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135 Interviewing

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a way which allowed conversations to occur on the respondents’ own terms while the interviewer still provided guidance (Hen et al. 2008; Creswell 2009; Yin 2009). In this way, the dialogue between the interviewer and interviewee was able to move in new and unexpected directions, thereby adding more depth to the researcher’s understanding of the issues involved. Moreover, this technique of interviewing provides a friendlier and more personalised emphasis to the data collection process. This procedure facilitates the collection of a large amount of rich data in a relatively short space of time (Gorman & Clayton 2005, p. 126).

Both in Selangor, Malaysia and in Victoria, Australia, interviews involved both users and non-users of the local rural public libraries (three community members/users – adult male and female and three community members/non-users from each library – adult male and female) and the service providers (one librarian from each library, and one library staff member from the Selangor State Library, Malaysia and one library staff member from the State Library Victoria, Australia).

All interviews with respondents in Selangor, Malaysia and in Victoria, Australia were able to be carried out in a relatively informal style where the researcher had the opportunity to introduce the topics, themes or issues that she wished to cover and at the same time was able to explore any unexpected themes that were brought up in the conversations. On this basis, the interviews for the study were conducted face to face with the respondents and lists of questions or question guides were used as a guideline (refer to Appendices 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8, 8A, 9, 9A, 10 and 10A). Interviewing offers important advantages for this research project. During a personal interview, the interviewee is encouraged by the use of

136 open-ended questions or by the non-directive listening to highlight personal self-perceived issues (Rabiee 2004; Yin 2009).

All interviews in this research were conducted solely by the researcher, who is fluent in both Malay and English. The researcher isalso a certified translator in Malaysia. All interviews were recorded using a digital recorder. Notes were also taken. In Malaysia, all interviews were conducted in the Malay language. This was convenient as all of the respondents are Malaysians and many do not communicate in English. The recorded interviews were later transcribed and translated from Malay into English. In Australia, all interviews were conducted in English and were also recorded using a digital recorder, and later transcribed. All interviews were conducted individually, face to face for between a half to one hour, and recorded with the participants’ permission using a digital audio recorder.

Group Observations and Interviews

Group processes are fundamental to human communication and in a group situation many people are prompted to say things or suggest ideas which they would be reluctant to express during individual interviews (Gorman & Clayton 2005). Group observations and interviews in this research project have allowed the researcher to observe the behaviour of group participant respondents in their natural environment. This procedure allowed the researcher to find out more about the group activities in Malaysia and Australia.

Observation techniques have been used in this investigation because this method is very useful in providing additional evidence and information (Yin 2009) regarding the local community participation in the rural public library services, programs and activities. This technique is also useful for collecting more information about the community development

137 programs conducted by the rural public libraries both in Selangor, Malaysia and in Victoria, Australia, through field visits. In addition, this technique assists in capturing other phenomena, for instance social and economic impacts of community development programs for the local community. Wherever possible and appropriate, the observations of the rural public library group participants were also documented in this research by taking photographs.

In both countries, the researcher used group observation and interview techniques in conducting her study. The researcher participated in group activities or meetings in each rural public library; having been given consent by the group participant respondents, the researcher recorded each session and took photographs. The processfor recruitment of respondents and obtaining permission is included in Chart 3.4.

During these observations, the researcher noticed that each group member was very active in participating in the activities or meetings. During the interview sessions, members tended to be very open and cooperative in answering the researcher’s questions. They were enthusiastic about giving their opinions and preferences on the local rural public library services, activities and programs. Some interviewees also highlighted what they thought was needed in order to improve the local rural public library services, activities and programs for the community.

138 *In Malaysia, the non-users and focus groups were not provided by the librarian. *In Australia, the non-users and focus groups were not provided by the librarian. Instead Instead the researcher had to go around the case study areas and approach the the researcher had to go around the case study areas and approach non-users

participants herself and focus group participants herself.