scholarly journals Theory Building for the Profession of Teacher Librarianship: An Application of Meta-Ethnography

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Everhart ◽  
Melissa P. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
School Library ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

The lack of theoretical foundations for research in the field of library and information science is well documented and leads researchers to borrow from other fields. In the case of school library research, the tendency is to borrow from the field of education. While many theories from education and other disciplines are applicable to school library research, there needs to be development of theory among school library researchers in order to give practitioners understanding of the complex relationships involved in school libraries and guide future research efforts. Meta-ethnography uses findings reported in previous studies as building blocks for gaining deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon and is highly applicable for the initial stages of theory development. This paper provides a thorough description of the meta-ethnography method and an example of how meta-ethnography can be applied for theory building in school library research.

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.

scholarly journals Towards Automated Analysis of Research Methods in Library and Information Science

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziqi Zhang ◽  
Winnie Tam ◽  
Andrew Cox
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Automated Recognition ◽  
Automated Method

Previous studies of research methods in LIS lack consensus in how to define or classify research methods, and there have been no studies on automated recognition of research methods in the scientific literature of this field. This work begins to fill these gaps by studying how the scope of ‘research methods’ in LIS has evolved, and the challenges in automatically identifying the usage of research methods in LIS literature. 2,599 research articles are collected from three LIS journals. Using a combination of content analysis and text mining methods, a sample of this collection is coded into 29 different concepts of research methods and is then used to test a rule-based automated method for identifying research methods reported in scientific literature. We show that the LIS field is characterised by the use of an increasingly diverse range of methods, many of which originate outside the conventional boundaries of LIS. This implies increasing complexity in research methodology and suggests the need for a new approach towards classifying LIS research methods to capture the complex structure and relationships between different aspects of methods. Our automated method is the first of its kind in LIS, and sets an important reference for future research.

scholarly journals A new decade of uses for geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to research, measure and analyze library services

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Heather Mandel ◽  
Bradley Wade Bishop ◽  
Ashley Marie Orehek
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Research

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to evaluate library services and resources to ascertain current trends and establish future directions for this growing research area.Design/methodology/approachThe study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases: Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), replicating the method used in a prior literature review. The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.FindingsThis study found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS. There remain two ways the tool is primarily used: to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections.Practical implicationsThe findings are relevant for library and information science researchers and practitioners because they summarize a specific area of research that has grown and changed and that still has potential to be used more widely. Using GIS in practice and research could benefit all library users and nonusers because spatial analysis facilitates more precise and informed delivery of services and resources.Originality/valueThe paper provides future directions for use of GIS in library research and attempts to define subdivisions within this research area to clarify the area for researchers and practitioners.

Library and information science research in Pakistan: A bibliometric analysis, 1957–2018

2020 ◽  
pp. 096100062092193
Author(s):  
Nadeem Siddique ◽  
Shafiq Ur Rehman ◽  
Muhammad Ajmal Khan ◽  
Asif Altaf
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Publishing Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The University

This article reviews 62 years (1957–2018) of research in library and information science in Pakistan. A comprehensive bibliometric study was conducted using the four leading databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Library and Information Science Abstracts, and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts). The researchers found a positive upward trend. Library research is on the rise in Pakistan. The Department of Information Management at the University of the Punjab is the major contributor to the library and information science literature. Forty percent of the total publications were published in two Pakistani journals. Older and well-established institutions like the University of the Punjab and the University of Karachi have taken the lead in publishing research. The Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces require more focus and funding.

scholarly journals Tracking Theory Building and Use Trends in Selected LIS Journals: More Research is Needed

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Carol Perryman
Keyword(s):  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Measure Theory ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Korean Society

Objective - The authors measure theory incidents occurring in four LIS journals between 1984-2003 in order to examine their number and quality and to analyze them by topic. A third objective, only identified later in the text of the study, was to compare theory development and use between Korean and international journals. Research questions asked include whether LIS has its own theoretical base as a discipline, and what characteristics the theoretical framework has. Design – Bibliometric study. Setting – Journal issues selected from four LIS journals for the time span from 1984 - 2003. Subjects – Two international journals, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) and Library and Information Science Research (LISR) were selected based on their high ranking in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) impact factors. Two Korean journals, Journal of the Korean Society for Information Management (JKSIM) and Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science (JKSLIS) were selected. Methods - After having determined a definition of theory, and identifying different levels of theory, the authors set up rules for the identification of theory incidents, which are defined as “events in which the author contributed to the development or the use of theory in his/her own paper” (550). Content analysis of 1661 research articles was performed to measure theory incidents according to working definitions. Interrater reliability was ensured by conducting independent coding for “subfield classification, identification of theory incidents, and quality measurement” (555), using a sample of 199 articles (random selection not specified), achieving 94-97% interrater reliability. Incidents, once identified, were evaluated for quality using Dubin’s “efficiency of law” criteria, involving measures of relatedness, directionality, co-variation, rate of change, and “profundity,” defined as the depth to which theory is incorporated into the research study. Main Results - 21.79% (n=362) of the articles contained theory incidents that were analyzed and evaluated. Trend measurement indicated an overall increase, although a slight decrease was shown in the year range 1993-2003. International journals accounted for 61.33% of theory incidents, compared to 38.67% for the Korean journals. T-testing showed that differences in means between Korean and international journals were not statistically significant. Topical theory areas were ranked by frequency. The top five areas were shown to be nearly identical between Korean and international journals. ANOVA was performed with significant results in the difference between efficiency ratings. Conclusion – The authors find that the overall proportion of theory incidents including both theory development and use increased through the 20-year time span examined, and that LIS has established its own theoretical framework based upon the frequency of incidents.

Complementary theories to supply chain management revisited – from borrowing theories to theorizing

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Árni Halldórsson ◽  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Herbert Kotzab
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Scholarship ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Theory Application

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify ways by which the theorizing of supply chain management (SCM) takes place, with particular attention to complementary theories. SCM suffers as well as benefits from a “conceptual slack”. Design/methodology/approach – The nature of SCM is discussed, and the role and relevance of theorizing is addressed by using key characteristics of “academic scholarship” based on a literature review of SCM and evaluation of application of theory and theory development. Findings – The integrative and multi-layered nature of SCM sets the conditions for “theorizing SCM” that can take place through various forms: theory application, new theoretical combinations and sensitivity to managerial practice. It is pivotal that future research explore further the performative potential of SCM. Research limitations/implications – Research with focus on theory development or using complementary theories to advancing understanding of SCM can benefit from the five building blocks of theorizing SCM proposed in the paper. Practical implications – Theoretical principles in SCM are not only used to describe practical problems but also to “produce the world”; supply chains can be seen as organizational units that act or consummate an action that delivers a particular performance. Originality/value – This paper portrays SCM sensitivity to managerial challenges by moving from borrowing to a more bilateral view on theorizing of SCM, reflecting the nature of SCM.

scholarly journals Time and temporality in library and information science

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jutta Haider ◽  
Veronica Johansson ◽  
Björn Hammarfelt
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Time Regime ◽  
Information Work ◽  
Late Modern

PurposeThe article introduces selected theoretical approaches to time and temporality relevant to the field of library and information science, and it briefly introduces the papers gathered in this special issue. A number of issues that could potentially be followed in future research are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review a selection of theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of time that originate in or are of particular relevance to library and information science. Four main themes are identified: (1) information as object in temporal perspectives; (2) time and information as tools of power and control; (3) time in society; and (4) experiencing and practicing time.FindingsThe paper advocates a thorough engagement with how time and temporality shape notions of information more broadly. This includes, for example, paying attention to how various dimensions of the late-modern time regime of acceleration feed into the ways in which information is operationalised, how information work is commodified, and how hierarchies of information are established; paying attention to the changing temporal dynamics that networked information systems imply for our understanding of documents or of memory institutions; or how external events such as social and natural crises quickly alter modes, speed, and forms of data production and use, in areas as diverse as information practices, policy, management, representation, and organisation, amongst others.Originality/valueBy foregrounding temporal perspectives in library and information science, the authors advocate dialogue with important perspectives on time that come from other fields. Rather than just including such perspectives in library and information science, however, the authors find that the focus on information and documents that the library and information science field contributes has great potential to advance the understanding of how notions and experiences of time shape late-modern societies and individuals.

scholarly journals Research Roundup: Learning about Library Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Betsy Diamant-Cohen ◽  
Annette Goldsmith
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Quality Research ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Education Conference

Since this column seeks to highlight all aspects of research, in this issue we are going on a field trip to a place where researchers gather to share their findings, collaborate, learn, and celebrate—the most recent ALISE (Association for Library and Information Science Education) conference. According to its website, ALISE “is the global voice of library and information science education. ALISE leads innovative and high-quality research, teaching, and service for educators and scholars in library and information science and cognate disciplines internationally through engagement, advocacy, and knowledge creation and dissemination.” ALISE’s membership consists mostly of library school professors and doctoral students and has a few practicing librarians with their doctorates. This column will share current research by LIS faculty and doctoral students relevant to children’s librarians and showcased at the ALISE conference in Denver.

scholarly journals PROGRAM PENGALAMAN LAPANGAN (PPL) DI PERPUSTAKAAN SEKOLAH DALAM MENDUKUNG VISI UPI

EDUTECH ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Angga Hadiapurwa ◽  
Riche Cynthia Johan ◽  
Dini Suhardini ◽  
Doddy Rusmono
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
School Library ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Teachers Colleges ◽  
Implementation Planning ◽  
Planning Implementation ◽  
Teacher Supervisors ◽  
Partner Schools ◽  
Education Field

Abstract. As one of teachers colleges that has a vision as a leading and outstanding univer-sity in education field, UPI is expected to contribute to the progress of education, especially that of UPI partner schools. To strengthen the vision and give provision to UPI students, the field experi-ence program is held in school library. Library and Information Science Study Program held PPL in school library for a full semester in 2017. This study aimed to describe PPL activities in school libraries, including planning, implementation and monitoring. This study used descriptive method with quantitative approach. The respondents were PPL teacher supervisors. The implementation (planning, implementation and monitoring) of PPL in school library supported the achievement of UPI vision. It was based on the statement of teacher supervisors who stated that PPL implementa-tion in school library was in accordance with the vision of UPI as a leading and outstanding uni-versity in education field. This study also resulted in some recommendations for next PPL activi-ties, which highlighted the requirement to strengthen students’ competencies as future school li-braries, especially on managerial and educational competencies. Abstrak. UPI sebagai salah satu LPTK yang mempunyai visi sebagai universitas pelopor dan unggul pada bidang pendidikan diharapkan dapat berkontribusi pada kemajuan pendidikan, terutama sekolah mitra UPI. Program Studi Perpustakaan dan Ilmu Informasi pada tahun 2017 menyelenggarakan Program Pengalaman Lapangan (PPL) di perpustakaan sekolah selama satu semester penuh. Permasalahan pokok penelitian ini adalah: “Bagaimanakah implementasi (perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan pemantauan) PPL di perpustakaan sekolah dalam mendukung visi UPI sebagai universitas pelopor dan unggul pada bidang pendidikan?” Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kantitatif. Responden penelitian ini adalah guru pamong PPL. Implementasi PPL di perpustakaan sekolah mendukung pencapaian visi UPI, hal tersebut berdasarkan pernyataan guru pamong menyatakan penyelenggaraan PPL di per-pustakaan sekolah sangat sesuai dengan visi UPI sebagai universitas pelopor dan unggul pada bi-dang pendidikan. Rekomendasi pada kegiatan PPL selanjutnya yaitu masih perlu penguatan kom-petensi mahasiswa sebagai calon pustakawan sekolah, terutama pada kompetensi manajerial dan kependidikan.

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