This review of the literature shows that the number of research projec
ts in information retrieval (IR) that employ qualitative methods is on
the rise. Although no agreed-upon definition exists for the concept q
ualitative research, a number of typical characteristics describe its
nature. Qualitative research is noncontrolling, holistic and case orie
nted, about processes, open and flexible, diverse in methods, humanist
ic, inductive, and scientific. Although these characteristics make qua
litative methods the best for exploring human behavior in depth, and t
hus of great relevance to IR research, only a few studies present all
of them. Doctoral students, librarians, and others who are interested
in qualitative methods have many sources for gaining support and guida
nce: methodological writings, textbooks and handbooks, and several dep
artments at academic institutions.