Example 7.1 Sample case study fieldwork schedule
Phase 1: Maintain researcher's diary throughout all phases:
• Make initial contact.
• Obtain consent via sign-off forms.
• Interview to identify salient issues.
• Observe the participant using electronic information sources.
• Begin iterative analysis.
• Identify subsequent participants using snowball sampling.
Time: 3 months
Phase 2: Focused exploration, using:
• interviews
• observation
• non human sources; content analysis of documentation
• interviews with experts, who are likely to be learning resource managers, librarians and/or teachers and librarians
• iterative analysis throughout.
Time: 8 months
Phase 3: Compile preliminary case studies:
Check members: case study is subject to scrutiny by participants individually and during workshops.
Time: 2-3 months
Write up final case studies.