Preliminary Thoughts on Research, or Too Many Ideas

It was my love for libraries as community centers as well as places for free intellectual and cultural exploration that led me to my pursuit of a Masters in Library and Information Sciences. Therefore, I would like to be able to explore the public library system in Amsterdam, and see how the experience and social position of the public library is similar to and different from that in the United States.

Some questions: What is the function of the public library in Amsterdam? How does it compare to the function of the public library in the United States? How does it operate as a center of community? What services are available to patrons? What sorts of user groups can be found in the public libraries there? What is the relationship between library staff and patrons in the public library system? What values (public service, privacy, intellectual freedom, etc.) are stressed in this environment? What lessons can libraries in Amsterdam and libraries in the United States learn from each other in relation to the stated and implicit goals and functions of each?

Evidence: This research should be conducted in several libraries in Amsterdam, preferable in different neighborhoods. For example, one might go to the central public library, a branch library in a wealthy area, and a branch library in a poorer area to distinguish how user groups, services, and function differ in each area. Interviews should be conducted with library staff and with patrons (if possible), as well as assessment of services and collection, and analysis of circulation statistics. This data could then be compared with information from studies conducted in the US, as well as anecdotal data and personal experience.

That’s one idea, thought there are others that I am interested in pursuing.

For example, it would be interesting to spotlight a community somewhat unique to Amsterdam and assess their information needs. For example, a study of sex workers or a specific immigrant population could be conducted. I would perform interviews with several subjects to develop an idea of what members of those groups information needs are and how those needs are currently met. Then I would perform an assessment of those sources and provide suggestions of how these sources could be improved.

Additionally, it may be interesting to do a study of tourists in Amsterdam (a population that would probably be easiest of all to access because there are so damn many of them and they would be more likely to speak English!). An assessment could be made of their understanding of Amsterdam society and social norms, with particular attention paid to conduct around drugs and prostitution. An assessment could be made of how these outsiders who are a very large and regular part of social life in Amsterdam understand the place that they are visiting, where they get their information and social messages about Amsterdam, and how the understand and conform to social norms in this new and unique environment. Subjects could likely be found around the train station and in some of the Central District’s hash bars and coffeehouses and interviews conducted on site (hopefully before they sample the wares of these establishments). It would be interesting to look at tourists’ own views on drugs, their own behavior with drugs in the places that they are from, and how those behaviors and views change when they are in a more tolerant environment.

I know, that’s more than one idea. I just have a hard time making my mind up about these things, particularly so early in the game…