Qualitative Content Analysis in Library and Information Science

Abstract

Qualitative research can be found in many disciplines and fields, using a variety of approaches, methods and techniques, due to an increasing interest in the application of qualitative research methods it is also used in library and information science (LIS). There are several types of content analysis including qualitative and quantitative content analysis. However quantitative analysis has many limitations, qualitative analysis may be more fruitful procedure. Qualitative research analyses data from direct field work, observations in-depth, open ended interviews and written documents. Qualitative research engaged in naturalistic inquiry and does not manipulate research setting. This article aims that exploring and discussing the possibilities of applying qualitative content analysis as a method in case of study research, features of QCA qualitative v/s quantitative analysis and the use of various software for analyzing text. We concluded that it is important for every phase of the analysis process, including the preparation, organization, and reporting of results.