Applying Appreciative Inquiry Theory to the user studies design in creating a library specialized in the natural stone

Abstract

The aim of our study is to offer a methodological propose in studying the users’ information needs for a library specialized in the natural stone. More precisely, we are referring to the implementation of the theoretical model Appreciative Inquiry (AI), articulated by D. Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva (1986). It is a new paradigm that means to value and to recognize the positive nucleus of an organization or a system, seeking the strong points and talents of the individuals that belong to the organizations. From this point of view, the research group, which has the main objective to create, plan and design a library specialized in the natural stone (TinoStone Library), is working on knowing the users’ information needs. To do that, the research group is applying a mix collecting data methods, such as questionnaires, interviews, etc. But the newness of applying AI is the way the interviews are done: potential users are invited to imagine, to design and to create in a collaborative way, “the ideal library” in order to share and implement knowledge intentional and actively. It is about a cooperative searching for the best of individuals and the best of organizations, avoiding negativeness and critics.