On CIPA Research Tradition

Abstract

Considering the CIPA research agenda, this paper recognizes shortcomings in the biannual symposium scholarship in the areas of documentation represented in the research and in the robustness of the scholarly outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess and-as applicable-make recommendations on the research associated with CIPA's symposium from the viewpoint of the areas of documentation researched (topical affinity) and the level of scholarly robustness (research thoroughness). Symposia proceedings were utilized as a primary source of data; Excel statistical functions were used for data analysis. The research design involves: a) selecting representative symposia out of past symposia population, b) reducing the number of symposium proceedings papers through random-selection sampling, and, c) evaluating sampled papers through devised measures and procedure. The results pointed to a working premise of the study. Recommendations for improving CIPA research program were made in light of this conclusion.