Information Grounds Theory (1999, 2004)

2015 ◽  
pp. 149-161
Author(s):  
Ali Saif Al-Aufi
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Behavior ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
User Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Social Settings ◽  
And Behavior

As a study and research topic, information behavior has always remained central to the field of library and information science. Theorization in this area has, likewise, constantly attracted the interest of many researchers and so outbound empirical research has generated an enormous body of literature. Information grounds as a theory is one of the latest evolving phenomena in the area of information behavior. It seeks to interpret peoples' interaction with information in a social context. This chapter attempts to elaborate on the emergence and development of information grounds and its capability to delineate everyday information behavior. The chapter also reviews the literature that has used information grounds as a basis for interpreting information behavior in different social settings and it identifies opportunities for future research in user studies that can build upon information grounds to explore and clarify the information needs and behavior of certain groups in different socio-cultural environments.

Patrick Wilson

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-307
Author(s):  
Howard D. White
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
The Social ◽  
Cognitive Authority ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Two Sides ◽  
Answering Questions

During 1965-2001, Patrick Wilson brought the acuity of a professional philosopher to library and information science (LIS) and became a major theorist in many aspects of knowledge organization (KO). This article, an extensive critical introduction to his thought, reflects the view that much of his work is of permanent value. He can be read for well-informed critiques of the instruments by which writings are organized for retrieval-the bibliographical side of KO. He can also be read for shrewd accounts of personal knowledge and behavior with respect to societal information systems-the social-epistemological side of KO. Indeed, in his work the two sides converge. One of his themes is the preferability of human consultants over bibliographies and catalogs for answering questions. He thus writes at length about the social organization of possible consultants and their degrees of cognitive authority in communicating what they know. Another theme is the desirability of indexing writings not only by subject but also by their possible utility in helping individuals. For that, however, he saw little hope. A third theme is ideal information systems. Broadly, he can be read for his clarifications of concepts on both sides of KO, such as bibliographical control, relevance, subject indeterminacy, information needs, information overload, librarians’ roles, and LIS as a field.

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.

Scientific literacy, librarians and information literacy in the post-truth era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Ellen Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Degree ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Professional Self

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge librarians to reconceptualize their professional self-image and practice so that it more closely aligns with the information science discipline that is part of the Masters of Library and Information Science degree. Design/methodology/approach This column is primarily theoretical and philosophical but also draws on the author’s observations of trends and patterns in both librarianship and changes in information needs in recent years. Findings Urgent, high-cost information needs created by COVID-19 and climate change coexist in a reality where technological change has made traditional librarian roles and functions less critical. By developing their information science skills and strengthening their professional identity as information scientists, librarians have the opportunity to address the urgent information needs of the day while remaining highly relevant professionals. Practical implications Librarians will need to strengthen their science-related skills and knowledge and begin to promote themselves as information scientists. Social implications Librarians are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to two of the most pressing challenges of the day, climate change and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper is relevant to all librarians at any stage of their career. It will help them to reflect on both their skillset and career path and to make any needed adjustments so that they can remain relevant in a volatile and demanding information environment.

How useful are smartphones for learning? Perceptions and practices of Library and Information Science students from Hong Kong and Japan

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zvjezdana Dukic ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu ◽  
Patrick Lo
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Use

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of higher education students’ experiences in using smartphones for learning purposes, and their perceptions of the suitability of smartphones for learning. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research method is applied to data collection and analysis by following the grounded theory approach. Data were gathered by an online focus group involving Library and Information Science (LIS) students from University of Hong Kong and University of Tsukuba (Japan). Findings – LIS students at both universities regularly use smartphones for communication, socializing, entertainment and other daily information needs. The findings show that LIS students commonly use smartphones for learning and consider smartphones to be very useful for their academic work. They use smartphones to access course materials, search library catalog, discuss course assignments with peers, take notes, etc. Although both academic libraries involved offer a variety of services for mobile devices, these services are still not used frequently. A major barrier to using smartphone for academic learning is the smartphone’s small screen. Research limitations/implications – The study relies on a convenience sample, restricted to students from two universities, one from Hong Kong and the other from Japan. Further research on a larger sample is recommended. Originality/value – The study adds to the knowledge of smartphone actual use for learning purposes and provides study participants’ insights on the usefulness of smartphones for learning.

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.

Categorizing Blogs as Information Sources for Libraries and Information Science

2015 ◽  
pp. 4833-4845
Author(s):  
Mark-Shane Scale ◽  
Anabel Quan-Haase
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Source Category

Blogs are important sources of information currently used in the work of professionals, institutions and academics. Nevertheless, traditional information needs and uses research has not yet discussed where blogs fit in the existing typologies of information sources. Blogs and other types of social media have several characteristics that blur the lines of distinction existent between traditional information source categories. This chapter brings this research problem to the fore. Not only do we examine why blogs do not neatly fit into existing information source categories, but we also deliberate the implications for libraries in terms of the need to consider blogs as an information source to be included in collection development. We discuss the opportunities and possibilities for blogs to be integrated into the collection development efforts of academic and public libraries to better serve patrons. In order to accommodate for blogs and other types of social media as information sources, we propose the introduction of an additional information source category. We suggest new avenues of future research that investigate how blogs are being used to meet information needs in various social settings, such as corporations, health care and educational settings (e.g., higher education, and schools). In this chapter, we develop a framework of how blogs may function as information sources to provide libraries with a better understanding of how blogs are integrated into the context of everyday information seeking. By grouping the ways in which people employ blogs to acquire information, we propose that blogs provide information sources along a continuum ranging from non-fiction to fictional information.

Attitude of Library and Information Science Professionals Towards Resource Sharing and Networking of Academic Libraries

2021 ◽  
pp. 2019-2034
Author(s):  
Ramadhas G. ◽  
Suman Sankar A. S.
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
The People ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Modern Era

Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Resource sharing provides the means to maximize the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitates resource sharing among the participating libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitates marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitudes of the people involved in the information dissemination are also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through networking of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study revealed that library and information science professionals have a positive attitude towards resource sharing and networking of libraries.

Attitude of Library and Information Science Professionals Towards Resource Sharing and Networking of Academic Libraries

2020 ◽  
pp. 74-90
Author(s):  
Ramadhas G. ◽  
Suman Sankar A. S.
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
The People ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Modern Era

Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Resource sharing provides the means to maximize the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitates resource sharing among the participating libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitates marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitudes of the people involved in the information dissemination are also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through networking of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study revealed that library and information science professionals have a positive attitude towards resource sharing and networking of libraries.

Quantitative "Versus" Qualitative Research: The Wrong Question

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope Olson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science

Through a deconstructive reading of texts on qualitative method and its contrast with quantitative method and through information needs studies regarding specific populations of women this paper concludes that the focus on method should not drive research. Rather, the ontological and epistemological stances of researchers assessed on a spectrum from subjective to objective are more indicative of the perspectives represented in library and information science research.Avec un étude déconstructif des textes sur des méthodes qualitatives et ses contrastes avec des méthodes quantitatives et avec l'étude des besoins informatiques à l'égard des populations spécifiques de femmes cette document conclut que le focus sur les méthodes utilisées ne devrait pas motiver la recherche. Au lieu, les positions ontologiques et épistemologiques des chercheurs évaluées sur une gamme du subjectif à l'objectif sont plus indicatives des perspectives représentées dans la domaine de la bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l'information.

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.

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