Library Research Skills: Need Some? A report on professional development opportunities and my experiences at the Institute of Research Design in Librarianship

Abstract

Between June 15 and June 27, 2014, 21 scholars in the inaugural cohort of the Institute of Research Design in Librarianship (IRDL) completed a nine-day research design boot camp at Loyola Marymount University’s William H. Hannon Library. The author of this paper was selected as one of the 21 attendees. This paper reports on his experiences at the institute, framing the institute with a short review on library-practitioner research and the various professional development opportunities available to librarians wishing to improve their understanding of research methods and designs. The review situates IRDL in the list of continuing education opportunities available to librarians who seek training in research methods and research design. The review section also looks at some of the key documents relating to the development of IRDL and the research culture the institute instills in its participants. This article was written independently of the institute, so views and opinions expressed here are the author’s own views as a participant, and do not represent those of the IRDL or its staff.