Library And Information Science Practitioners Research Articles

Supported Australian LIS Practitioners are Confident LIS Practitioner Researchers: Insights from a National Survey

ABSTRACT This paper presents findings from a survey of 291 Australian library and information science (LIS) practitioners, examining their research capacity by identifying attitudes towards, and experiences of research activities, including support needs and barriers. This study found that supported LIS practitioners will be confident LIS practitioner-researchers. Findings reveal that in addition to fostering research skills and knowledge strategies to build LIS practitioners’ research capacity, the profession must acknowledge and address the feelings that underlie resistance to research. In addition, before mentoring can be used as a meaningful research support mechanism, LIS practitioners need to first develop confidence that their experiences are sufficient to provide support to others and receive training in research methods to bridge the gap between research as service, and research as partnership. LIS academics, with their expertise in research, are well placed to take an active role in collaboration with LIS practitioners to provide research training and mentoring. For LIS practitioner-researchers’ potential to be realised, developmental interventions need to be addressed within LIS institutions. As a supportive research culture within a workplace is enhanced, mistrust in research and anxiety about research practices will diminish, and practitioners will build their identities as practitioner-researchers.

From a network model to a model network: strategies for network development to narrow the LIS research–practice gap

PurposeThe purpose of the empirical study was to examine whether strategies shown to work well in one model of network development for library and information science (LIS) practitioners and researchers could be applied successfully in the development of a new network and contribute to the narrowing of the research–practice gap in LIS.Design/methodology/approachOverall, 32 members of a new professional network were surveyed by a questionnaire following the completion of a programme of four network events held between 2019 and 2021.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates the transferability of the existing model of network development to a new network and that it can be successfully adapted for online delivery of network events and activities.Practical implicationsThe criteria deployed for the evaluation of the new network could be used in other similar settings. Funding bodies can also use these findings as demonstration of the value of their investment in network grants.Originality/valueThis contribution on means of growing collaborative networks to narrow the LIS research–practice gap stands out in contrast with prior research that tends to focus the support of research productivity of academic librarians in North American universities for the purposes of career development. Here wider aspects of research engagement are considered of value for LIS practitioners from a range of sectors and institutions, beyond North America, for purposes that are broader than personal advancement.

Bibliometric Study of Scholarly Productivity of Library and Information Science Research in Bangladesh from 1971 2020

This paper aims to measure the extent to which Bangladesh-based Library and Information Science (LIS) researchers have published in leading LIS journals indexed by Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS. To answer this question, bibliographic information from LIS publications published in leading bibliographic databases from 1971 to 2020 were examined. Data from 266 LIS publication were collected, compiled and cleaned. VOSviewer software was used to carry out the science mapping of bibliometric networks. From the data it was evidenced that joint authorship and international collaboration have been increasing during this time frame. Authors from 20 countries have published in collaboration with Bangladeshi LIS researchers. Faculty members and the Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) of Dhaka University became the most prolific authors and LIS Department in Bangladesh. The data compiled and findings will benefit current Bangladeshi LIS researchers and practitioners to assess areas of focus by highlighting, what they have, what they lack, and how they could grow to get direction for future research.

The coronavirus pandemic, libraries and information: a thematic analysis of initial international responses to COVID-19

PurposeThis study aims to present and discuss the international library and information community’s initial responses to the coronavirus pandemic. It chronicles official statements from various library and information associations as they were released in real-time, thereby providing a contemporary and historical snapshot of the early stages of this global health crisis. The aim is to both historically and thematically contextualize these initial responses to help establish a foundation upon which to anchor, build, extend and analyze approaches to the pandemic as it unfolded (and indeed as it continues to unfold at the time of this writing in June 2020).Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon a qualitative documentary analysis of statements on COVID-19 released by various international library and information associations, this study provides a thematic analysis of these contemporary policies. Specifically, this thematic analysis was carried out to identify and illuminate major themes appearing within the statements. Further, a comparative thematic analysis was then undertaken to compare the themes across all statements to discover and determine convergences or divergences in content and coverage.FindingsThe formal statements released by these organizations feature and share many similar themes in their initial responses to COVID-19, including support for/solidarity with libraries; information provision; maintaining services; digital migration of services; workplace arrangements/concerns; contextual contingencies of libraries (diversity of kinds, circumstances and challenges); health concerns and proper/good hygiene; countering dis/misinformation; external collaborations with public health agencies; and partnerships with industry including publishers.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study’s purview is admittedly limited in size and scope – involving six, albeit major, library and information associations from mainly English speaking countries – it can be used as a foundation for further studies into how libraries and information centres in other English and non-English speaking countries responded to the coronavirus pandemic.Practical implicationsThis study can help inform current, alternative, contingency or other future library responses geared towards or tailored for the coronavirus or other health-related crises. It can also be used as a baseline to track the trajectory of library responses and actions as they unfolded throughout the COVID-19 crisis.Social implicationsBy providing the start of an account and analysis of the international library and information science (LIS) community’s initial responses, this study also contributes to the broader (ongoing) conversation about the coronavirus pandemic and intervenes in emerging historical examinations of this crisis. This study could be of interest to LIS scholars and practitioners, in addition to public health researchers, public policymakers, cultural studies academics and historians, interested in how different and intersectional efforts – in this case, the international LIS community – contributed and can contribute to this pandemic and other similar or parallel crises.Originality/valueThe international library and information community’s initial responses to this global health crisis are contextualized, thereby serving as a foundation upon which to anchor, build and extend other research on responses to the pandemic as it unfolded. Drawing upon a qualitative documentary analysis of these statements, this study presents and discusses the international library community’s initial responses to the coronavirus pandemic. It chronicles these statements as they were released in real-time, thereby providing a contemporary and historical snapshot of the early stages of this crisis. The aim is to both historically and thematically contextualize the international library and information community’s initial responses to help establish a foundation upon which to anchor, build, extend and update the international library community’s responses to the pandemic as it unfolded (and indeed as it continues to unfold at the time of this writing in June 2020). This foundation, it is hoped, will help illuminate their respective positions, circumstances, convergences, divergences and areas of possible (future) cooperation, coordination and collaboration.

What May Library and Information Science Offer to Personal Information Management?

Purpose/Thesis: The development of personal information management (PIM) suggests a new area of interest for library and information science (LIS) practitioners and researchers. Basing on the research the article investigates the application of technological solutions for PIM in LIS.Approach/Methods: In the presented research, the critical analysis of the literature was used to explain the relationship between PIM and LIS and to prepare an empirical study focused on the perception of the usefulness of PIM tools in the area of LIS practice and research. The empirical study was conducted with a mixed methodology encompassed both quantitative and qualitative methods.Results and conclusions: The analysis showed that the solutions offered by the LIS practitioners and researchers in the field of PIM have already been correctly defined. Some initiatives in the field of open access, digitization of collections, modernization of integrated library systems or the implementation of ICT in education are already being implemented. However, LIS practitioners and researchers are primarily perceived as offering high-quality, verified and truthful information accessible through applications, digital platforms and other modern technological solutions. Originality/Value: Presented results may inspire LIS practitioners and researchers to further development of the offer of their institutions.

Strands of diversity in Library and Information Science graduate curricula

This study investigates the current coverage and treatment of strands of diversity in Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate curricula by examining 19 American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programmes. The purpose is to analyze the depth and breadth of diversity-related topics in LIS programmes to determine the emphasis that LIS educators place on diversity-related content in the relevant coursework. Diversity-related topics were identified and categorized based on the published literature, and the contents of 84 course syllabi were examined. The findings show that while diversity-related topics are not prioritized in LIS programmes at present, the relevant content in curricula is increasing at a slow but significant rate. Diversity-related courses prepare aspiring librarians and information professionals to work with different cultural groups, young adults, and children. However, there is little interest in providing equitable services to minority groups in terms of gender and race/ethnicity, and people with disabilities. The findings of this study can provide a practical roadmap and useful insights for LIS educators, researchers, and practitioners.

What is the impact of library and information science on knowledge management research?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the place of library and information Science (LIS) research within leading knowledge management (KM) journals and conferences.Design/methodology/approachAuthors examined articles published from 2000-2018 in top-20 KM publications identified by Google Scholar to look for relationship with LIS. Authors analyzed the identified LIS-related articles to determine the publication trends based on LIS terms used, populations, authorship pattern, country, information setting type and top-cited articles.FindingsAuthors found that the coverage of LIS-related articles within leading KM publications was very low. From the more than 10,000 KM research articles, less than 1 per cent were LIS-related.Research limitations/implicationsThis study would help LIS researchers measure the space they have created for their field within leading KM research. By showing the relatively low coverage of LIS within KM research, the study demonstrates that LIS researchers/practitioners need to do more for LIS to be recognized as an important area within KM. KM publications can also enable greater synergies with LIS for mutual benefit.Originality/valueLIS researchers have increasingly called for KM implementation within libraries. The KM field has a long history in library practice in the context of managing and organizing codified knowledge. Both KM and LIS share the common goals of providing access to knowledge for sharing, transfer and use. However, hardly any studies have looked at the amount of synergy or overlap between these two different but related areas, and whether LIS matters to KM, even though LIS practitioners have been highlighting that KM matters to LIS.

Together We Read, Together We Learn: Examining Book Clubs as a Means of Connecting LIS to a Feminist Diversity Ethic


 
 
 This article examines the significance of dialogic exploration of feminist and diversity-orientedtexts in book clubs consisting of Library and Information Science (LIS) master’s students at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Through this research, I sought to achieve an understanding of how participation in book clubs that espouse a feminist or diversity ethic inspire members to create deeper, more insightful connections between these values and LIS. While the two book clubs under study began as separate entities with distinct memberships, participants’ dualmembership increased over time. The initially distinct ideals of each book club—feminism and diversity—coalesced, and a new value schema emerged in common between the two: a feminist diversity ethic. A feminist diversity ethic is a form of intersectional feminism that values experiential knowledge, the multifaceted nature of identity, respectful communication, caring, and orientation toward social justice as a means of dismantling interlocking systems of oppression. In the book clubs, this ethic encouraged the proactive search for exposure to diverse cultural and experiential paradigms through texts and stories of lived experience. Emphasis onthis ethic informed book club members’ approach to LIS in several ways: first, it challenged participants to define diversity and its importance in LIS; second, it fostered the deconstruction of the notion of the other; and third, it enabled participants to actualize a feminist diversity ethic within the structure of the book clubs, thus preparing them to continue this ethic in their future roles as LIS practitioners.
 
 

Issues of Confidentiality and Public Interest: A Case Study from a Library Perspective

In 2004, Zimbabwe suffered a number of undocumented challenges, including the externalisation of billions of United States (US) dollars. This was associated with the buying of assets abroad with foreign currency acquired in Zimbabwe. A number of prominent public figures were implicated in these transactions, leading to investigations which did not spare libraries from revealing information about patrons. Libraries connected to institutions, such as the police, hospitals and parliament, have information that is of interest to researchers and, like any other library, also store patron records, which are considered to be of public interest. This article reports on a study that explored a court case where information was provided by the Parliament of Zimbabwe library. The study used a case study methodology and reviewed information in the literature relating to confidentiality and public interest issues, as well as the use of a decision-making model and documents to identify existing operating procedures, if any. The study pointed to the debatable issue of public interest and the need for clear laws on the confidentiality and privacy of patrons in Zimbabwe. It also highlighted the importance for Library and Information Science (LIS) practitioners to understand the legal issues relating to the confidentiality of patron records. Accordingly, clear guidelines are important for decisionmaking when such practitioners are faced with the need to provide patron records. A simple decision-making model is thus recommended to complement existing legislation. Although the story of the court case appeared in local papers in Zimbabwe, placing the case study in a research context provides a useful tool for LIS students and practitioners.

Delivery of library and information science curriculum

PurposeAdvancement in Information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionised Library and Information Science (LIS) education and libraries. Both theory and practice have been transformed completely. LIS education programmes have become highly competitive and must be market-driven and technology-oriented. At the same time, academic libraries have been transformed and have become dynamic. Fostering a close collaboration between LIS educators and practitioners can multiply their strength and abilities by sharing educational resources and theoretical and practical knowledge. This paper aims to present the findings of a study carried out to investigate the current status of collaboration among LIS educators and library practitioners at the University of Botswana.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires from both LIS educators at the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) and practicing librarians working at the University of Botswana Library (UBL). To follow-up some of the issues, an interview was carried out with a subject librarian and a focus group discussion method was used to discuss some of the challenges from the findings.FindingsThe major collaborative activities from the DLIS staff were identified as the following: creating awareness of library resources and promoting library usage among students, facilitating library material selection and inviting librarians as guest lecturers to teach in the classroom. The main collaborative activities from practicing librarians were found to be the following: delivering information literacy instruction, providing professional/practical experience to students and information sharing with the DLIS teaching staff. The major challenges were identified as the following: different cultures of educators and librarians, lack of need to collaborate and lack of formal policy at the department and the university level.Research limitations/implicationsThe UBL has 51 library staff members. All the librarians were not included in this research study, only senior librarians and library management were involved in the study. No theoretical framework was used to carry out the study. The questionnaire was designed based on the general literature in the field of professional collaboration among faculty and educators in the information profession. The follow-up interview and focus group discussion were conducted to address the collaborative activities and challenges that were acknowledged by at least 50 per cent of the participants. Issues with less than 50 per cent responses were considered insignificant to follow-up. Follow-up interview was conducted only with one subject librarian. As all subject librarians have the same job profile and undertake the similar activities, it was assumed that one subject librarian can represent others.Originality/valueThis research paper contributes to the body of literature. It may be useful for other LIS schools and libraries that work in similar environments, and it also opens up avenues for further research on this topical issue.

Personalizing professionalism: The professional identity experiences of LIS graduates in non-library roles

This grounded theory project asked: “How do Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates in non-library roles experience professional identity?” This is an important question for current LIS practitioners and students because job opportunities are increasingly available in non-library work settings. There is limited research available on the professional identity experiences of LIS graduates in general and even less available on the professional experiences of LIS graduates in non-library roles. The study produced the theory of Personalizing Professionalism which found that individuals possess two identities which interact with each other throughout one’s career. The first is an internal appraisal of self which represents an individual’s assessment of who they “really” are as a professional. The second is an externally expressed identity, which represents who that individual presents him or herself to be. Interactions with others impact individuals’ internal appraisal of self and externally expressed identity and represent an area of potential conflict. This study contributes to the research literature on professional identity and identity formation and expression. For the LIS community, understanding how these professionals experience professional identity can help practitioners, educators, and professional associations to take advantage of a wide range of employment options.

Faculty Visions for Teaching Web Accessibility within LIS Curricula in the United States: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study explores the understanding and perspectives of faculty in US library and information science (LIS) programs about teaching web accessibility. “Web accessibility” can be defined simply as making websites accessible for all, including people with disabilities. Eight LIS professors and two graduate LIS students or recent alumni with interests in accessibility were interviewed for the study. Results showed that, although some faculty were novices, most interviewees thought it would be beneficial to teach web accessibility in a variety of LIS courses. However, despite the seeming consensus, discussion of incorporating web accessibility into curricula was rare. This study explores possible reasons for the marginalization of web accessibility in LIS. The authors contend that greater support for initiatives to integrate web accessibility into LIS curricula is essential for enabling LIS practitioners to comply with legal standards and with LIS values of inclusion.

LIS Education at University of Botswana: Evolution, Opportunities and Challenges

In Africa, the first Library and Information Science (LIS) education programs started in South Africa in 1938 as the “Department of Librarianship” at the University of Pretoria and today LIS education is considered a sophisticated programme like any other academic programs in all African countries. This paper discusses the major changes, opportunities and challenges at the DLIS. LIS education in Botswana boasts an admirable history of roughly 37 years, during which the Department of Library and Information Studies has made a significant contribution in human resource training, research and service. Today, DLIS offers both Bachelors and Masters Degree programmes in Library and information studies, Information systems, and Archives and Records management and it also offers M.Phil and PhD programmes. To equip future information professionals with the right skills and competencies for the current job market and to prepare them for the emerging global society, DLIS keeps reviewing its teaching curricula to introduce new programmes. Some of the development includes winter programme; Bachelor of Information Systems (BIS 210) programme for the curricula harmonisation; and forthcoming ‘Bachelor of Information and Knowledge Management’ (BIKM) programme. This paper is based on in-depth and latest literature review mainly from developing countries and the authors’ experience as LIS practitioners and educators at DLIS.

Library and Information Science Research Literature is Chiefly Descriptive and Relies Heavily on Survey and Content Analysis Methods

A Review of:
 Aytac, S. & Slutsky, B. (2014). Published librarian research, 2008 through 2012: Analyses and perspectives. Collaborative Librarianship, 6(4), 147-159.
 
 Objective – To compare the research articles produced by library and information science (LIS) practitioners, LIS academics, and collaborations between practitioners and academics. 
 
 Design – Content analysis. 
 
 Setting – English-language LIS literature from 2008 through 2012.
 
 Subjects – Research articles published in 13 library and information science journals.
 
 Methods – Using a purposive sample of 769 articles from selected journals, the authors used content analysis to characterize the mix of authorship models, author status (practitioner, academic, or student), topic, research approach and methods, and data analysis techniques used by LIS practitioners and academics. 
 
 Main Results – The authors screened 1,778 articles, 769 (43%) of which were determined to be research articles. Of these, 438 (57%) were written solely by practitioners, 110 (14%) collaboratively by practitioners and academics, 205 (27%) solely by academics, and 16 (2%) by others. The majority of the articles were descriptive (74%) and gathered quantitative data (69%). The range of topics was more varied; the most popular topics were libraries and librarianship (19%), library users/information seeking (13%), medical information/research (13%), and reference services (12%). Pearson’s chi-squared tests detected significant differences in research and statistical approaches by authorship groups. 
 
 Conclusion – Further examination of practitioner research is a worthwhile effort as is establishing new funding to support practitioner and academic collaborations. The use of purposive sampling limits the generalizability of the results, particularly to international and non-English LIS literature. Future studies could explore motivators for practitioner-academic collaborations as well as the skills necessary for successful collaboration. Additional support for practitioner research could include mentorship for early career librarians to facilitate more rapid maturation of collaborative research skills and increase the methodological quality of published research.

The Researcher Librarian Partnership: building a culture of research

Increasingly, the library and information science (LIS) practitioner is being challenged to incorporate research into the context of their professional work. This paper reports on the Researcher-Librarian Partnership, a research-mentoring programme that was initiated by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Six new LIS practitioners within their first seven years of professional practice took part in the programme. Each was partnered with an experienced LIS researcher who provided mentoring and support. During the 12-month programme the new professionals designed and implemented a research project on a topic of interest. This paper outlines the details of the programme providing observations on how research mentoring can be a powerful way to ensure all stakeholders – practitioners, educators and professional associations – can plan an active role in supporting the development of a research culture within the profession.

“Ask, Acquire, Appraise”: A Study of LIS Practitioners Participating in an EBLIP Continuing Education Course

Objective – The project sought to examine the aspects of the question answering process in an evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP) context by presenting the questions asked, articles selected, and checklists used by an opportunistic sample of Australian and New Zealand library and information professionals from multiple library and information sectors participating in the “Evidence Based Library and Information Practice: Delivering Services That Shine” (EBLIP-Gloss) FOLIOz e-learning course.
 
 Methods – The researchers analyzed the “ask,” “acquire,” and “appraise” tasks completed by twenty-nine library and information professionals working in Australia or New Zealand. Questions were categorized by EBLIP domain, articles were examined to identify any comparisons, and checklists were collated by frequency.
 
 Results – Questions fell within each of the six EBLIP domains, with management being the most common. Timeliness, relevance, and accessibility were stronger determinants of article selection than rigour or study design. Relevance, domain, and applicability were the key determinants in selecting a checklist.
 
 Conclusion – This small-scale study exemplifies the EBLIP process for a self-selecting group of library and information professionals working in Australia and New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of the types of questions that library and information practitioners ask, and the types of articles and checklists found to be useful. Participants demonstrated a preference for literature and checklists originating from within the library and information science (LIS) field, reinforcing the imperative for LIS professionals to contribute to EBLIP research.

A report on the Second Biennial DISSAnet Conference � Prolissa: Pretoria 2002

Introduction The democratisation of South Africa culminated in changes and growth in the library and information science (LIS) profession. The formation of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) came as a result of such transformation. Unfortunately, most changes were more focused on strengthening the resource base in terms of material and information technologies. Arguably, the skill of utilising these technologies at an advanced level was inappropriate (Wormell 2002). Sewdass (2002) discloses further that very little attention was paid to human resource development, especially in terms of research capabilities. It is believed that through research the LIS profession can make a significant contribution to library and information theory and practice in South Africa and far beyond her borders. Menou and Bishop, Menou, Mchombu and Miti as well as Mlaki in Mchombu (2002) all concur that LIS research should expand its horizons to go beyond the information dissemination and use paradigm. They feel that LIS profession should be an active element of the civil society, democratisation and global community. Fortunately, the challenge can be achieved by conducting research on policy issues at national and international level, whilst on the other hand developing multi-faceted knowledge relevant mostly to the African context. It is thus, crucial that the LIS profession grows and strengthens its resolve to avoid marginalisation as one of those professions that are no longer viable in this new political dispensation. Ultimately, the international development program for LIS research in South Africa DISSAnet was formed by Professors Irene Wormell, Peter Ingwersen of the Royal School of Library and Information Science in Copenhagen and Theo Bothma of the University of Pretoria in collaboration with the representatives of the Danish International Development (DANIDA) to promote LIS research in South Africa. DISSAnet is the acronym for the Development of Information Science in Southern Africa Network. The project was planned for six weeks over a period of three years, from 1998 to 2000. A total number of 20 registered Masters and Doctoral students were selected from different institutions of higher learning. The main focus of project was to provide and enhance skill’s development specifically in scientific research, as well as to provide a platform for networking among LIS practitioners in South Africa. This was achieved through a series of lectures on diverse subject areas and the candidates’ active participation in conducting research and presenting and publishing the output in local and international conferences and publications consecutively.

Improving access to Library and Information Science research

Between 2009 and 2012 considerable investment was made in three UK projects related to library and information science (LIS) research: (1) the Library and Information Science Research Coalition; (2) the AHRC-funded Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project; and (3) the Research in Librarianship Impact Evaluation Study (RiLIES). This article presents the main features of each project, and discusses their value with reference to maximizing the relevance and impact of research to LIS practitioners. It outlines plans for the support of LIS research in the UK beyond 2012.

Fusing research into practice: The role of research methods education

A survey was conducted among library and information science (LIS) practitioners to examine the effect of the research methods course on LIS practitioners' work. Findings suggest the research methods course is a valuable component of the master's in library and information science (MLIS) program. Taking the research methods course increases LIS practitioners' research interest and assists them by helping them critically evaluate published literature and apply it at work, provide better assistance to library patrons, produce valid and reliable data to facilitate decision making, identify problems at work and design and implement studies to solve them, and write grants and for publication. Suggestions are made to improve the research methods curriculum and enhance the educational experience for LIS practitioners.

Leisure and Its Relationship to Library and: Information Science: Bridging the Gap

The serious leisure perspective is introduced and its relationship to library and information science (LIS) set out. The relationship is twofold: the perspective offers a distinctive approach both to research and to practice in this discipline. That is, the perspective bridges a critical gap that has separated the fields of LIS and leisure studies, manifested in both as scant concern with the central interest of the other. This gap is bridged by providing the first with a conceptual framework for understanding leisure and leisure activities, which can help guide researchers and practitioners working on the retrieval and dissemination of information bearing on such activities. The serious leisure perspective is the theoretic structure that synthesizes three main forms of leisure. Serious leisure is the systematic pursuit of an amateur, hobbyist, or volunteer core activity that captivates the participant with its challenges and complexity. Casual leisure is an immediately, intrinsically rewarding, relatively short-lived pleasurable core activity, requiring little or no special training to enjoy it. Project-based leisure refers to a short term, reasonably complicated, one-shot or occasional, though infrequent, creative undertaking carried out in free time. Serious leisure is the most complex of these three, offering thereby the richest lode for LIS researchers and practitioners to mine. The perspective is a vehicle for systematically exploring people's use and dissemination of information during free time.