Applying interpretive phenomenological analysis to library and information science research on blended librarianship: A case study

Abstract

Although interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) has value in library and information science (LIS), it has low uptake in Africa. Readers are guided in how to apply IPA in LIS research using an example of a blended librarianship thesis conducted in Zimbabwe. The illustration narrates how IPA was implemented within the context of phenomenology to analyse the complexity of academic librarians' views, taking into consideration social and historical environments. The methodological and theoretical approaches to using IPA in LIS and other disciplines are outlined, including a critical analysis of applying double hermeneutics and horizontalization to construct a hermeneutic interpretation. The blended librarianship thesis is compared with LIS-based IPA studies and blended librarianship research to reflect the value of IPA methods. The weaknesses of the study are discussed, including the use of quality criteria of credibility, dependability, and transferability. The guided analysis of the study encourages the use of IPA in LIS as it can solve research problems and generate new theories to inform practice, services, philosophy, theory, and institutions.