Ethnographic observation of preschool children

Methods commonly used in public library research such as interviews and que stionnaires are not suitable for use with young children whose oral and wri tten language skills are not well developed. Effective alternatives may be found in methods associated with ethnographic field observation. Using exam ples from an ethnographic study of public library use by 30 preschool girls , this article describes three methods appropriate for studying the informa tion-seeking behavior and library use of preschool children: audio-recordin g of naturally occurring talk, participant observation, and key informant d iaries. Selected issues important for ethnographic field research with youn g children are discussed, including gaining access and informed consent, ob server effect, and young children's understanding of research. Relying on d ata arising from the naturally occurring talk and actions of the children, it is argued that these methods are unique in reflecting the perspective of the children themselves.