Data, Open Science and libraries – The Data Deluge Column

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Ellen Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Data Repositories ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Services ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
The Past

Purpose For those immersed in the environment of academic and research libraries, the word “data” seems to be everywhere. One hears about linked data, big data, open data, proprietary data, research data, metadata, geospatial data, data repositories, etc. Design/methodology/approach Some libraries even have data librarians and data services departments. Findings The author of this column wonders if she were to collect all of the library and information science literature published in the past three years and plug it into a word cloud app, which of the two, i.e. “data” or “books”, would be displayed in a larger font. Originality/value The author suspects that the chances are more than good that “data” would come out on top.

On fake news, gatekeepers and LIS professionals: the finger or the moon?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilde Fontanin
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ethical Commitment ◽  
The Two Cultures ◽  
Second World

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the meaning of fake news in the digital age and on the debate on disinformation in scholarly literature, in the light of the ethics of library and information profession. Design/methodology/approach Revision of a keynote address at the BOCATSSS2020 conference, this paper offers an overview of current literature comparing it with a moment in the past that was crucial for information: post-Second World War time, when Wiener (1948) founded cybernetics and C.P. Snow advocated for “The two cultures” (1959). Findings The complex issue demands a multi-disciplinary approach: there is not one solution, and some approaches risk limiting the freedom of expression, yet countering the phenomenon is a moral obligation for library and information science professionals. Originality/value Comparing the present digital revolution with the past, this paper opens questions on the ethical commitment of information professionals.

“Ask me what I read”: readers' advisory and immigrant adaptation

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 507-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keren Dali
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Intercultural Adaptation ◽  
Shared Networks ◽  
Views And Perceptions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of readers' advisory (RA) in libraries to help immigrants with psychological and socio-cultural adaptation in a new country. Design/methodology/approach – The data were empirically collected from a sample of Russian-speaking immigrant readers residing in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada, by means of background surveys and in-depth interviews. Findings – The RA interaction is not merely a conversation about leisure books; it is a powerful intercultural encounter that has the potential to raise the levels of intimacy and attraction between host and immigrant populations, break negative stereotypes, help to build shared networks and create favorable contacts, change intergroup attitudes, and improve readers' mastery of the second language and knowledge of a new country. Originality/value – This article makes a contribution to three areas related to RA. It provides insight into the views and perceptions of RA by a selected group of readers; it gives voice to immigrant readers whose experiences with RA are particularly under-represented in the Library and Information Science literature; and it conceptualizes the RA interaction as an intercultural encounter, using the uncertainty reduction based theory of intercultural adaptation to frame the discussion.

Exploring academic libraries’ use of Twitter: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan M. Al-Daihani ◽  
Suha A. AlAwadhi
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patterns Of Communication ◽  
Library Marketing

Purpose – This research aims to analyze academic libraries’ Twitter content and present a categorization framework for the study of their tweets. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a statistical descriptive analysis in addition to a content analysis of the tweets. Consequently, many categories and subcategories were created to classify the tweets according to different aspects. A total of 17 academic library accounts were examined. Findings – The findings show that academic libraries used Twitter as a multifaceted tool. “News and announcements” received the highest score as the type of information most often posted on Twitter by libraries, followed by “library collections” and “library services”. The subcategories that received the highest scores were “library marketing and news”, “answers and referrals” and “books”. Academic libraries showed a penchant for posting links more often than other content. Other results show different patterns of communication and interaction between libraries and their Twitter followers. Practical implications – The categorization of tweets provides a framework for understanding how academic libraries use Twitter. Originality/value – As little research can be found in the library and information science literature on Twitter content analysis, this research is expected to contribute significantly. It will also support academic libraries and librarians in using Twitter more efficiently and effectively.

Defining, evaluating, and achieving accessible library resources

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Kazuye Kimura
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Complex Landscape ◽  
Accessibility Guidelines ◽  
State Of Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the library and information science literature related to the accessibility of digital resources by individuals with mental, physical or other impairments, to assess the state of research in the field and to explore new avenues for investigation. Design/methodology/approach There is an increasingly rich body of literature surrounding digital accessibility in libraries, ranging from practical guides for authors of Web content, to principles of universal design, to the ethical considerations of libraries subscribing to packages of digital content, to critical examinations of the accessibility guidelines themselves. This review is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive; less attention is given to studies of specific tools that will become quickly outdated, and more attention is given to underlying considerations and approaches that will remain relevant even as technologies change. Findings Many libraries and vendors have taken steps to provide equal access to websites and electronic resources in recent years. While the literature reflects an increasing level of critical engagement with concepts around disability and diversity, it also demonstrates methodological weaknesses in assessment projects that do not lead to meaningful accessibility. Originality/value This review offers theoretical and practical perspectives from recent work that can assist librarians in planning and decision-making, as they deal with an increasingly complex landscape of digital resources.

Twenty years of readership of library and information science literature under Mendeley’s microscope

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Pooladian ◽  
Ángel Borrego
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Management Software ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Citation Counts

Purpose Altmetric indicators have been proposed as a complement to citation counts in research evaluation. Conceivably, they might also be used to supplement other methods for estimating journal readership. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Mendeley reference management software to characterize the features of the readership of library and information science (LIS) literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the Social Sciences Citation Index to retrieve 54,655 articles and reviews published between 1995 and 2014 and indexed in the category “Information Science & Library Science”. Each record was then searched in Mendeley to obtain the number of bookmarks of the paper and the academic status of the users. Findings Mendeley covers 61 per cent of the LIS literature published in the last 20 years. In all, 75 per cent of the papers published in the last five years had been bookmarked at least once in Mendeley whereas just 55 per cent had been cited in Web of Science. Reviews are bookmarked more frequently than articles, and papers in English have more bookmarks than papers in any other language. Most users of LIS literature are PhD and postgraduate students. Originality/value The study shows that altmetrics can be used as a source of data in information behaviour studies. Reference management software provides an unobtrusive means of capturing reading habits in the scholarly literature. Compared to citation counts, bookmarks are rapidly available and also reflect usage outside the academic community.

Collaborative information seeking environments benefiting from holistic ergonomics

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Meyer ◽  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Perspectives ◽  
Collaborative Information Seeking ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of utilising a holistic ergonomic approach, covering engineering, cognitive and social perspectives, to cultivate beneficial and productive collaborative information seeking (CIS) systems and environments, specifically with regard to three main CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach, based on a selective corpus of CIS literature, was utilised to perform a content analysis to note if terms and concepts normally associated with engineering, cognitive and social ergonomics can be used to eliminate terms reflecting issues related to three CIS pillars (control, communication and awareness) that can benefit from a holistic ergonomic approach. Findings – The content analysis revealed that a fairly extensive amount of holistic ergonomic terminology is prominent within the CIS literature, therefore establishing a connection between the two disciplines: CIS and ergonomics. This suggests that CIS system issues could benefit from the insights of a holistic ergonomic approach. Research limitations/implications – Since this is an exploratory study the scope of CIS literature utilised in the content analysis was limited to a selection considered most important by the authors; this should be supplemented by further research. Practical implications – Intended to instigate interest in further exploration of the beneficial and productive implications and practical application of holistic ergonomics in designing CIS systems and environments. Originality/value – This is the first research paper in the Library and Information Science literature that explores the potential of utilising holistic ergonomics to cultivate CIS systems and environments.

scholarly journals Role of libraries in developing an informed and educated nation

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fourie ◽  
Anika Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Players ◽  
Information Fluency ◽  
Developed Nations

Purpose Libraries of all types have often been called on to take on challenges ranging from information literacy and developing a reading culture to promoting social justice. In recent literature they have been challenged to contribute to the development of informed and educated nations – a big issue in developing countries. Sometimes even to empower people. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness for this call as important for developing as well as developed nations and the numerous issues, role players and lenses they need to bear in mind. As an opinion piece it can merely scratch the surface of raising awareness. Design/methodology/approach This contribution builds on the literature of library and information science, education and politics to present an exploratory viewpoint and a nascent model to support further work. It intentionally touches on a diversity of issues that may seem at odds with each other, but that in the opinion reflect the enormous scope to address and diversity of individual, institutional and global input and lenses that can make a difference. Findings Many obvious approaches to achieve the object of an informed and educated nation with empowered individuals can be noted such as focusing on information literacy, digital literacy and information fluency. However more awareness is required of the need to take a holistic view of issues to focus on such as tolerance and ethics, and the information behaviour and information practices of people in various contexts, and how changes in the awareness of needs to address and the need to seek information and support from diverse sources, can contribute. A first step would be to note the diversity that might contribute towards a holistic view of a global problem to which libraries can contribute. Originality/value There are limited publications on the topic in the library and information science literature although “developing an informed and educated nation” features in the mission and vision plans of some countries, and empowerment is sometimes specifically noted in publications on user education and information literacy. This paper offers an exploratory viewpoint to raise awareness to consider various approaches and threads to the topic and to not think only in terms of education and information literacy, but to recognise the full role libraries and librarians can play – also in reaching out to other role players such as users, governments and grant providers.

Looking for knowledge management in library and information science research

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 697-716
Author(s):  
Naresh Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Md. Anwarul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Publication Trends ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Other Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the place of knowledge management (KM) in library and information science (LIS) research. The authors looked for KM articles published in top LIS journals since 2000. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed publication trends and the distribution of articles by KM-related terms used, region/country and information-setting type. The authors also identified the top-cited KM articles published in these LIS journals. Findings In total, 672 KM-related articles (only 3.84%) were found within the 17,491 articles published in these LIS journals. Research limitations/implications This low percentage shows that while it might seem like LIS people are advocating for KM in libraries and other information settings, the authors find that despite the synergies, KM is yet to find a broader place within other LIS concerns. Originality/value Research published during the past two decades has frequently discussed how KM is important for libraries and for LIS. However, the authors do not know the extent to which KM forms a part of LIS research.

Archivematica outside the box

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Trujillo ◽  
Meghan Bergin ◽  
Margaret Jessup ◽  
Johanna Radding ◽  
Sarah Walden McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Experimental Process

Purpose This work aims to provide a report on adopting a consortial model of collaboration toward understanding digital preservation practice. Design/methodology/approach This work provides a case study detailing the work and outcomes of a digital preservation pilot project undertaken by the Five College Libraries between 2014 and 2015. Findings Digital preservation is a broad endeavor and rapidly developing facet of digital collections and institutional repositories; yet, it is often an area that is not fully understood or implemented by many libraries and archives, largely because institutions lack the necessary resources to do it alone. Working across institutional lines provides a possible solution to overcoming resource limitations and general challenges for pursuing robust digital preservation programs. Research limitations/implications Findings reported in this work are based on a limited-scope pilot project. Several questions laid out during the pilot remain unanswered at its close. Originality/value This paper provides insight into an experimental process rarely reported in library and information science literature. The goal of the paper is to provide a reference point for institutions pursuing a consortial approach to the challenges of applied digital preservation practice.

scholarly journals Are electronic theses and dissertations (still) grey literature in the digital age? A FAIR debate

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Schopfel ◽  
Behrooz Rasuli
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Theses And Dissertations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

PurposeWhile distribution channels of theses and dissertations have changed significantly in the digital age, they are generally still considered grey literature. This paper aims to argue the applicability of the concept of grey to electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is presented as a debate between two contradictory opinions on the application of the grey literature concept to ETDs.FindingsThe paper provides a definition of grey literature and then discusses its application to electronic dissertations and theses. In particular, it assesses the aspects of acquisition, quality, access and preservation. Some arguments highlight the “grey nature” of ETDs, such as the limited access via institutional and other repositories. Other arguments (e.g. the development of ETD infrastructures and the quality of ETDs) question this grey approach to ETDs. The paper concludes that “greyness” remains a challenge for ETDs, a problem waiting for solution on the way to open science through the application of the FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability reusability) principles.Research limitations implicationsLibrary and information science (LIS) professionals and scientists should be careful about using the concept of grey literature. The debate will help academic librarians and LIS researchers to better understand the nature of grey literature and its coverage, here in the field of ETDs.Originality/valueSome definitions from the print age may not be applicable to the digital age. The contradictory character of the debate helps clarify the similitudes and differences of grey literature and ETDs and highlights the challenge of ETDs, in particular, their accessibility and findability.

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