Library And Information Services Research Articles

The Carnegie Corporation Decides on Racially-Segregated Libraries in South Africa in 1928: Negrophilist or Segregationist?

This paper explores the impact of the Carnegie Corporation's decision in 1928 on the subsequent provision of library and information services (LIS) for non-whites up to 1939. In order to understand the decision to recommend racially-segregated LIS, the social milieu in South Africa, with particular reference to British colonial public and personal attitudes, will have to be explored. Certain trends in society in South Africa were clearly established by 1910 as the dominating influences in the separation of LIS on racial grounds. The influence which the Carnegie Corporation had on the situation, as an institution from the United States of America, will also be examined. The article outlines the causes of this attitude (fear of numbers, loss of identity, and economic swamping), which were to result in an 'us' and 'them' attitude, and therefore separate residential areas and separate education and library systems. The paper will examine the development of LIS for non-whites, specifically blacks, in terms of provision in the public, university, and school spheres, after the intervention of the Carnegie Corporation in 1928. To what extent did the Carnegie sponsorship influence the development of LIS for blacks? Should they have been more forceful in the determination of the policies governing library services, and did their actions lead to a neglect of LIS services for blacks?

Citation analysis of theses and dissertations submitted at the Tshwane University of Technology: 2004–2006

What types of information sources do masters and doctoral (M and D) students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) use most, how do the patterns of use differ across subject disciplines and faculties, and to what extent does the Library and Information Services (LIS) keep or provide access to the journals that are mostly used by M and D students? To answer these questions the researcher applied citation analysis as a research tool to analyse the reference lists of 316 theses and dissertations submitted by M and D students and accepted by TUT from 2004 to 2006. Some of the findings were that M and D students are far greater users of paper-based information than of electronic information sources. Over time there was a gradual increase in Web citations but not as much as one would have expected. Web citations therefore had no real impact on the composition of reference lists. M and D students in the social sciencesand humanities clearly use books most. They also use journals far less than students in the fields of science, engineering and technology. Across all faculties and disciplines the majority of journals were only cited once over a period of three years. However, a small percentage of journals were highly cited and/or frequently cited. This confirms the outcome of other citation studies: A small number of journals generate the majority of journals cited. The findings will assist the LIS to make informed decisions regarding which information resources to make available to M and D students and thus enabling TUT libraries to make the transition to support more advanced research.

The contemporary library and information services manager

The contemporary Library and Information Services (LIS) environment employs a multifaceted group of employees who are better educated and more expensive to recruit than in previous times. In order to maximize these talents and resources available, this modern setting requires managers — at all levels — who are versatile and fitted out with the right skills and knowledge to maintain group cohesion and to propel this dynamic environment to continuously move in unison with the society. This article identifies and discusses the required skills and knowledge of the contemporary manager. In doing so, the concepts of skill and knowledge are defined and their interrelationship is highlighted.

Battening down the hatches

Survey of corporate business information services based on in-depth interviews with leading information and knowledge managers. Key findings are: 1. Greater coordination and management of global corporate information management networks 2. Although information budget reductions in the light of the recession have been relatively modest so far — 50 per cent of respondents have experienced cuts of 10 per cent and upwards — most predict more substantial reductions in their 2009 budgets 3. The business climate is still rather uneven — banking and financial services are struggling whilst some other sectors, most notably corporate law, are generally busy 4. Great efforts to establish very tight cost control 5. Constant search for ways for Information Department to add more value to the business 6. Rolling back of desk-top deployment of data sources in some companies due to financial pressures and non-use; other companies continue to expand desk-top access to information products 7. Financial restrictions have affected service development capability and speed of response 8. Use of sophisticated metrics to track and assess costs and use for client feedback 9. Seventy-five per cent of respondents have already lost staff or expect to do so in 2009 10. Information discovery skills, that most traditional part of the Library and Information Service (LIS) professional's armoury, are increasingly being recognized as a key priority by senior information managers looking at their skill mix 11. Twenty per cent of companies committed to offshore operations are consolidating; 80 per cent have no immediate plans to follow this strategy but don't necessarily rule it out further into the future 12. Some sustained Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives ongoing in 50 per cent of respondent companies, albeit if sometimes of a `Guerrilla KM' flavour 13. Social technologies for corporate deployment — a third of respondents are believers, a third agnostics and a third atheists 14. Vendor management and relationships: respondents demand more creativity and understanding on charging levels and flexibility 15. Brokers' reports becoming unaffordable and therefore unavailable 16. Information risks such as password misuse, Intellectual Property (IP) and copyright breaches and licensing violations should be better understood and managed 17. BvD ousts Factiva in ranking of top three vendors 18. There's a continued commitment to user training albeit in terms of coaching and support rather than formal programmes 19. Strategic concerns focus on organizational management and financial issues above all else.

Membership of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) among library and information science workers in KwaZulu-Natal

A study was undertaken in 2007 among library and information service (LIS) workers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to investigate LIASA membership trends. The objectives of the study were to investigate: 1) the extent to which workers in library and information services in KwaZulu-Natal are members of LIASA; and 2) the reasons for non-membership, if there are substantial numbers of LIS workers who are not members. The purpose of this paper is to report on the main findings of this study. The study surveyed three types of library services in KwaZulu-Natal, namely, academic, public and special libraries with 330 LIS workers participating in the study. A census was done of LIS workers in special libraries and in academic libraries of public higher education institutions in KZN. Simple random sampling was used to select public libraries in KZN for participation in the study. All staff in the selected sample of public libraries were surveyed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the required data from the target population. It was established that a significant number of LIS workers in all three types of libraries surveyed in KZN are not members of LIASA for various reasons. LIASA has been unable to draw significant membership from the support staff category in LIS services despite its constitution claiming to embrace all LIS workers. The study recommends that LIASA market itself more aggressively to increase membership levels particularly in the public library sector and among support staff in all LIS services. It also recommends that LIASA should consider involving itself in the industrial concerns of the LIS sector.

Towards a transformed library and information sector in South Africa: rethinking roles

The paper examines the current state of libraries in South Africa. It draws on the state's role in the provision of library services since South Africa became a democracy in 1994. There seems to be a worrisome aspect that the place of public libraries within local and provincial governments is in a state of uncertainty. Hence the urgency with which the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS) is approaching the problem by having appointed a technical team to develop broad legislative and policy guidelines for the transformation of the library and information services (LIS) sector. The focus of the paper is rather on an argument for a rethink of the role of libraries and librarians within the local and provincial context. It is the author's contention that the services of a library should contribute towards the quality of life, that is, the library should play a role in education, the promotion of moral values, the eradication of illiteracy, the alleviation of poverty and assisting in the quest for knowledge and the promotion of democracy in society. The whole notion of democracy needs to be deconstructed. Certain objectives need to be set in order to attain this aim of the library, namely, the library should foster and provide certain facilities for the development of individuals and groups at all levels of education, for example, a study area and an activity room or auditorium; the library should be accessible to the user to fulfil his / her information needs, in the quickest possible time; the library should be a main centre for the promotion and appreciation of all arts so that cultural life can be enriched; the library should play a positive part in the encouragement of active usage of leisure and recreation time. This calls for a well informed and empowered library professional. Although the concept of library professional is used somewhat loosely here, library workers in general should not be excluded when library services are rendered.

Practitioner commentary on Garfield E. The impact of health information delivery on the quality of patient care: whither medical information science? Health libraries review 1985, 2 (4), 159–169*

Practitioner commentary on Garfield E. The impact of health information delivery on the quality of patient care: whither medical information science? <i> Health libraries review</i> 1985, 2 (4), 159–169*

An illustrative application of soft systems methodology (SSM) in a library and information service context

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an illustration of the methodological processes and resultant outcomes relating to one theme investigated during an application of soft systems methodology (SSM) in a library and information service (LIS) context, in order to contribute to the explication of the methodology to LIS professionals.Design/methodology/approachA selective but detailed description of the use of SSM is provided in relation to case study research undertaken at a UK law firm, which included, within the framework of SSM, the conduct of interviews with 42 legal and information practitioners.FindingsThe described application of SSM is a demonstration of its use for structuring learning in situations: in this instance, of a developed understanding of stakeholders' views of appropriate LIS activity in a law firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a selective representation of the first use of SSM by a researcher and demonstrates the methodology's applicability to any situation about which learning is considered to be desirable.Practical implicationsThe paper provides an illustrative application of SSM which may prompt the use of, or may contribute to understanding of, the methodology by LIS practitioners, researchers and educators.Originality/valueThe paper provides an in‐depth illustration of the SSM‐informed processes and outcomes in a novel application area.

E‐science and information services: a missing link in the context of digital libraries

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse whether, and how far, library and information services (LIS) are involved in e‐Science and grid computing projects funded by authorities in the European Union and Germany. It explains and emphasises the relevance of LIS‐based information services and expertise in e‐Science activities.Design/methodology/approachProjects were analysed to determine the extent to which institutions or persons with LIS expertise were involved and information services provided.FindingsVery few of the e‐Science projects made use of LIS‐based services. This omission could reduce the quality of e‐Science‐related research in the long term and LIS experts could lose their role and expertise in serving scientists. Further research is needed to verify this. Additionally research is needed to determine whether e‐Science projects in other countries are also lacking LIS services.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was undertaken during the preliminary phase of the projects.Practical implicationsFunding should emphasise the inclusion and provision of LIS services.Originality/valueThe findings show a lack of LIS services in e‐Science projects, which could otherwise enhance the projects' development and the distribution of their results.

The management of absence: why it matters

PurposeThis paper seeks to give an overview of some ongoing research into absence management practices in a UK university library. The aim of the research in question is to evaluate the effectiveness of current management practices.Design/methodology/approachThe research collected quantitative data over time and the present paper presents a summary of findings and recommendations to practitioners in the same field.FindingsThe research findings indicate that the use of return to work interviews after each absence through illness contributes to the reduction in absence levels. The research recommends that firm guidelines be used to ensure consistency in approach; that employee awareness is increased of their own responsibility to attend for work wherever possible. Where a culture of absenteeism exists, it is suggested that appropriate management strategies can produce a culture of attendance. Within academic libraries, this is possible where there is an involvement of human resource departments, with a structure for referring employees, where applicable, to occupational health. This work highlights the need for employers to get value for money from their library resources and recommends absence management as an important component in any agenda for change.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the potential sensitivity of the subject area, the anonymity of members of staff had to be a priority, therefore, some of the data analysis could not be carried out as in‐depth as may have been optimally desirable.Practical implicationsThe present research provides case study experience for other practitioners, and suggests some recommendations for library managers.Originality/valueThe present research highlights the dearth of literature or benchmarking facilities on absence management within library and information services (LIS). The research is therefore exploratory in nature and goes some way to address the research gap.

Are librarians the ultimate knowledge managers? A study of knowledge, skills, practice and mindset

This paper seeks to establish the state of knowledge of Knowledge Management (KM) among Library and Information Services (LIS) professionals, the extent to which they find positions in the KM sector, the extent to which they practise identifiable KM processes in their work and the adequacy of educational preparation and professional development opportunities. It draws on research begun in 2005, which included a survey of advertisements for KM positions, a survey of KM courses in Australia; and an online questionnaire for LIS and KM practitioners and educators. The literature review highlights knowledge, skills and attributes associated with KM, and notes some overlap with those required for the LIS profession. The job analysis suggests that there may be some overlap between LIS and KM practice and between what are perceived to be LIS and KM core competencies, but that the two are quite distinct. Findings from the survey of KM courses suggest only a limited amount of overlap between what are considered by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to be core LIS professional attributes and the curricula of the KM courses offered by Australian universities. The survey of practitioners did not reveal significant differences of perception between the LIS and KM groups, but noted that the two were not mutually exclusive. Significant comments from survey respondents are reported. Conclusions are mainly concerned with education and professional development, and are aimed primarily at educators and the professional association.

Avoiding the crunch at crunch time

Library and Information Services (LIS) providers are vulnerable in the current war for talent. They need to work collaboratively to develop accurate workforce data so they can retain and recruit the right people. In South Australia, the issue has a level of urgency above other States as the demographic is skewed to older workers. Organisations need to develop smart workforce strategies to retain and recruit employees. They should be cautious about any quick fix approach. Sustainable workforce development is not achievable by making decisions on anecdotal data. Libraries need to make sure their data on workforce demand and supply is accurate and robust. It is critical that accountability for workforce planning is readily accepted by senior leadership.

Library workforce planning in Australia: Can the present inform the future?

In Australia, the library and information services (LIS) sector has become increasingly aware that people are the key drivers in the profession and that a strong professional future will depend on the effective management of workforce issues. The paper discusses some of the findings from an Australian research initiative, the neXus census, which examines the current LIS workforce.

Bird & Bird: Our Approach to Knowledge Management

AbstractIn her Conference presentation Kathryn Pearson discussed Bird &amp; Bird's approach to Knowledge Management (KM). She considered the skills needed to become a legal knowledge manager and how these differ from those needed in Library and Information Services (LIS). She reviewed the merits of KM and the firm's approach to KM from three angles: people, process and technology, giving examples from recent KM projects.

The use of soft systems methodology (SSM) in the management of library and information services: a review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of soft systems methodology (SSM) and review the ways in which the methodology has been applied by managers and researchers to gain a broad understanding of library and information service (LIS) activity.Design/methodology/approach – Seven detailed examples of the application of SSM to LIS activity show for each the aim, rationale for the use of SSM, operationalisation, findings and benefits of using SSM to understand problem situations.Findings – Analysis of the application of SSM in LIS contexts demonstrates the extent of its efficacy in learning and understanding in “problem situations” and the resultant changes to LIS activities.Practical implications – The paper draws together examples of studies which may prompt LIS professionals and researchers to consider the use of SSM in the management of LIS.Originality/value – An in‐depth review of the processes and outcomes of the application of SSM to the understanding of LIS activity is provided.

Escaping Lenin's library: Library and Information Science education in independent Ukraine

This article examines historical developments and current trends in Ukrainian library education. It gives a synthetic overview and comparison with US library education, based on a review of the Ukrainian literature, a survey of Library and Information Service (LIS) curricula and interviews with senior figures in Ukrainian LIS education. Ukraine became an independent state only in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Previous to independence, Ukraine's LIS education was integrated within the Soviet system. After independence the system evolved slowly, but with the recent Orange Revolution, reform efforts have increased pace. Ukrainian LIS education remains more vocational than in the US, with a two-year non-degree certificate as the most common training, and a four-year bachelor's degree offered by elite institutions. One emerging trend in LIS education stresses the new opportunities for librarians and information professionals opened by Internet technologies. Another is part of a more general shift, inspired by a new Ukrainian higher education law, stressing the country's independent culture and formalizing standards for different degrees. LIS education has now reached a turning point, as reformers grapple with the limited resources, power of inertia, and remnants of Soviet culture in their efforts to meet current challenges and prepare a new generation of information professionals.

Modernization of Library and Information Services in Higher Education in Swaziland: strategic interventions, 2000/1—2005/6

This is a discussion of the implementation of the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) strategic plan 2000/1—2005/6. The goal of the article is to assess the impact of the information technology, policies and procedures, collaboration, funding, management, human resources development, preservation, marketing and information service delivery strategies on the modernization of its library and information services (LIS). It is argued that UNISWA has effected considerable staff re-skilling and made some progress towards widening access to quality subscription based electronic resources and optimizing the utilization of open access materials. Implementation was negatively influenced by low funding, limited local content on the web, inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure, scarce professional skills, and restrictive policies and procedures. It concludes that further work revolving around the above factors, taking into account user needs for independent life long learning, is the key to deepening the modernization of LIS at UNISWA.

Can new laws make public services better? Reflections on diversity legislation for libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that government‐led social legislation inspired by Victorian ideals of paternalistic law‐making is still an appropriate way of intervening to promote citizenship and equity in the information society of the 21st century. However, to do so effectively is more complex than traditional models suggest and needs ongoing and energetic participation from the library and information services (LIS) profession to ensure good laws are put on to the statute book.Design/methodology/approachA detailed review of certain targeted aspects of the relevant legislation, put into the context of broad concepts of social reform from UK history.FindingsThat the outcomes of recent legislation in the area of intellectual property protection and disability discrimination have not been as beneficial as they could have been had the insights of the LIS profession been incorporated into the process of law‐making.Research limitations/implicationsThe international comparative dimension of legislation in this area could give scope for further academic research.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests ways in which the UK library and information professionals’ association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, can be supported in its work to improve the quality of laws relating to library services and practice in the UK.Originality/valueThis paper combines a number of different perspectives – historical, informational, and legal – in an attempt to give insight on some important contemporary social and political issues of particular interest to Library and Information practitioners.

Escaping Lenin's library: Library and Information Science education in independent Ukraine

Summary This article examines historical developments and current trends in Ukrainian library education. It gives a synthetic overview and comparison with US library education, based on a review of the Ukrainian literature, a survey of Library and Information Service (LIS) curricula and interviews with senior figures in Ukrainian LIS education. Ukraine became an independent state only in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Previous to independence, Ukraine's LIS education was integrated within the Soviet system. After independence the system evolved slowly, but with the recent Orange Revolution, reform efforts have increased pace. Ukrainian LIS education remains more vocational than in the US, with a two-year non-degree certificate as the most common training, and a four-year bachelor's degree offered by elite institutions. One emerging trend in LIS education stresses the new opportunities for librarians and information professionals opened by Internet technologies. Another is part of a more general shift, inspired by a new Ukrainian higher education law, stressing the country's independent culture and formalizing standards for different degrees. LIS education has now reached a turning point, as reformers grapple with the limited resources, power of inertia, and remnants of Soviet culture in their efforts to meet current challenges and prepare a new generation of information professionals.

Marketing of Library and Information Services: A Strategic Perspective

In today's knowledge economy, library and information services are viewed as saleable products. More importantly, libraries have started treating their users as ‘customers.’ The paper analyzes the need for marketing of library and information services (LIS). It discusses the strategic planning required for LIS marketing. This conceptual paper also attempts to analyze the extended marketing mix or ‘seven Ps’ in the context of LIS marketing.