scholarly journals Libraries, democracy, information literacy, and citizenship

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1010-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Rivano Eckerdal
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
The Political ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Role ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advocate and contribute to a more nuanced and discerning argument when ascribing a democratic role to libraries and activities related to information literacy. Design/methodology/approach The connections between democracy and libraries as well as between citizenship and information literacy are analysed by using Mouffe’s agonistic pluralism. One example is provided by a recent legislative change (the new Swedish Library Act) and the documents preceding it. A second, more detailed example concerns how information literacy may be conceptualised when related to young women’s sexual and reproductive health. Crucial in both examples are the suggestions of routes to travel that support equality and inclusion for all. Findings Within an agonistic approach, democracy concerns equality and interest in making efforts to include the less privileged. The inclusion of a democratic aim, directed towards everyone, for libraries in the new Library Act can be argued to emphasise the political role of libraries. A liberal and a radical understanding of information literacy is elaborated, the latter is advocated. Information literacy is also analysed in a non-essentialist manner, as a description of a learning activity, therefore always value-laden. Originality/value The agonistic reading of two central concepts in library and information studies, namely, libraries and information literacy is fruitful and shows how the discipline may contribute to strengthen democracy in society both within institutions as libraries and in other settings.

The view from industry: LIS students on placement

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 606-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Pymm ◽  
Primoz Juznic
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Host ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive View ◽  
Accurate Picture ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Student Placements

Purpose – This paper aims to report on the outcomes of a survey of organisations in Australia and Slovenia hosting undergraduate Library and Information Studies (LIS) students on professional placement to better understand the reasons behind organisations accepting students, the workload implications and their satisfaction with the process. Design/methodology/approach – Hosting organisations were asked to complete a survey on various aspects of the placement process. Findings – For both countries, hosts reported favourably on their experience, and virtually, all felt that while it was a real commitment of time and resources on their part, it was a responsibility they were happy to take on. There was little difference between the two cohorts, suggesting that the findings from this research may be an accurate picture of the situation for LIS placements hosts more generally. The positive view of the placement and the belief in its role in LIS education is further strengthened by this study. Research limitations/implications – The research suggests that hosting students is not seen as an onerous task, but one which brings benefits to both parties. This will be useful in promoting student placements when looking for new host opportunities. Originality/value – This study has added to the limited literature in the LIS field on the experience of host organisations. Obtaining similar results across two countries added to the reliability of the findings which will help inform those planning future student placements.

Innovation from sport's entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship: opportunities from a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Lara-Bocanegra ◽  
M. Rocío Bohórquez ◽  
Jerónimo García-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
The Political ◽  
Global Information ◽  
Grouped Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Perspective

PurposeThe main aim of this study was to analyze and establish the state of the question about entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in sport, identify the role of innovation in both of them, as well as to determine the latest study trends and detect possible research niches.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, ERIC, SPORTDiscus and Dialnet databases was performed. The analysis of the selected texts allowed categorizing the entrepreneurship articles into subthemes: precursors of entrepreneurship, intention/orientation of entrepreneurship, different perspectives of entrepreneurship in sport and social entrepreneurship in sport. Of the 49 texts included in the review, only seven articles dealt with intrapreneurship, and they could not be classified into subtopics because the studies are scarce, diverse and with disparate themes.FindingsThe main findings show deficiencies in research on precursors/antecedents of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial behavior, especially in relation to innovation, the importance of the political perspective on entrepreneurship in sport and formulation of behavior training programs for intrapreneurs.Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable and global information about entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in sport, of which there were scattered or grouped data in some reviews.

scholarly journals Corporate responses to stakeholder activism: partnerships and surveillance

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Uldam ◽  
Hans Krause Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Political Role ◽  
Soft Governance ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose Corporations are increasingly expected to act responsibly. The purpose of this paper is to examine two types of corporate responses to these expectations: overt and covert responses. Specifically, it examines oil companies’ involvement in multi-stakeholder initiatives and sponsorships (overt responses) and their monitoring of critics, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and activist organisations (covert responses). Design/methodology/approach Theoretically, the paper draws on theories of visibility and post-political regulation. Empirically, it focuses on case studies of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Shell and BP, drawing on qualitative methods. Findings The paper demonstrates that overt responses create an impression of consensus between antagonistic interests and that covert responses support this impression by containing deep-seated conflicts. Research limitations/implications Corporate responses have implications for the role of the corporation as a (post-)political actor. By containing antagonism and creating an impression of consensus, the interplay between overt and covert responses open up further possibilities for the proliferation of soft governance and self-regulation through participation in voluntary transparency and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Data on covert practices of corporations are difficult to access. This impedes possibilities for fully assessing their extent. The findings of this paper support trends emerging from recent research on covert corporate intelligence practices, but more research is needed to provide a systematic overview. Originality/value The paper contributes to the understudied area of covert corporate activity in research on the political role of multinational corporations.

Getting out the truth: the role of libraries in the fight against fake news

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Batchelor
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Political System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Political ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inform library professionals on the issues, impact and methods of addressing misinformation in news. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the history, scope and impact of fake news and the tools available for correcting misinformation. Findings Fake news and misinformation are widespread and detrimental to democracy. A misinformed electorate undermines the political system. Originality/value The paper does not present original findings, but it presents many useful tools for library professionals to use as a means of promoting critical thinking.

scholarly journals Information and design: book symposium on Luciano Floridi’s The Logic of Information

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 586-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Gorichanaz ◽  
Jonathan Furner ◽  
Lai Ma ◽  
David Bawden ◽  
Lyn Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Philosophy Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Book Symposium ◽  
Further Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss Luciano Floridi’s 2019 book The Logic of Information: A Theory of Philosophy as Conceptual Design, the latest instalment in his philosophy of information (PI) tetralogy, particularly with respect to its implications for library and information studies (LIS). Design/methodology/approach Nine scholars with research interests in philosophy and LIS read and responded to the book, raising critical and heuristic questions in the spirit of scholarly dialogue. Floridi responded to these questions. Findings Floridi’s PI, including this latest publication, is of interest to LIS scholars, and much insight can be gained by exploring this connection. It seems also that LIS has the potential to contribute to PI’s further development in some respects. Research limitations/implications Floridi’s PI work is technical philosophy for which many LIS scholars do not have the training or patience to engage with, yet doing so is rewarding. This suggests a role for translational work between philosophy and LIS. Originality/value The book symposium format, not yet seen in LIS, provides forum for sustained, multifaceted and generative dialogue around ideas.

scholarly journals Chasing Frankenstein’s monster: information literacy in the black box society

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1475-1485
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Sociocultural Perspective ◽  
Literacy Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce and examine algorithmic culture and consider the implications of algorithms for information literacy practice. The questions for information literacy scholars and educators are how can one understand the impact of algorithms on agency and performativity, and how can one address and plan for it in their educational and instructional practices? Design/methodology/approach In this study, algorithmic culture and implications for information literacy are conceptualised from a sociocultural perspective. Findings To understand the multiplicity and entanglement of algorithmic culture in everyday lives requires information literacy practice that encourages deeper examination of the relationship among the epistemic views, practical usages and performative consequences of algorithmic culture. Without trying to conflate the role of the information sciences, this approach opens new avenues of research, teaching and more focused attention on information literacy as a sustainable practice. Originality/value The concept of algorithmic culture is introduced and explored in relation to information literacy and its literacies.

A challenge most bigly: academic archives and higher education in the Trump Era

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-158
Author(s):  
Bradley Wiles
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Policy ◽  
Archival Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Democratic Norms ◽  
Trump Administration

Purpose This paper aims to provide a critical perspective on emergent issues in the Trump era directly or indirectly relevant to academic archives. It describes current operational characteristics and trends in academic archives and considers the implications of the “Trump Effect” on academic archives in support of higher education. Design/methodology/approach The author examines archival studies literature pertaining to academic archives in combination with recent research and reporting on Trump Administration higher education policy to argue for increased professional awareness and vigilance. Findings The author asserts that Trump Administration rhetoric and policies aimed at remaking American higher education and undermining democratic norms pose a threat to academic archives as institutions that support learning, memory and historical accountability. Originality/value This paper adds to scholarly discussions in the library and information studies and archival studies fields about the merits of neutrality, the legacy of memory institutions and the obligation of information professionals to take a stance on difficult issues. Additionally, there are few (if any) sources that discuss the role of academic archives specifically in the contemporary political context.

Exploring sensings in practice: affect and knowledge sharing

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 500-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Vincent Leith
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Significant Component ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
Affective Dimensions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of knowledge sharing and what is experienced as being shared as knowledge sharing unfolds. In particular, the paper explores affect as a key aspect of knowledge sharing in an organisational context.Design/methodology/approachA practice theoretical approach is applied to the study combined with a phenomenological research methodology that focusses on the “lived experience” of participants.FindingsKnowledge-sharing practice was found to encompass cognitive, social, bodily and affective dimensions. Affect was found to be a significant component of the practice as revealed by participant emotion and the use of conversational humour.Research limitations/implicationsIn light of the findings, the researcher recommends a focus on participant sensings in practice theoretical research, in combination with sayings, doings and relatings.Originality/valueThe approach to the study is significant in that, in contrast to previous practice-based research in information studies, it applied a methodology adapted from phenomenology. This combination of approaches opened the investigation to the multi-dimensional experiential nature of knowledge-sharing practice highlighting the significant role of affect in knowledge sharing.

scholarly journals A critical analysis of lifecycle models of the research process and research data management

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Martin Cox ◽  
Winnie Wan Ting Tam
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Visualisations of research and research-related activities including research data management (RDM) as a lifecycle have proliferated in the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to offer a systematic analysis and critique of such models. Design/methodology/approach A framework for analysis synthesised from the literature presented and applied to nine examples. Findings The strengths of the lifecycle representation are to clarify stages in research and to capture key features of project-based research. Nevertheless, their weakness is that they typically mask various aspects of the complexity of research, constructing it as highly purposive, serial, uni-directional and occurring in a somewhat closed system. Other types of models such as spiral of knowledge creation or the data journey reveal other stories about research. It is suggested that we need to develop other metaphors and visualisations around research. Research limitations/implications The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of the popular lifecycle model for research and RDM, and also considers alternative ways of representing them. Practical implications Librarians use lifecycle models to explain service offerings to users so the analysis will help them identify clearly the best type of representation for particular cases. The critique offered by the paper also reveals that because researchers do not necessarily identify with a lifecycle representation, alternative ways of representing research need to be developed. Originality/value The paper offers a systematic analysis of visualisations of research and RDM current in the Library and Information Studies literature revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the lifecycle metaphor.

Something Gleaming

Theoria ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (165) ◽  
pp. 92-117
Author(s):  
Bronwyn Leebaw
Keyword(s):  
The Political ◽  
Political Role ◽  
Common Concern ◽  
The Way

What kinds of lessons can be learned from stories of those who resisted past abuses and injustices? How should such stories be recovered, and what do they have to teach us about present day struggles for justice and accountability? This paper investigates how Levi, Broz, and Arendt formulate the political role of storytelling as response to distinctive challenges associated with efforts to resist systematic forms of abuse and injustice. It focuses on how these thinkers reflected on such themes as witnesses, who were personally affected, to varying degrees, by atrocities under investigation. Despite their differences, these thinkers share a common concern with the way that organised atrocities are associated with systemic logics and grey zones that make people feel that it would be meaningless or futile to resist. To confront such challenges, Levi, Arendt and Broz all suggest, it is important to recover stories of resistance that are not usually heard or told in ways that defy the expectations of public audiences. Their distinctive storytelling strategies are not rooted in clashing theories of resistance, but rather reflect different perspectives on what is needed to make resistance meaningful in contexts where the failure of resistance is intolerable.

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