Library science research is conducted in many areas covering multiple questions, but one thing shared is data collection. Qualitative and quantitative information to support the question asked is necessary to validate the needs, phenomenon or trends (Wildemuth, 2009). Transaction logs and focus groups are two valuable data collection techniques. Transaction Logs Every time a person logs in and starts using a computer in the library, different types of information are automatically collected in transaction logs (Jansen, 2006). Sullenger (1997) recommends that transaction logs “be examined by librarians to analyze how patrons are using the catalog, what features they are using, and to see what areas of research are problematic” (p. 21). Data may also be collected on “items viewed, sessions, site penetration; time spent online, users (traces of evidence, not individual information), browsing information” (Nicholas, Huntington, Jamali & Tenopir, 2006, p. 121). These data elements provide useful information about usage patterns (Das & Turkoglu, 2009). Transaction logs can be generated in two ways. The first comes from the server side. These logs include data that is usually already collected internally. Data can also come from the client side using a program specifically written to be collected from participants' computers (Wildemuth, 2009). The former is more often used due to the abundance of data and less expensive features. Jansen (2006) describes a three-step process for using transaction logs: collecting data for a given period of time, preparing the data, and analyzing the data. It further divides the analysis into three parts: term, query and session. A major advantage of using transaction logs is that it is data already collected and awaiting ...... middle of paper ...... groups: continuities and discontinuities. The Public Opinion Quarterly, 51 (4), 550-566. Morrison, H. (1997). Information literacy skills: An exploratory focus group study of student perceptions. Research Strategies, 15 (1), 4-17. Nicholas, D., Huntington, P., Jamali, HR and Tenopir, C. (2006). Finding information in (very large) digital libraries: An in-depth log approach to determining usage differences by access method. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 32 (2), 119-126. Shoaf, E.C. (2003). Use a professional moderator when researching library discussion groups. Colleges and Libraries Research, 64(2), 124-132.Sullenger, P. (1997). An analysis of the serial transaction log. Journal of Serials, 23(3), 21-26.Wildemuth, B.M. (2009). Applications of social research methods to library and information issues. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.