I read chapter 7, researching the case study approach to explore the potential of genrefying the library collection, considering the numerous benefits it could bring.

Advantages 
Genrefication, a current trend in most libraries, is a relevant and significant topic that could greatly benefit our library collection. The abundance of literature on this subject provides ample resources for comparison and reference. The data collected through case studies, both qualitative and quantitative, could further enrich our understanding.

Disadvantages
Under the positivist paradigm, the researcher is to remain objective. This could prove difficult if you are leaning towards using the genrefication method of classification. Completing visits to other libraries to see their collection or completing interviews with their staff may be timely and costly. The process of case studies is long, having to complete a well-written report. Is this worth it? Should the library collection be genrefied and see how the students like it. Or would there be another approach that would give us the answer to the question quicker and easier?

For this activity, I needed to look up two articles on Google Scholar about a topic – I choose genrefication – and then compared their content.

I have included my thoughts about what was included from the criteria for evaluating research table in the modules.

Pulsipher, L. (2024) Genrefication in Secondary School Libraries. The Information Warrior Journal Vol. 1 (1), 12. https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=tiwj 

1. Title is clearly stated 
2. The abstract includes the structure of the paper
3. The problem statement – “The Problem with Traditional Organization of Fiction”
4. Topic area – it is one that is discussed frequently and is of personal interest
5. Research questions – more of an explanation about history and current trend
6. Assumptions – does give challenges
7. Limitations – only discusses high school libraries 
8. Important terms – included 
9. Literature review – there are references to other sources, but no data collection 
10. Research design – is appropriate for the topic
11. Seems appropriate – it is a current topic
12. Data gathering – does not appear to be any data

16. Conclusion – short and concise

Axt, K. (2023). Genrefication: Making Children’s Collections Accessible. Open Educational Resource. https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=k12_languagearts_resources 

1. Title is clearly stated 
2. The abstract – no abstract but long introduction
3. The problem statement – “So what, exactly, is genrefication and, more importantly, why is it such a big deal for younger readers?” 
4. Topic area – it is one that is discussed frequently and is of personal interest
5. Research questions – more of an explanation about current trend
6. Assumptions – lots about the libraries role and jobs
7. Limitations – explains benefits and disadvantages
8. Important terms – included 
9. Literature review – there are references to other sources, but no data collection 
10. Research design – is appropriate for the topic
11. Seems appropriate – it is a current topic
12. Data gathering – does not appear to be any data

     16.  Conclusion – no conclusion

• Which paper was more coherent, consistent and comprehensive in describing the research procedure and finding?

Neither, both were approximately the same, and there were no findings, it was more of an article of the benefits and challenges of genrefication. It was left up to the reader to decide what they should do. 

• Which paper had a more constructive conclusion?

Pulsipher was the only one that had a conclusion. Axt finished the article with Building a community of readers.  

• In general, which paper provided you with a new insight about the topic?

Again, Pulsipher covered the history of genrefication, which I had not read about before.

My final subject begins and I am feeling quite overwhelmed! Learning about research appears to be a huge subject but I do think it will be interesting. Over the course of this degree, I have had to read many articles, so to look into how they are written and their purpose may give further insight and understanding.

As part of the discussion post we were asked to write our understanding of three words:

Research refers to the process of gathering information.

A paradigm is a collection of beliefs or perspectives on the world.

Methodology serves as the framework that directs the research.

There are so many new words that I have to get my head around, which is why it is so overwhelming! But the light is at the end of the tunnel as I near completion of my teacher librarianship degree and head to the book corner!