scholarly journals Apt information literacy? A case of interdisciplinary scholarly communication

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 716-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eystein Gullbekk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the aptness of “information literacy”, conceptualized as a socially contextualized phenomenon, for analyses of interdisciplinary scholarly communication. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a conceptual analysis. Two influential representatives of the social turn in the information literacy literature are taken as starting points: Annemaree Lloyd’s conceptualization of “information literacy practice”, and Jack Andersen’s conceptualization of information literacy as “genre knowledge”. Their positioning of information literacy as a socially contextualized phenomenon – by use of practice theories and rhetorical genre theory, respectively, – is analysed against an illustrative example of interdisciplinary scholarly communication. Findings – Conceptualizations by Lloyd and Andersen explain information literacy as socially contextualized in terms of stable norms and understandings shared in social communities. Their concepts have the potential of explaining changes and innovations in social practices including scholarly communication. If we combine genre-theoretical and practice-theoretical concepts – and accentuate the open-endedness of social practices and of genres – we can enhance the understanding of information literacy in settings of interdisciplinary scholarly communication where the actors involved lack shared conventions and assumptions. Originality/value – The paper suggests that the fluid features of social contexts should be accounted for in the information literacy literature. By combining genre-theoretical and practice-theoretical concepts in a novel way it offers such an account. It provides a useful framework for understanding the phenomenon of information literacy in interdisciplinary scholarly communication.

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd

PurposeInformation literacy is a rich and complex social information practice that is constructed according to specific practical understandings, rules and teleoaffective features which characterise a social site or setting. This paper aims to explore the philosophical and theoretical perspective of practice theory, in particular, the ontological work of Schatzki. These perspectives are to be used to frame an understanding of the features of information literacy as sociocultural practice.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical perspective is introduced to examine the concept of information literacy practice by framing this analysis through a site ontology developed by Schatzki. Sociocultural and practice theory are employed in this exploration of information literacy as sociocultural practice and provide a framework for architecture of information literacy practice.FindingsInformation literacy can be understood as a critical information practice which is organised and arranged through the site of the social, rather than as a reified and decontexualised set of skills.Research limitations/implicationsFraming information literacy research through site ontology and the use of a practice perspective has implications for further research into information literacy and for the development of pedagogic practices related to information literacy instructionOriginality/valueThe paper offers an alternate way of framing information literacy by introducing the concepts related to practice theory.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendi Yogi Prabowo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new analytical framework in examining corruption from the social ontology perspective by using the Schatzkian practice theory to assess the interconnectedness among social practices constituting the social reality. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory paper is part of the author’s study to assess the complex corruption phenomenon in Indonesia from multiple perspectives to gain a better understanding of its nature and dynamics. By drawing from the existing literature on the Schatzkian practice theory, the COVID-19 pandemic and the corruption phenomenon, this study investigates the potential changes of the new constellation of practice-arrangement bundles within the social reality and how such changes may alter corruption practices in the future. Furthermore, this study also uses publicly available reports from several national and international agencies to explore possible future scenarios from the interconnectedness of corruption, anti-corruption and pandemic practices. This paper constructs a new analytical framework for assessing the corruption phenomenon and designing the most appropriate anti-corruption strategy from such an exploration. The framework also serves as a reference for future anti-corruption research. Findings The author establishes that all social phenomena are constructed by an interconnected, dynamic and ever-changing constellation of practice-arrangement bundles within the social reality. As a largely social phenomenon (at least in Indonesia), corruption is also constructed by webs of practice-arrangement bundles. For decades, corruption practices in Indonesia have always been interconnected with anti-corruption practices in ways that changes in one group of practices will drive changes in the others. With the adoption of the pandemic practices centered around social distancing, social restriction and social safety net, corruption practices appear to transform to adapt to the new environment. Therefore, future anti-corruption research should aim to examine the structure and dynamics of corruption, anti-corruption and pandemic practices to highlight changes or potential changes within the three groups of practices to determine the most appropriate intervention measures and anti-corruption strategy. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study is self-funded and relies primarily on documentary analysis to explore the corruption phenomenon in Indonesia. Future studies will benefit from in-depth interviews with former corruption offenders and corruption investigators. Practical implications This exploratory paper contributes to developing a sound corruption prevention strategy by proposing a new analytical framework for assessing various social practices, particularly those associated with corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of understanding the structure, interconnectedness and dynamics of social practices, particularly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, to better understand the corruption phenomenon.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pritika Reddy ◽  
Bibhya Sharma ◽  
Kaylash Chaudhary ◽  
'Osaiasi Lolohea ◽  
Robert Tamath

PurposeThe research surveyed the competency of information literacy of senior high school students in Fiji. This is to evaluate the strong predictors of information literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research design whereby a five-point Likert scale self-reporting questionnaire was administered to Year 12 and Year 13 secondary school students. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software-descriptive statistics of calculating the mean and standard deviation, a correlation and linear regression analysis to deduce the strong predictors of information literacy.FindingsThe study showed that 81% of the students surveyed were average to above average information literate. The strong predictors of information literacy were the ability of an individual to collaborate and share safely online, the ability to share files securely and the ability to access the credibility of any resource assessed on the digital platform.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study evaluates information literacy of a cohort – stating how information literate the participants are, comprehending the strong predicators of information literacy so that there is an appropriate and effective implementation of interventions for the desired improvements.Practical implicationsThe results can be used to improve information literacy of students at all levels of education in the Fiji Islands.Social implicationsIf the youths are information literate they will be able to effectively contribute towards the development of their economy. Since the work environment today is technology oriented and involves a lot of information, being information literate means knowing how to use the information and differentiate between good and bad information. Hence, contributing effectively towards whatever task is performed.Originality/valueThis research if the first ever research done on evaluating the information literacy of individuals in Fiji.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-199
Author(s):  
Michelle Gohr ◽  
Vitalina A. Nova

Purpose By historicizing the broader system of education contextualized under the 45th presidential administration, this paper aims to provide a nuanced discussion regarding the condition of information literacy and librarianship as capitalist institutions in service to the state. In response, tools to oppose systemic racism and minimize harm in the classroom as well as recommendations for change and resistance are addressed. Design/methodology/approach The paper focuses on historical analysis of libraries as institutions within larger educational systems and draws heavily on critical theories as a method of critique. Findings This paper demonstrates that the 45th presidential administration is a logical progression of neoliberalism and institutionalized discrimination, which has had adverse effects on the health and safety of (primarily marginalized) students, library workers and library practice, but that critical reflection and information seeking on part of librarians may provide solutions. Practical implications This paper can be used as a guide for librarians seeking to contextualize the educational environment and apply a critical praxis to information literacy programs. Social implications The reflection presented in this paper can aid in expanding awareness in LIS surrounding issues of equity and justice, and impart urgency and need for institutional change. Originality/value Given the lack of diversity in library and information science, this paper provides critical interventions for information literacy practice. The authors’ unique practical and theoretical backgrounds allow for nuanced discussion and pedagogical creation which directly impacts and addresses key issues of justice and equity in the classroom.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chamsa Fendri ◽  
Pascal Nguyen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the specific structures and routines of family firms and to highlight their strengths and weaknesses using a case study. Design/methodology/approach The case describes a French SME in the construction sector that is undergoing succession from the eighth to the ninth generation. Both generations have offered their viewpoints. The succession context allows us to better distinguish what makes a family firm uniquely resilient and what may easily turn into a weakness. Findings The case indicates that the trust that family owners have cultivated with employees allows the firm to operate less formally and with less rigid procedures. It also encourages employees to take initiatives and contributes to their greater engagement. On the other hand, it may expose the firm to more structured and well-organized competitors. Research limitations/implications The limitations are those relative to the use of a single case. Practical implications Succession is a delicate process that needs to be well prepared and executed without any haste. It involves retaining the firm’s strengths, such as the social capital that the family has patiently amassed. But it also represents an opportunity to review the firm’s practices and to introduce a good dose of innovation. Originality/value The case provides a vivid illustration of what makes family firms so distinctive. Theoretical concepts and empirical findings from the literature are put together in a single consistent picture.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahrens

Purpose Expanding on an invited talk at the 1st Paper Development Workshop of the Qualitative Management Accounting Research Group, the purpose of this study is to offer some suggestions for developing qualitative accounting papers. Emphasis is put on the potential of qualitative research to situate evocative accounts of the organisational functionings of accounting in their wider social contexts. Design/methodology/approach To think about paper development as an exercise in communicating worthwhile findings to the readership by interweaving the researcher’s impressions of the field, recorded field material and different social theories to create qualitative accounting scholarship. Findings Qualitative accounting papers can, through the use of different theories, show the embedding of the organisational in the social. Development of qualitative accounting papers is an achievement that emerges in the process of writing. Practical implications Outlines five summary recommendations for paper development. Originality/value Reflects on paper development designed to create qualitative accounting research.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd ◽  
Alison Hicks

PurposeThe purpose of this second study into information literacy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic is to identify the conditions that influence the emergence of information literacy as a safeguarding practice.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research design comprised one to one in-depth interviews conducted virtually during the UK's second and third lockdown phase between November 2020 and February 2021. Data were coded and analysed by the researchers using constant comparative techniques.FindingsContinual exposure to information creates the “noisy” conditions that lead to saturation and the potential for “information pathologies” to act as a form of resistance. Participants alter their information practices by actively avoiding and resisting formal and informal sources of information. These reactive activities have implications for standard information literacy empowerment discourses.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to the UK context.Practical implicationsFindings will be useful for librarians and researchers who are interested in the theorisation of information literacy as well as public health and information professionals tasked with designing long-term health promotion strategies.Social implicationsThis paper contributes to our understandings of the role that information literacy practices play within ongoing and long-term crises.Originality/valueThis paper develops research into the role of information literacy practice in times of crises and extends understanding related to the concept of empowerment, which forms a central idea within information literacy discourse.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Pedro Portugal ◽  
Antonia Correia ◽  
Paulo Águas

PurposeMusic festivals offer new opportunities for leisure and tourist experiences in Portugal. Some tourists and residents, the so-called festival goers, participate and come back to these events, whereas others, the non-goers, never participate and are not willing to do so. The aim of this research is to understand the decision to participate or not based on facilitators and constraints to participate or not in a music festival, dismantling residents and tourists' attitudes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 1,178 music festival goers and non-goers in Portugal. Content analysis was undertaken to depict the most important determinants of their decisions. Those determinants were categorized according to the three dimensions of factors of ecological systems theory, considering festival goers and non-goers as well as tourists and residents.FindingsThe results suggested that although constraints are not as often voiced as facilitators, both influence decisions that are expressed as delaying, postponing, avoiding or complying with others by participating in these events. Furthermore, the results suggested that the decision to participate or not depends on the social contexts of the festival goers or non-goers, and that these social contexts may invert their decision, be it by facilitating or constraining their participation.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to festivals in Portugal and used a qualitative analysis that may be confirmed in other countries with quantitative methods. Nevertheless, this research opens paths to discuss facilitators and constraints through ecological system theory and gives insights into this industry.Practical implicationsThe results provide important insights for festival organizers to retain and build long-term relationships with festival goers. The results also provide insights into how to overcome the resistance which non-goers demonstrated.Social implicationsThis research offers an in-depth and insightful understanding of individuals' attitudes towards music festivals, allowing festival demand to be better understood. Furthermore, this research proves that attendance of music festivals is mostly a socially driven behaviour.Originality/valueBy eliciting facilitators and constraints of the decision to participate in music festivals, considering residents and tourists, festival goers and non-goers, this study provides a deeper understanding of the decision to participate, through a theoretical framework which is rarely applied in this field.


2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1029-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore the concept of information resilience. Design/methodology/approach – The concept of information resilience emerges from a qualitative study that explored the health information experience and information practices of resettling refugees. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were employed and the data collected were analysed using an grounded theory approach. Findings – The present study describes information resilience as an outcome of information literacy practice. As an emerging concept information resilience has the potential to focus research attention towards the critical role that information and information practices such as information literacy have in supporting people whose knowledge bases, social networks and information landscapes have become disrupted during transition. Practical implications – Public libraries role in support the development of information resilience is considered. Social implications – The paper draws from a study of the health information experiences of refugees during resettlement (Lloyd, 2014). The concept of information resilience emerges as an outcome of information literacy practice, for people whose knowledge base has become disrupted; and, who because of this disruption, must engage with new information environments and construct new information landscapes to rebuild social capital and bridge the transition into a new community. Originality/value – Introduces the concept of information resilience as a focal point for investigating transition from an information studies perspective.


Organization ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik van Aaken ◽  
Violetta Splitter ◽  
David Seidl

Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social practice, this article develops a novel approach to the study of corporate social responsibility (CSR). According to this approach, pro-social activities are conceptualized as social practices that individual managers employ in their efforts to attain social power. Whether such practices are enacted or not depends on (1) the particular features of the social field; (2) the individual managers’ socially shaped dispositions and (3) their stock of different forms of capital. By combining these theoretical concepts, the Bourdieusian approach we develop highlights the interplay between the economic and non-economic motivations that underlie CSR, acknowledging influences both on the micro- and the macro-level, as well as deterministic and voluntaristic aspects of human behaviour.


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