Abstract:

Utilizing the method of ethnography in study on libraries and their users has become a new trend abroad. In contrast, little attention is paid to this kind of research orientation in domestic. This paper tries to explore the core principles, work ethics and techniques of ethnography method. And combined with a userresearch project conducted by the University of Rochester library, it analyzes the specific application mode of ethnography method in academic library research. Then it illustrates the meaning of ethnography methods in understanding the user demand, diversifying the services, and improving the librarian’s professional confidence.

Keywords: Ethnographic method, Research method, Library of university, Library users, User demand, Project of the library of the university of Rochester