Virtual Trace: A Framework for Applying Physical Trace Research Methodology in a Virtual Electronic Context

Abstract

Virtual trace is presented as a reconceptualized methodological framework inspired particularly by Webb et al‟s physical trace methodology and a variety of Webometric data collection and analysis methods from the LIS literature.  With the ongoing proliferation of data from current and new Internet-based sources, virtual trace is intended to be considered by experienced and novice researchers as a comprehensive research approach for studies whose designs are similar conceptually to those described in this article.  Other online methodologies such as social tagging analysis and virtual ethnography are examined to provide virtual trace further definition.