Research in library science is conducted in many areas covering multiple questions, but one thing shared is data collection. Qualitative and quantitative information supporting the question at hand is necessary to validate the needs, phenomenon, or trends (Wildemuth, 2009). Transaction logs and focus groups are two valuable data collection techniques. Transaction Logs Whenever 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 records “be examined by librarians to analyze how patrons are using the catalog, what features they are using, and to see which search areas are problematic” (p. 21). Data may also be collected on “viewed items, sessions, site penetration; online time, users (trace information, not individual information), browsing information” (Nicholas, Huntington, Jamali & Tenopir, 2006, p. 121). This data provides useful information on usage patterns (Das & Turkoglu, 2009). Transaction logs can be generated in two ways. The first is on the server side. These logs include data typically already collected internally. Data can also come from the client side using a specially written program to collect from participants' computers (Wildemuth, 2009). The former is used more often due to its abundance of data and less expensive features. Jansen (2006) describes a three-step process for using transaction logs: data collection for a given period of time, data preparation, and data analysis. It further breaks down the analysis into three parts: term, query, and session. One of the main benefits of using transaction logs is that this is data that has already been collected and waiting for… middle of paper… groups: Continuity. and discontinuity. 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, H. R., & Tenopir, C. (2006). Finding information in (very large) digital libraries: A deep registry approach to determining differences in usage by access method. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 32 (2), 119-126. Shoaf, E. C. (2003). Using a professional moderator in library focus group research. College and Research Libraries, 64(2), 124-132.Sullenger, P. (1997). An analysis of the serial transaction log. Series Review, 23(3), 21-26.Wildemuth, B. M. (2009). Applications of social research methods to computer science and library science issues. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.