scholarly journals Library stories: a systematic review of narrative aspects within and around libraries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tove Faber Frandsen ◽  
Kristian Møhler Sørensen ◽  
Anne Merete Lyngroes Fladmose
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Reference Lists ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Narrative Perspective ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Library Studies ◽  
Proquest Dissertation

PurposeLibraries are increasingly trying to communicate the library's contributions and telling the library stories. Stories can be a component of impact assessment and thus add nuance to an assessment. Evaluations of libraries can include collecting and presenting stories of change, which can serve as evidence in impact assessments. The narrative field allows for many different approaches to a narrative perspective in the study of libraries, but the existing literature provides little overview of these studies. The purpose of this study is to introduce the narrative field and present a systematic review of the existing studies of libraries that use narrative approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe methods in this study comprise of a systematic review of publications reporting narrative approaches to studying libraries. To retrieve the relevant studies, Library and Information Science Abstracts, Scopus, Web of Science and Proquest Dissertation were searched. Furthermore, the authors examined reference lists and performed citation searches. Study selection was performed by two reviewers independently. Using designed templates, data from the included studies were extracted by one author and confirmed by another.FindingsThe database searches retrieved 2,096 records across the four databases which were screened in two steps, resulting in 35 included studies. The authors identify studies that introduce narrative enquiries in library studies as well as studies using narrative approaches to the study of libraries.Originality/valueExploring narratives and stories for understanding and evaluating the library's worth is a promising field. More work is needed, though, to develop theoretical and methodological frameworks. Several of the included studies can serve as examples of the potential of a narrative perspective in the study of libraries.

A systematic literature review informing library and information professionals’ emerging roles

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 37-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Future Direction ◽  
Technology Specialists ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the specific roles information professionals have adopted in the past 14 years. It aims to identify the roles reported in the literature concerning developments in the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted the method of systematic review. Searches were conducted in February and March 2014 on different LIS databases. From a total of 600 papers, 114 were selected, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough full-text analysis of the papers revealed six roles that librarians have adopted: teachers, technology specialists, embedded librarians, information consultants, knowledge managers and subject librarians. Findings – New and evolving roles were identified, mainly in the context of academic libraries. Librarians’ educational responsibilities and their active involvement in the learning and research process were highlighted in all role categories identified. Collaboration among faculty and librarians was reported as a way of ensuring successful instruction. Librarians’ personal views of their new and emerging roles were more frequently reported; further research is needed to shed light on academics, students and other users’ perceptions of librarians’ engagement in the learning process. Research limitations – The study considered only peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2014 in English. It focused on information professionals’ roles and not on librarians’ skills and their changing professional responsibilities. Originality/value – This review paper considers the development of the LIS profession in a changing environment and offers an understanding of the future direction of the LIS profession.

scholarly journals Acting hot or not? Testing the citing to show-off hypothesis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeppe Nicolaisen ◽  
Tove Faber Frandsen
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Reference Lists ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Engineering Economics ◽  
Reference Selection ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeCitation analysis as a method for studying scientific communication is frequently criticized for being based on biased citation practices. Questionable motives for the reference selection have been suggested including the claim that authors tend to cite hot papers in order to show-off. In this study, the authors investigate the claim that authors tend to cite the recent literature in order to show-off.Design/methodology/approachFollowing Moed and Garfield (2004), the authors investigate the claim by analyzing the proportion of recent references as a function of the length of the reference lists of citing papers. The authors analyze reference lists of citing papers in the fields of biomedical engineering, economics, medicine, psychology and library and information science between 2010 and 2019. From each of these fields, a number of journals are included in the analysis to represent the field. In total, 42 journals are included in the analyses comprising a selection of almost 65,000 journal articles. The proportion of recent references is calculated using two citation windows. The proportion of recent references as a function of the length of the reference lists is calculated through simple linear regressions to predict the share of recent references based on the number of references.FindingsThe results of the linear regressions indicate that in most cases, there are a statistically significant relationship between the share of recent references and the number of references. This study’s results show that when authors display selective referencing behavior, references to the recent literature tend to be only marginally increased, and some results even display the opposite tendency (marginally overciting the older literature).Originality/valueThis study of the claim that authors tend to cite the recent literature in order to show-off does not confirm the hypothesis.

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.

Editorial Board Meeting of the journal “Library and Information Science” (“Bibliotekovedenije”)

2010 ◽  
pp. 132-133
Author(s):  
Oksana P. Soldatkina
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Board Meeting ◽  
Russian State ◽  
Library Studies ◽  
State Library

On the meeting of the Editorial Board of the journal “Library Studies” (“Bibliotekovedenije”) in the Russian State Library on March 2, 2010.

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.

Journal packing density of library and information science research journals at the global level: a study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Pandita ◽  
Shivendra Singh
Keyword(s):  
Packing Density ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Journal Publishing ◽  
Research Journal ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This study aims to find out the average journal packing density (JPD) of Library and Information Science (LIS) research journals published across the world. The concept, JPD, means the average number of research articles published by a research journal in one volume. Accordingly, the undergoing study evaluates the average number of research articles published in each volume of each research journal published in the field of LIS at the global level. Some other key aspects evaluated include the number of LIS research journal publishing countries, average JPD of LIS research journals at the continental level, etc. Design/methodology/approach This study is purely based on secondary data retrieved from SCImago, which is SCOPUS data. Keeping in view the objectives of this study, the data about research articles published in all LIS research journals during the period 2015 through 2019 were retrieved to undertake the study. Findings From the data analysis, it emerged that 256 research journals duly indexed by SCOPUS are published in the field of LIS across 36 countries. In all 48,596 research articles were published from 2015 to 2019 in these research journals at an average of 44.71 research articles per journal per volume. More than 75% of LIS research journals are published from Germany, Spain, Netherlands, the USA and the UK. Research journals published from the USA have higher JPD of 53.09 research articles per journal per volume, which is 18.74% higher than the average global JPD of LIS research journals. 50% of LIS research journal publishing countries are from Europe and the majority 52.55% LIS research articles were published in European LIS research journals. The average JPD of LIS research journals published from North America is 51.73 research articles per journal per volume, which is the highest across continents. Research limitations/implications Standardization of JPD of research journals irrespective of the subject discipline they are published in is important for many reasons and the foremost being, such standardization helps in keeping at bay the predatory research journals, which normally float such packing density norms, with the sole aim to earn money in the shape of manuscript handling charges, thereby publishing a far greater number of research article in each issue of a journal than the average research articles published by a research journal. Originality/value Very few studies have been conducted around the concept JPD, especially by the authors of this particular study. This study has however been particularized to the LIS subject discipline, while the findings add to existing lot of study already undertaken, hence outcome can be generalized.

scholarly journals The Internationalization of the Academic Library: A Systematic Review of 25 Years of Literature on International Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda B. Click ◽  
Claire Walker Wiley ◽  
Meggan Houlihan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
International Students ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Conference Papers

This study is a systematic review of the library and information science (LIS) literature related to international students and academic libraries. A systematic review involves the methodical collection and analysis of a body of literature and is growing in popularity in the LIS field. Three well-known LIS databases were systematically searched for articles related to the topic, and manual bibliography searches were conducted to find additional publications. Journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers were included or excluded based on established criteria. Findings show that articles published about international students and academic libraries have increased steadily between 1990 and 2014. The majority of authors are affiliated with universities and institutions in the United States, although an increase in represented countries is apparent. Fewer than half of the articles can be considered original research, and surveys are the most popular method for data collection. The LIS field—and international students—would benefit from further exploration of this topic, particularly from original research with practical implications.

Influence of selected factors in journals’ citations

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabishankar Giri
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Total Citation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Citation Indexes ◽  
Citation Counts ◽  
Log Normal

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of selected factors in journal citations. Various factors can affect citations distribution of journals. Among them, skewness of citations distribution, author self-citation, journal self-citation and recitations (RCs) have been studied. Design/methodology/approach The present study based on 16 systematically selected journals indexed in Scopus under the subject category “Library and Information Science.” The study was confined to original research and review articles that were published in the selected journals in the year 2011. The temporal citation window from 2011 to 2014 was taken for analysis. Tools like, Scopus author ID, ORCID and author profiles from Google Scholar were used to minimize the error due to homonyms, spelling variances and misspelling in authors’ names. Findings It is found that citations distribution in majority of the journals under the study is highly skewed and more likely to follow log-normal distribution. The nature of authorship in papers was found to have positive effect on citation counts. Self-citing data show that higher ranked journals have rather less direct impact on total citation counts than their lower counterpart. RCs are also found to be more in top-tier journals. Though the influence of self-citations and RCs were relatively less at individual level on total citations of journals but combined, they can play a dominant role and can affect total citation counts of journals at significant level. Research limitations/implications The present study is based on Scopus database only. Therefore, citation data can be affected by the inherent limitation of Scopus. Readers are encouraged to further the study by taking into account large sample and tracing citations from an array of citation indexes, such as Web of Science, Google citations, Indian Citation Index, etc. Originality/value This paper reinforces that the citations received by journals can be affected by the factors selected in this study. Therefore, the study provides better understanding of the role of these selected factors in journal citations.

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