General research designs and procedures, special methods applicable to libraries and media centers, and research techniques from educational technology are discussed in this guide to research applications in the school media center. Topics covered include the nature of the research process; the identification and definition of researchable questions and accompanying hypotheses; the location of information, particularly in publications relevant to media library researchers; types of personal information systems; the evaluation of existing research; the elements of survey research and 10 additional research designs; the analysis and interpretation of data; and summarizing and reporting results. A research case study on the subject of children's preference for two types of book bindings and a 52-item bibliography are also provided. Appendices comprise a discussion of time and cost data collection instruments with a sample data collection instrument given; a series of pathfinders to related literature and other sources of information in the areas of audiovisual equipment, computers in education, educational technology, instructional design, and school media centers; a list of resources for locating reference materials, research reports, statistics, and other information; and a sample form for the evaluation of existing research. A feedback form concludes the guide. (ESR)