Realizable value of the MLIS: insights from a new professional

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-150
Author(s):  
Philip Bradley White
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Degree ◽  
Academic Librarian ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the value of the Master of Library and Information Science degree from the perspective of a recent graduate and practicing academic librarian. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a viewpoint supported by current literature and practical experience. Findings The author presents ideas for integrating theory into skills-based education and advocates for greater emphasis on technical skill development in Library and Information Science (LIS) education. Practical implications LIS educators may benefit from a recent graduate’s evaluation of LIS education because it relates to hireability and job performance. Originality/value The paper represents the author’s points of view.

scholarly journals Determining the value of your Library Science degree

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 128-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Crumpton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Current Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Degree ◽  
Career Needs ◽  
Points Of View

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of some of the issues related to the perceived value of Library and Information Science (LIS) degrees. Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint supported with research from current field literature. Findings – This is recognizing some of the problems encountered with perceived value of LIS degrees and comparing other disciplines. Recommendations are made for individuals to lead their own career needs. Originality/value – This is the author’s own points of view.

Information activities as serious leisure within the fanfiction community

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 843-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Hill ◽  
Jen J.L. Pecoskie
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Serious Leisure ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Cultural Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Heritage ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Fanfiction communities are actively engaged in creating cultural products. These large online communities have created and developed conventions that guide their solutions to gathering and presenting their work. The purpose of this paper is to investigate those conventions looking for evidence of information-related pursuits as serious leisure (SL) (Stebbins, 2007). Design/methodology/approach A diverse collection of fanfiction publishing platforms, blogs, and associated websites were subject to a qualitative inductive analysis (Lincoln and Guba, 1985). Platforms included both generalist sites like Archive of Our Own and more focused sites such as Teen Wolf Fic Finder. Findings Findings show significant information-related activities around collecting, wayfinding, and organizing. Collecting centers on platform policies focused on scope. Wayfinding relates to peer review as well as various reference-like work including reader’s advisory, reference questioning, and the creation of pathfinders. Organizing looks to the unique organizational schema created and used by the fanfiction communities. Research limitations/implications The authors explore implications of these activities in reference to the fanfiction community and the library and information science (LIS) discipline. The fanfiction community is shifting out of an ephemeral existence and into one of a more permanent digital heritage. Fanfiction is an SL pursuit that also has much to offer for consideration to the LIS discipline. Practical implications With respect to the wayfinding and organizing conventions of fanfiction communities, these activities provide librarianship with the opportunity to consider traditional activities in new ways. Originality/value Fanfiction is a little studied phenomenon in SL and in LIS. This research provides connections to both areas.

scholarly journals Legal deposit of electronic books – a review of challenges faced by national libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marietjie De Beer ◽  
Marieta Van der Merwe ◽  
Liezl Ball ◽  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Electronic Books ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Electronic Publications ◽  
National Libraries ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by national libraries regarding the legal deposit of electronic books, and to make recommendations for issues to consider – especially with regard to developing, planning and implementing. Design/methodology/approach – Literature published from 2000 to 2014 on legal deposit of electronic publications was examined. Key databases covering library and information science were searched, and case studies, general reviews, research papers/reports and view point articles were considered. Findings – National libraries embarking on projects on legal deposit of electronic books need to consider the collection, preservation and accessibility of the legal deposit collection. They face challenges regarding legal deposit legislation and institutional policy, legal considerations such as copyright, environmental factors, established mechanisms for deposit, information retrieval and access, preservation, human resources, financial implications and trust. Further research and continued monitoring of issues of concern and changes are required due to technological developments and the obsolescence of technology. Practical implications – The review raises awareness of issues that need to be considered by national libraries and other repositories to manage the legal deposit of electronic books in their institutions. Originality/value – The review can serve as a guide for nations (particularly in developing countries) to embark on the legal deposit of electronic publications, specifically electronic books.

The chief learning officer

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 380-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate World ◽  
Chief Learning Officer ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to put forward the position of chief learning officer (CLO) as a potential new role or models for new roles in libraries wishing to integrate human resources, strategic planning, and budgeting. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the history and present functions of the CLO role in the corporate world, correlating work within the library field with key aspects of the position as way by which to conceptualize the integration of disparate library operations. Findings The position of CLO has not yet entered the library and information science (LIS) discourse. Practical implications Libraries that do not have CLO-like positions in their organizations may benefit from adopting or adapting the position to their libraries. Originality/value The paper introduces the CLO position to the field of LIS.

Digital curation in museums

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Ray
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Museum Studies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Education Practice ◽  
Digital Curation ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a perspective on the development of digital curation education and practice in museums in the USA. Design/methodology/approach Methods used include: a historical overview of the development of digital curation, originally as a field of practice – primarily in the sciences – and then as a field of study; a case study of the adaptation of a digital curation curriculum (DigCCurr) framework developed in schools of library and information science (LIS) to a museum studies program; and a discussion of trends in digital curation practices in museums. Findings The case study (the digital curation certificate program of Johns Hopkins University’s museum studies program) describes a successful adaptation of the LIS DigCCurr framework in a museum studies program. Practical implications Findings could help to advance the museum field through the integration of digital curation education, practice and research. Social implications By adopting and supporting digital curation practices, education and research, museums can reach and engage more online users seeking information about museum collections. More online users may also become onsite visitors. Originality/value There is little existing literature on digital curation education in museum studies programs.

Back to the fundamentals again

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 795-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangzhi Yu
Keyword(s):  
Professional Identity ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Philosophical Foundations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to redefine information and other associated library and information science (LIS) concepts and to reformulate the mission of the library and information profession and the problem of LIS using these concepts. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts a deductive approach to conceptualization, starting from one given, a priori concept. Findings – This paper develops a constellation of concepts which offer mutual clarification for each other. Having defined data by drawing on its existing denotations, it defines “information” as the combined product of data and meaning, and “document” as the combined product of information and media; it defines “knowledge” as one type of meaning and “work” as one type of information. It shows that the mission of the library and information profession is to ensure maximum discoverability and accessibility of information, and that LIS is structured into two fields correspondingly, each consisting of three tiers of knowledge: philosophical foundations, theories, and technologies. Practical implications – The redefinition of basic LIS concepts may have practical implications for LIS curriculum design and for the cultivation of professional identity among LIS students in the all-encompassing I-Schools. Originality/value – This study has formed a coherent conceptual framework for LIS and has clarified the hitherto rather confusing relationship between data, information, and knowledge, and the rather nebulous structure of LIS problems; it sheds some light on the source of conflicts between the subjective and objective conceptualization of information and questions the prevailing understanding of work as ideas or meanings.

Expanding the scope of affect: taxonomy construction for emotions, tones, and associations

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-397
Author(s):  
Louise Spiteri ◽  
Jen Pecoskie
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Emotional Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Affective Experiences ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an examination of emotional experiences, particularly how they are situated in the readers’ advisory (RA) literature and the literatures from a variety of outside disciplines in order to create taxonomies of affect from this context. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this study is twofold. First, this work reviews the literature on affect in Library and Information Science (LIS) and ancillary disciplines in order to understand the definition of affect. Second, using extant taxonomies and resources noted from the literature review, taxonomies are created for three aspects of affect: emotions, tones, and associations. Findings This paper contextualises and defines affect for the LIS discipline. Further, a result of the work is the creation of three taxonomies through an RA lens by which affective experiences can be classified. The resulting three taxonomies focus on emotion, tone, and associations. Practical implications The taxonomies of emotion, tone, and associations can be applied to the practical work of bibliographic description, helping to expand access and organisation through an affective lens. These taxonomies of affect could be used by readers’ advisors to help readers describe their desired reading experiences. As the taxonomies have been constructed from an RA perspective, and can be applied to the RA literature, they could expand the understanding of RA theory, especially that of appeal. Originality/value This study furthers the exploration of affect in LIS and provides tangible taxonomies of affect for the LIS discipline in an RA context, which have not been previously produced.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

Scientific literacy, librarians and information literacy in the post-truth era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Ellen Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Degree ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Professional Self

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge librarians to reconceptualize their professional self-image and practice so that it more closely aligns with the information science discipline that is part of the Masters of Library and Information Science degree. Design/methodology/approach This column is primarily theoretical and philosophical but also draws on the author’s observations of trends and patterns in both librarianship and changes in information needs in recent years. Findings Urgent, high-cost information needs created by COVID-19 and climate change coexist in a reality where technological change has made traditional librarian roles and functions less critical. By developing their information science skills and strengthening their professional identity as information scientists, librarians have the opportunity to address the urgent information needs of the day while remaining highly relevant professionals. Practical implications Librarians will need to strengthen their science-related skills and knowledge and begin to promote themselves as information scientists. Social implications Librarians are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to two of the most pressing challenges of the day, climate change and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper is relevant to all librarians at any stage of their career. It will help them to reflect on both their skillset and career path and to make any needed adjustments so that they can remain relevant in a volatile and demanding information environment.

A secondary analysis of the library profession’s self-reported competence and comfort in working with patrons with disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Pionke
Keyword(s):  
Graduate School ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Continuum

PurposeThis article presents a secondary analysis of previously published data in order to drive discussion of the library profession’s current state of preparedness in working with patrons with disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis article used a secondary analysis of survey data that have been previously published to determine what the continuum of data said about the current state of preparedness in the profession when working with people with disabilities.FindingsA comparison of the data from both surveys reveals that there are not only gaps in library graduate school education related to disability and accessibility but also that those gaps are not being addressed through professional development and staff training after students enter the workforce.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a secondary analysis of data, so no new data could be added. There was also no representation from library graduate school administration.Practical implicationsAn awareness is built that there needs to be more instruction for library graduate students and library employees on topics related to disability, accessibility and assistive technologies.Originality/valueThe topic has never been studied before in this kind of continuum of data, and the use of the secondary analysis of data with the library and information science profession is exceedingly rare.

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