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Research articles discussing in detail how methodological decisions for a particular study have been made are not common in the literature. The set of choices related to methodological choices must be based on knowledge of research methodology. The present article critically discusses the methodology used for a published study, which explored factors that enable and constrain collaboration between academics and library staff, in universities in two contrasting countries, Australia and Vietnam. A key aim is to provide an understanding of how methodological choices were made, including knowledge of paradigms, methods, and techniques required for the study. Of particular focus is the interaction of methodological choices with the theoretical underpinnings of the research, in this case Giddens' (1984) structuration theory. This article would be beneficial to researchers seeking to evaluate the methodological planning process and its connection with theory development or could serve as a model for researchers wanting to build theory using case study research. • There is a paucity of examples, in journal articles, regarding methodological decision-making. • This article explores methodological decisions for a comparative Australian and Vietnamese study. • The interaction of methodological choices with the theoretical underpinnings was a particular focus. • The article would be useful for the evaluation of methodological planning in connection with theory development. • The study could serve as a model for researchers wanting to build theory using case study research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the literature it is clear that collaboration between academics and library staff brings benefits. Exactly what enables and constrains such collaboration remains unclear. Using the lens of Giddens' Structuration Theory, constraining and enabling factors during collaboration between library staff and academics in universities in two contrasting countries, Australia and Vietnam, was explored. The analysis of the qualitative data, collected within an interpretivist framework, indicates that structural factors were dominant, for example, those related to governance and resources. Other times the role of agency was evident, for example, in trust building and personal relationships. Efforts on the part of library staff in the Vietnamese university, particularly, overcame structural barriers. The contrast between the universities of the two countries enhanced the clarity of the findings. A model, highlighting factors pertinent to effective collaboration is included. • Factors enabling and constraining beneficial collaboration between academics and library staff require further research. • This article explores these factors in universities in two contrasting countries, Australia and Vietnam. • Giddens' Structuration Theory, highlighting the interaction of structure and agency, provides an appropriate lens. • Factors relating to structure, e.g., governance and resources, and agency, e.g., trust and personal relationships, emerge. • A model, summarising factors pertinent to effective collaboration, is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]