Library and information science and sustainable development: a structured literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1356-1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Meschede ◽  
Maria Henkel
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Scientific Output ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
Structured Literature Review

Purpose Awareness on and importance of sustainability in all aspects of our lives is becoming more and more important. The question arises, how – not if – scientists can contribute to a sustainable development. As information plays an important role for development, information scientists should be included in this debate. However, is there a sustainable information science or an information science of sustainability? The purpose of this paper is to perform a mapping of publications in library and information science (LIS) directly dealing with sustainability and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review was conducted, enhanced by bibliometric analyses. For this purpose, 102 LIS journals and conferences were considered. The authors identified 81 publications dealing with sustainability and sustainable development and analyzed the concrete contents and methodological approaches of these. Findings A large proportion of articles could be found dealing with sustainable development and libraries. Other publications focus on information and communication technology or information systems. Only few articles deal with further topics like government, urban development or scientific output. Research limitations/implications Sustainability and sustainable development are complex topics. This work only considers literature whose title or keywords contain the string sustainab*. Originality/value The presented work helps to get an overview on sustainability research and activities in the LIS field and additionally, potential research gaps may be identified. The authors call for more research in this area and concrete ideas to help develop a sustainable future.

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.

scholarly journals Eye tracking in library and information science: a literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haakon Lund
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Databases ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Published Research ◽  
Tracking Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic literature review of the application of eye-tracking technology within the field of library and information science. Eye-tracking technology has now reached a level of maturity, which makes the use of the technology more accessible. Subsequently, a growing interest in employing eye tracking as a methodology within library and information science research must be anticipated. Design/methodology/approach The review follows the guidelines set in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Two reference databases are searched for relevant references: Library and Information Science Abstracts and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts. The main selection criteria are peer-reviewed literature that describes the experimental setting, including which eye-tracking equipment was used, the number of test persons and reports on the eye-tracking measures. Furthermore, this study will report which other methods were applied in combination with eye tracking. Findings The number of published research utilizing eye-tracking technologies within library and information science (LIS) is still limited although an increase in the use of eye-tracking technologies is observed during recent years. Originality/value To the knowledge of the author, this is the first systematic review on eye-tracking technology and application in LIS.

Interpretative phenomenological analysis for LIS research

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 338-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy VanScoy ◽  
Solveig Beyza Evenstad
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Information Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and evaluation of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) for the library and information science (LIS) community, as this method has only recently been used for exploring experiences of various phenomena related to LIS. Design/methodology/approach – IPA is discussed within the phenomenological tradition. Two examples of recent IPA studies are examined in parallel to show application of the IPA method. Issues and challenges of applying IPA to LIS research questions are discussed. Findings – IPA is an alternative phenomenological method, adding to the repertoire of qualitative methods used for LIS research. It was an effective method for exploring experience among information professionals: it was equally suitable for studying reference and information service work for academic library professionals and burnout experience for information and communication technology workers. Originality/value – Only a few LIS studies have used IPA and no discussion or evaluation of the method has been published for this field. This paper provides a discussion of the method for LIS researchers interested in this emerging phenomenological method.

Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature; 93

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to review the current library and information science (LIS) literature for document supply, resource sharing and other issues such as open access (OA) that have an impact on the service. Design/methodology/approach The approach is based on the scanning of about 150 journals, reports, websites and blogs. Findings Of the 13 articles and reports reviewed, 12 are freely available, continuing the trend of increasing OA. As always, these days, much is happening on the OA front. Big Deals, demand-driven acquisition and discovery tools are reviewed. Originality/value The only regular literature review that focuses on interlending, document supply and related issues.

scholarly journals Curating the infosphere

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bawden ◽  
Lyn Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Close Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the proposal that Luciano Floridi’s philosphy of information (PI) may be an appropriate conceptual foundation for the discipline of library and information science (LIS). Design/methodology/approach A selective literature review and analysis are carried out. Findings It is concluded that LIS is in need of a new conceptual framework, and that PI is appropriate for this purpose. Originality/value Floridi proposed a close relationship between PI and LIS more than a decade ago. Although various authors have addressed the aspects of this relationship since then, this is the first proposal from an LIS perspective that PI be adopted as a basis for LIS.

Public libraries and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

IFLA Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Kosciejew
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
The United Nations

As motors of change driving development, public libraries, with their commitment to information provision and access, are crucial to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This article contributes to emerging Library and Information Science scholarship on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by arguing for the central roles played by public libraries in realizing its goals. The purpose is twofold. First, it overviews the agenda’s history coupled with the start of a literature review of the Library and Information Science research on it. Second, it presents a conceptual framework in which to approach the agenda’s goals and associated targets within the context of public libraries. The ultimate aim is to establish a base for and expand awareness of the UN 2030 Agenda within the Library and Information Science discipline, in addition to promoting the importance of public libraries in advancing sustainable development efforts generally and the agenda specifically.

Identifying the prevailing images in library and information science profession: is the landscape changing?

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a systematic review on library and information science (LIS) profession’s image and stereotypes from 1999 to 2013. In particular, it aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time. Design/methodology/approach – The method of systematic review is adopted to identify the prevailing images in LIS profession. Specifically, 60 papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as “public’s perceptions”, “librarians’ perceptions”, “students’ perceptions”, “mass media” and “image as an issue” after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim. Findings – It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students. In terms of mass media, the image of “the old maid” was dominant, whereas newspapers focused on the male librarian who was perceived as glamorous. Positive stereotypes were also found in children books. On the whole, librarian’s image and relevant stereotypes have not changed considerably over time. Research limitations/implications – This literature review considered only papers published between 2000 and 2013 and only in English mainly due to language restrictions. Originality/value – This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with LIS profession in the past 13 years. In addition, it attempts to identify and discuss any changes that occurred in this time frame.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of the Journal of Documentation: 1945–2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-92
Author(s):  
Heidar Mokhtari ◽  
Sana Barkhan ◽  
Davoud Haseli ◽  
Mohammad Karim Saberi
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Scientific Output ◽  
Editorial Team ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Occurrence Patterns ◽  
Influential Journal ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Highly Cited

PurposeAs a pioneering and influential journal in the field of library and information science (LIS), the Journal of Documentation (JDoc) needs to be evaluated from a bibliometric perspective. This study aimed at conducting a bibliometric overview and visualization of the scientific output of JDoc from its inception in 1945–2018.Design/methodology/approachIn this bibliometric study, 2056 papers published in JDoc were analyzed. All needed data were extracted from Scopus in 9 July 2019 in CSV format. Bibliometric analyses were done in Microsoft Excel. Visualization was done by Vosviewer software and applying techniques such as co-citation, co-authorship and co-occurrence. As a limited altmetric study, JDoc highly mentioned papers and the rate of their presence in social media were extracted from Altmetric LLP, too.FindingsThere was an increasing trend in published papers and received citations. Highly cited and most influential authors in JDoc are well-known in the field. However, the contributions of developing countries and their affiliated institutions to the journal were relatively low. This is true in case of author, country and institute co-authorship patterns. Highly frequent keywords and keyword co-occurrence patterns showed that the journal considered most topics related to LIS, including newly emerged ones. The authors and sources (generally journals) cited by JDoc are all prolific and influential ones.Originality/valueThe results of this study can be beneficial to JDoc editorial team for decision making on its further development as well as helpful for researchers and practitioners interesting in LIS field to have better contact with and contributions to the journal.

Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature; 91

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mike McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Communications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the current library and information science (LIS) literature for document supply, resource sharing and other issues such as open access (OA) that have an impact on the service. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is based on the scanning of about 150 journals, reports, Web sites and blogs. Findings – Nearly all material reviewed is freely available, continuing the trend of increasing OA. As always, these days, much is happening on the OA front. Big deals and Scholarly Communications are reviewed along with ebooks, users and of course ILL. Originality value – The only regular literature review that focuses on interlending, document supply and related issues.

The special library: applicability and usefulness of the MLIS in non-traditional library settings

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-165
Author(s):  
Breanne Erin Crumpton ◽  
Emily Porter-Fyke
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Educational Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Library ◽  
Institutional Boundaries

Purpose The aim of this paper is to examine the versatility of the MLIS degree through the lens of special libraries in terms of education, core competencies and benefits. Special libraries show the value of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree in preparing professionals to work across institutional boundaries in non-library and non-educational organizations and bring their services to the populace in sometimes unexpected places. Design/methodology/approach The authors first conducted a literature review of special librarians and their skillsets, as well as how to properly define “special library”. They then examined different MLIS programs geared toward special libraries and how library schools prepare special librarians to benefit their organizations. Findings The conclusion drawn is that possession of an MLIS degree lends a special librarian more credence in the execution of their duties because they have been educated in how to best benefit their institution. While additional subject expertise is an advantage to the special librarian, the skills learned in MLIS degree programs provide an essential foundation. Originality/value This is a collaborative view that brings together outside research regarding various types of special libraries and the librarians that work in them in an effort to illustrate the value of the MLIS degree in an original way.

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