Introduction to Quantitative Research and Data

From this starting point, quantitative methods, such as cost analysis, can provide evidence for collection development initiatives and demonstrate how they align with patrons' needs and the overarching goals of library administrators or funding agencies. In the most basic terms, quantitative research methods are concerned with collecting and analyzing data that is structured and can be represented numerically.2 One of the central goals is to build accurate and reliable measurements that allow for statistical analysis. Because quantitative research focuses on data that can be measured, it is very effective at answering the "what" or "how" of a given situation. Quantitative findings can provide evidence or answers in the following areas: * Demonstrate to what extent services and collection are used and accessed. * Back up claims about use and impact. * Provide evidence for how the budget is spent and whether adjustments should be made. * Demonstrate return on investment when presenting budget figures. * Inform decisions regarding packages and subscriptions that are or are not worth pursuing. * Demonstrate evidence for trends and prove or discount what is known anecdotally. * Provide a method to make information accessible to audiences. * Provide evidence of success and highlight areas where unmet information needs exist. Main limitations of quantitative research: * Data does not provide evidence for why populations think, feel, or act in certain ways. * Specific demographic groups, particularly vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, may be difficult to reach. * Studies can be time consuming and require data collection over...