case study method has been dismissed by critics who question the
rigor of the approach, numerous studies over the past twenty years
have demonstrated that the case study method can be used successfully
to probe beneath the surface of a situation and to provide a
rich context for understanding the phenomena under study. This
article summarizes the application of the multiple???case studies design,
in which a literal and theoretical replication strategy is used to
identify consistent patterns of behavior and to uncover new and/or
divergent themes. The motivation behind arts administrators??? decisions
to seek information is investigated using this approach and
examples are given of sample selection, data collection, and analysis.
Specific issues associated with the case study method are identified
and practical steps used to address them are suggested.published or submitted for publicatio
