Meaningful measurement: Qualitative data methods & analysis for understanding real-world GLAM experiences

Elena Trowsdale (Open University and Oxford University Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) Division)

Supervised by Dr Jaspal Singh (Open University), Dr Sally Rooney (Open University), Dr Megan Gooch (Bodleian, Oxford), Professor David De Roure (Oxford University), Helen Adams (GLAM Division, Oxford)

Elena studied English Literature for her BA at Brasenose College, Oxford. She then went on to do an MSc in Digital Scholarship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. In this time, her work focussed on materiality of the text and methods of digital editing. However, after she completed a year on the Bodleian Graduate Trainee Scheme as a Trainee Library Assistant at All Souls College, Oxford she became interested in analysing user experience in libraries and museums. For this reason, she enrolled on an OOC DTP – a doctoral training partnership between Open University and Oxford University GLAM Division.

Elena’s PhD topic is qualitative analysis methods for public engagement measurement in Oxford University’s GLAM sector. She will be analysing linguistic, and other qualitative, data derived from public engagement initiatives or feedback in each of the six GLAM institutions associated with Oxford University, including the Bodleian and Ashmolean. Her research will help to find an effective method of analysing qualitative data for these institutions. This will help these institutions in their aim to become more user-focused and data-driven.