Journal of Librarianship and Information Science current issue

Pursuing CPD in the Caribbean: Individual quest versus organizational goal

Gosine-Boodoo, M., Mc Nish, M. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

This study explores Caribbean librarians’ perceptions on continuing professional development (CPD) as it relates to employer support, personal interest and motivation. CPD literature was reviewed and a questionnaire designed. Hypotheses were tested based upon the following questions: do clearly defined CPD policies motivate librarians to pursue CPD activities?; are librarians motivated to pursue CPD where their organizations have formal programmes?; and are librarians who pursue CPD motivated primarily by the possibility of professional advancement? Data were obtained from 100 librarians mainly from academic, public and special libraries. Respondents showed a clear personal interest in CPD and were motivated to participate regardless of organizational support. A direct relationship was observed between CPD motivation and professional advancement. Personal and professional ambition appeared to be the main driver of respondents’ interest in CPD participation.

Job rotation at Cardiff University Library Service: A pilot study

Earney, S., Martins, A. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

This paper presents case study research of a job rotation pilot involving six library assistants in Cardiff University Library Service (ULS). Firstly, it investigates whether job rotation improves motivation and secondly, whether there is an improvement in skills, both technical and ‘soft’. Following a review of the literature, semi-structured interviews took place with each of the ‘rotatees’, both immediately before and after the rotations. They completed daily reflective logs during their rotations which were also analysed. The findings indicate that the rotations resulted in wide-ranging positive outcomes including an increase in both motivation and technical skills. Other positive outcomes included increased confidence, a sense of ‘the bigger picture’ and ‘social capital’. The paper concludes that job rotation can be a positive and powerful tool for staff development.

The influence of LIS students' personality characteristics on their perceptions towards Web 2.0 use

Aharony, N. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

The information world in which library and information science (LIS) students study and are being educated is in a state of constant change. As Web 2.0 is becoming an important and central topic in our information world, the research reported here explores whether LIS students are familiar with technological changes and innovations, and whether they make use of the different Web 2.0 applications. The research examined whether personality characteristics (learning strategies, resistance to change and cognitive appraisal), as well as learning facilitators such as motivation, capacity and importance of studying and integrating different applications of Web 2.0 in the future, influenced LIS students’ perceptions towards Web 2.0 use. Different questionnaires were distributed to 160 randomly selected Israeli students from three different LIS programmes. The research revealed a moderate tendency of LIS students to use Web 2.0 applications. It was found that personality characteristics as well as learning facilitators influenced LIS students’ perceptions towards Web 2.0 use.

Book Review: Hypercrime: The New Geometry of Harm by Michael McGuire 2007, London: Routledge-Cavendish, 375 pp, {pound}29.99, ISBN 9781904385530

Hannabuss, S. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Information Rights in Practice: The Non-legal Professional's Guide by Alan Stead 2008, London: Facet Publishing, 202pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046206

Oppenheim, C. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Information History -- an Introduction: Exploring an Emergent Field by Toni Weller 2008, Oxford: Chandos Publishing, 147pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 184334394 0

Vickery, B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: How to Use Web 2.0 in Your Library by Phil Bradley 2007, London: Facet Publishing, 212pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046077

Dawson, A. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: The University of Google: Education in the (Post) Information Age by Tara Brabazon 2007, Aldershot: Ashgate, 234pp, {pound}30.00, ISBN 9780754670971

Fieldhouse, M. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Making Digital Cultures: Access, Interactivity, and Authenticity by Martin Hand 2008, Aldershot: Ashgate, x + 186pp, {pound}55.00, ISBN 9780754648406

Rowley, J. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Digital Information Culture: The Individual and Society in the Digital Age by Luke Tredinnick 2007, Oxford: Chandos, 205pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781843341604

Weller, T. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Reader Development in Practice: Bringing Literature to Readers edited by Susan Hornby and Bob Glass 2008, London: Facet Publishing, 224 pp, {pound}44.95, ISBN 9781856046244

Rafferty, P. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Libraries without Walls 7: Exploring 'Anytime', 'Anywhere' Delivery of Library Services edited by Peter Brophy, Jenny Craven and Margaret Markland 2008, London: Facet Publishing, 255pp, {pound}44.95, ISBN 9781856046237

Pors, N. O. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: The Politics of Libraries and Librarianship: Challenges and Realities edited by Kerry Smith Oxford: Chandos, 2009, 188 pp, {pound} 39.95, ISBN 9781843343431

Pors, N. O. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST

Book Review: Delivering the Best Start: A Guide to Early Years Libraries by Carolynn Rankin and Avril Brock 2009, London: Facet Publishing, 190pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046107; Libraries Designed for Kids by Nolan Lushington 2008, London: Facet Publishing, 173pp, {pound}44.95, ISBN 9781856046572

Bundy, A. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:14 PST