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.

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 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.

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.

Gated communities in Ankara: are they a tool of social segregation?

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-702
Author(s):  
Leyla Alkan-Gökler
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Gated Communities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive View ◽  
Social Segregation ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Gated communities, surrounded by walls or fences, have emerged as a new trend in almost all cities in Turkey, and are homogenous in terms of the socioeconomic status of their occupants. Within these communities, several facilities and services are provided that are available only to the residents, with restrictions on access from the outside, and this has led to criticisms of social segregation. This study aims to analyze the impact of these communities on social segregation in Ankara, through two different surveys aimed at investigating the attitudes of the residents of local neighborhoods and gated communities toward each other. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes how the process of gating has affected social segregation in Ankara through two separate surveys: with the residents of gated communities and with the residents of local neighborhoods around these gated communities. Findings The study revealed that the residents of gated communities tended to have a positive view of the residents of local neighborhoods. In contrast, the responses of the local residents show evidence of feelings of social segregation, based on the presence of the high walls, fences and guards that are in place to keep them out of the community. Originality/value This study shows that, although segregation from the rest of the society is not the main reason for gating, the emergence of gated communities in Ankara leads inevitably to a socially and economically segregated city in which local residents feel excluded from these gated areas.

scholarly journals Making connections while earning an MLIS

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-172
Author(s):  
Sarah Loor ◽  
Michael A. Crumpton
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Real ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning Connections

Purpose This purpose of this paper is to discuss a collaboration with a non-profit organization conducted as part of the Real Learning Connections project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The authors discuss their experiences working with a non-profit partner from outside the university and the benefits gained from collaboration. Design/methodology/approach This is a reflection based on the personal experiences of the authors as collaborators in the project. Findings Through their experience with the Real Learning Connections project, the authors found that collaborating with a non-profit organization provides a unique opportunity for library school students to learn practical skills while also providing value to the non-profit organization in the form of expertise in information services. Originality/value This piece discusses the benefits of collaboration from the perspective of both an Library and Information Studies (LIS) student and a professional librarian, as well as considering the experiences of an external non-profit organization.

Financial contagion: review of empirical literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Seth ◽  
Laxmidhar Panda
Keyword(s):  
Asset Allocation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Financial Contagion ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Accurate Picture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain a comprehensive structure of past empirical studies on financial contagion which can provide the present growth and future scope of research work on the field of contagion analysis. Design/methodology/approach Present study identifies 151 empirical studies on financial contagion and summarises all the studies on the basis of tools and methodology used, year of the studies, origin of the studies, sample period and sample countries taken, studies undertaken on the basis of different crisis period and markets considered and finally sources of the studies. Findings The results of the analysis show that the empirical studies on contagion increased continuously over the past five years. Higher order test of contagion with more number of sample countries may provide more accurate picture on financial contagion. Originality/value This paper collects, classifies and summarises past empirical studies on financial contagion and provides valuable conclusion on present growth and future scope of studies on financial contagion. The information given in this paper can be helpful for future researchers and academicians on this particular field; the summary of the conclusion (from past reviews) may be helpful for the policy makers for asset allocation and risk management.

Taking the numb out of numbers

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony McMullen
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Popular Media ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accurate Picture ◽  
Library Resources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in maintaining and assessing library technologies and technology-based services with limited budgets and with limited personnel. Design/methodology/approach – Uses real-world experiences, data and examples gleaned from the evolution of baseball metrics to propose alternative methods of assessing library resources and services. Findings – Traditional methods of measuring success in baseball proved to be insufficient in telling the entire story behind the numbers. The same is true of libraries where librarians have been very good at gathering numbers, but very poor at using these data to the greatest advantage. Originality/value – This paper examines the parallels between the baseball and library worlds. It uses anecdotes gleaned from popular media to illustrate the similarities in the number-driven aspects of these institutions. It suggests that libraries take a path similar to that of baseball in developing new measures to paint a more accurate picture of their value and return on investment.

Ontology in information studies: without, within, and withal knowledge management

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Wendell Compton
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Ontology Development ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Postmodern Philosophy

Purpose – Ontology in information studies consists of antinomic conceptions, methodologies, and emphases in both application and philosophizing. A comprehensive understanding of ontology in information studies can be achieved by employing Slavoj Žižek's parallax view which holds that reality is not only best understood by articulating conflicting perspectives on a particular phenomenon, but that given phenomena are fundamentally constrained by incommensurable perspectives that must be acknowledged accordingly. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Ontology in information studies, including computational ontology development, is analyzed using critical information theory based on Heideggerian, poststructuralist, and anti-postmodern philosophy. The discussion is framed by Žižek's notion of the parallax Real. Findings – A complete understanding of ontology in information studies that does not reduce ontology to a totalizing theory or sequester notions of ontology to conflicting, unrelated discourses, necessarily accepts articulating the alterity between differing ontological views as the means by which one can best allude to what “ontology in information studies really is.” Originality/value – This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of radically different ontological perspectives on the nature of reality with respect to digital technology.

Prospects and constraints of staff development in the University of Malawi Libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Mapulanga
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Professional Qualification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Malawi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at staff development and its challenges in the University of Malawi Libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A case study design was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. University Budget Estimates from 2004/2005 to 2010/2011 financial years were analysed. Data from the University of Malawi Strategic Plan 2005-2009 were examined. Interviews were conducted with college librarians in the University of Malawi Libraries. Documentary evidence was also used. Findings – Study findings indicate that staff development in the University of Malawi Libraries has emphasised on professional qualification in Library and Information Studies. However, due to financial constraints, the majority of the library staff lacks LIS professional qualifications. This study recommends that libraries should consider budgeting for continuing professional development (CPD). Practical implications – Staff development requires continuous funding and time. This study recommends the CPD approach to staff development in academic libraries. The study also recommends the introduction of an education levy to benefit skills and training needs for higher education institutions. Originality/value – There is dearth of literature on staff development in academic libraries in Malawi. This paper seeks to recommend CPD.

scholarly journals Promoting diversity to add value to the LIS profession

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-206
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Croxton ◽  
Michael A. Crumpton ◽  
Gerald V. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) Library and Information Studies Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) Scholars Program has had on promoting diversity and adding value to the library and information studies profession. Design/methodology/approach This paper is presented as a case study in which three iterations of the ACE Scholars Program are discussed, including program design and suggested impact the program has had on educating and engaging diverse individuals for careers in the library and information studies professions. Findings Nearly 50 ACE Scholars program participants, representing ethnically, racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, have graduated from UNCG with their Master of Library and Information Studies degrees since 2011. In the five years since the first ACE cohort graduated, Scholar alums continue to impact the Library and Information Studies (LIS) profession through their professional roles as well as through their community engagement, professional association memberships and leadership roles, professional presentations and numerous publications. Originality/value This paper presents a model that has helped to promote diversity in the LIS field in way that can be adapted by other graduate programs that are preparing individuals for successful and engaged careers as library and information studies professionals.

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