Library And Information Science Graduate Research Articles

The use of information resources by LIS graduate students in Kuwait

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of information resources in the research papers of the graduate students in Library and Information Science (LIS) at Kuwait University.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology chosen for this paper is the bibliometric method by way of citation count of the references found in the literature review papers of LIS graduate students at Kuwait University by identifying the preferred form of publications, retrieval method, time span, subject distribution, and the most cited journals.FindingsIt is shown that the majority of students used journal articles, web pages, and books as the most preferred form of resources. Their preferred method of retrieval was the printed format. Time span of the most used citations is from three to ten years. They mostly used traditional library journals such as Bulletin of MLA, Library Review, The Electronic Library, Library Management, and College and Research Libraries.Research limitations/implicationsThe quantity and quality of citations were reviewed and approved by the student advisor, and the sample was drawn from a population of 74 papers based on the availability of original papers.Originality/valueThe findings in this paper provide important insights for the academic library administration to take appropriate measures to achieve a higher level of awareness and skill by the users.

Documenting Diversity among Working LIS Graduates

The purpose of this article is to document the demographic characteristics of the library and information science (LIS) workforce and to discuss the implications of these findings for education and workforce planning. Workforce Issues in Library and Information Science 1 (WILIS 1) is a collaborative research partnership of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science and the University of North Carolina Institute on Aging, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through its Librarians for the 21st Century Program. Workforce Issues in Library and Information Science 1 (WILIS 1) is a comprehensive study of the career patterns of graduates of LIS programs in North Carolina since 1964. This article examines data from 1,903 working LIS graduate respondents. The results of this study suggest that the LIS workforce is predominantly female, underrepresented in terms of race/ethnic minorities, and consists of slightly older workers than the workforce overall. Comparisons of earnings reveal a substantial wage gap between the males and females in the sample (men earn more). We also find significant race, sex, and gender differences in factors that motivated respondents to enter an LIS program and qualities of jobs that respondents find desirable. Based on these findings, we suggest the following strategies to increasing diversity: (1) focus efforts on recruiting race/ethnic minorities to the LIS profession; (2) structure LIS jobs to accommodate the needs of women workers; and (3) plan for and accommodate the large segment of older and retiring workers.

ADA Resources for the Library and Information Professions

Only a few of us are experts in the area of serving patrons with disabilities. Current research indicates that not all LIS (Library and Information Science) graduate programs include adequate teaching-learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how libraries accommodate patrons with disabilities. This article lists resources for library and information science faculty who want to include information about serving patrons with disabilities in coursework for graduate MLS (Master of Library Science) students. Included are sections of a short review of recent literature, resource Web sites, a timeline of legal and organizational accomplishments, examples of library pages showing patron services for the disabled, and a glossary for adaptive equipment.

Everything I Need to Know About Serials I Didn't Learn in Library School

Recent discussions concerning the mission and direction of graduate programs in library and information science (LIS) have become heated. In a response to a call for greater communication between practitioners and LIS educators, eight librarians who are relatively recent graduates of LIS graduate programs offer their views on what they wish their programs had taught them about serials. All are either working in serials or have serials experience. Serials Review 2003; 29:26–35.

Everything I Need to Know About Serials I Didn't Learn in Library School

Recent discussions concerning the mission and direction of graduate programs in library and information science (LIS) have become heated. In a response to a call for greater communication between practitioners and LIS educators, eight librarians who are relatively recent graduates of LIS graduate programs offer their views on what they wish their programs had taught them about serials. All are either working in serials or have serials experience. Serials Review 2003; 29:26–35.

BRINGING THINGS TO THE CENTER:: THE CENTER FOR THE CULTURAL RECORD OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Despite the death threats against schools of library and information science (LIS) that were rampant during the final decades of the twentieth century, LIS graduate programs are alive and well and have a promising prognosis for the twenty-first century. The challenge, however, is to adapt to the changing personae of the American university and the emerging roles of information professionals in all aspects of our society. Today’s university is less concerned with maintaining the strict boundaries of traditional disciplines and instead encourages thinking that is transdisciplinary. Although this new model respects the uniqueness of various subject areas, it celebrates collaboration . . .

Career Opportunities for Library and Information Science Professionals in Africa

Identifies the various careers associated with library and information science. Apart from the existing information careers described, also identifies new related areas. Notes that a re‐training programme is necessary if library and information science graduates are to fit into the new information‐related jobs and that African departments of library and information science should review their training objectives and curricula to cater for information‐related jobs other than the training of librarians. Submits that library jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to come by and points out the need to prepare the library and information science graduate for other equally profitable and exciting areas.