CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 The study design
The researcher used qualitative research design in carrying out the study. According to Denzin (1994), qualitative research design refers to the study of things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of or to interpret phenomena in terms of meanings people bring to them. Qualitative research was intended to penetrate to the deeper significance that the subject of the research ascribes to the topic being researched. It involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter and gives priority to what the data contributes to important research questions or existing information. The design was used because of its depth analyses of how the library management system works.
3.1 Population Study
In research, population is the total number of individuals who have certain characteristics and are of interests to the researcher Gordon (2000). The study targeted library staff of the Kyambogo University. The respondents were chosen depending on their willingness, having time and knowledge on evaluation of library management system.
3.2.1 Sample size and Sampling methods
3.2.1 Sample size
According to Diliman, Eltinge and Grove et.al, (2002) a sample contains characteristics of a larger population sample should represent the whole population and reflect bias towards a specific attribute. The study sample size comprised of ten (10) respondents (library staff from the technical section and e-library). The above respondents were involved because the researcher believed that they had more experience on the topic of the study.
3.2.2 Sampling methods
According to John (2008) purposive sampling is a technique that uses people who know and have experienced the phenomena as they are selected for the study. The researcher chose purposively depending on their willingness, having time and knowledge. This method was used with the library staff members. This was because the library staff members had knowledge on the topic of the study.
3.3 Research methods and instruments
3.3.1 Questionnaires
A self administered questionnaire with structured and semi structured questions was used in order to capture responses of library staff members at Kyu library. Questionnaires were used for a sample of a given population at a relatively low cost, they were simple to administer, the format was familiar to most respondents and quick for the respondents.
3.4 Data collection sources
3.4.1 Primary data source
These refer to sources of data where raw facts are collected for the first time. There are as such original in nature. The researcher used primary sources of data because they could enable the researcher obtain first-hand information.
3.4.2 Secondary data
The researcher used various documents such as library reports, published books, journals and school internal reports. Research on internet was also used. The researcher used secondary research sources of data because they are cheap, time saving, always available and dependable.
3.5 Data collection procedure
The researcher obtained an introductory letter from the department of languages and communication Kyambogo University that was presented to the University librarian to grant him/her authority to conduct the study. The researcher made an appointment with the respondents with whom he/she proceeded to distribute questionnaires among the selected respondents.
3.6 Data presentation and analysis
To analyze and interpret data, the researcher will use qualitative analysis by grouping interview responses according to the research objective, and then tables on corresponding frequencies and the percentage will be used to analyze data obtained.
