ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Library & Information Sciences)

WARNING

1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN “AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”.

Course: Research Methodology in Library and Information Sciences (9226)

Level: BS-LIS Semester: Spring, 2025

Please read the following instructions for writing your assignments. (AD, BS, B. Ed, MA/MSc, MEd) (ODL Mode).

1. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks but within a question the marks are distributed according to its requirements.

2. Read the question carefully and then answer it according to the requirements of the questions.

3. Avoid irrelevant discussion/information and reproducing from books, study guide or allied material.

4. Handwritten scanned assignments are not acceptable.

5. Upload your typed (in Word or PDF format) assignments on or before the due date.

6. Your own analysis and synthesis will be appreciated.

7. Late assignments can’t be uploaded at LMS.

8. The students who attempt their assignments in Urdu/Arabic may upload a scanned copy of their handwritten assignments (in PDF format) on University LMS. The size of the file should not exceed 5MB.

Note 1: Use your own words while working on your assignment. In case of quoting any fact or statement from any source, always remember to provide full reference of the source according to “APA 6^th ed available at:

https://ijolis.aiou.edu.pk/?page_id=251.

Note 2: Students at this level are expected to use multiple sources in solving this assignment. All questions carry equal marks.

Note 3: Study guide of this course and links to free resources to solve this assignment are available at LIS Department website:

https://lis.aiou.edu.pk/

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

Assignment No. 1

(Units 1-5)

Q.1 How can libraries adapt to the increasing focus on data-driven approaches in research, and what implications does this have for traditional library services? (20)

Q.2 What role do open data and open access initiatives play in the shift toward data-driven research in libraries? (20)

Q.3 How can surveys be used to assess library service effectiveness and identify areas for improvement, and what are the key benefits of gathering feedback directly from library users? (20)

Q.4 How can researchers address potential biases when interpreting results from different research methods in LIS? (20)

Q.5 Explain the ethical considerations involved in conducting interviews within library and information science, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining confidentiality. (20)

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

Assignment No. 2

(Units 6–9)

Q.1 What are the advantages and challenges of combining qualitative and quantitative methods in LIS research to gain deeper insights into complex issues? (20)

Q.2 How do different statistical analysis tools and software help LIS researchers analyze data, explore datasets thoroughly, and test hypotheses effectively? (20)

Q.3 What ethical considerations must researchers consider when designing studies to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in LIS settings? (20)

Q.4 What methods do researchers use to choose the right data collection techniques for their studies in LIS? (20)

Q.5 Outline the key components of a research proposal, emphasizing the roles of the research question, literature review, methodology, and expected results in shaping a comprehensive proposal for LIS research. (20)