Journal of Librarianship and Information Science recent issues

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

Editorial: Lines of Communication

Dudley, E. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Changes in library and information professional communications and journal publication in the last two decades are considered. Journals of professional bodies such as the Library Association and Aslib have now been sold to commercial publishers. The emergence of electronic journals is exemplified. Electronic discussion lists and newer forms of interactive communication, e.g. blogs and social networking sites, are discussed. The time spent in accessing and using e-sources of professional information should lead to improved services to users. Professional lines of communication are at an early stage of transformation, the progress of which needs analysis and description.

Editor's Note

Goulding, A. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Public library provision for Black and minority ethnic communities -- where are we in 2009?

Vincent, J. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

This article assesses developments in public library provision for Black and minority ethnic [BME] communities in the UK since the publication in 1969 of the results of research into the needs of ‘Indian and Pakistani communities’. It includes a brief discussion of some major societal issues, and then sets public library services in this context. It ends with some highlights of current provision, but also with suggestions of next steps.

Forty years of the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science: A quantitative analysis, Part I

Furner, J. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

This paper reports on the first part of a two-part quantitative analysis of volume 1—40 (1969—2008) of the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science (formerly the Journal of Librarianship). It provides an overview of the current state of LIS research journal publishing in the UK; a review of the publication and printing history of JoL/JOLIS, and of published descriptions and evaluations of its purpose and scope; and a summary of some results of the quantitative analysis, focusing on data of the kind that may be collected by directly examining the published issues of the journal itself. These results are informative in various ways about editors, document types, authors, authors’ institutions, and authors’ countries. A supplementary analysis of citations to and from the journal will be reported at a later date.

LIS research in the United Kingdom: Reflections and prospects

Feather, J. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

This article discusses the development of academic research in the LIS domain and the purpose of LIS research. It is argued that there are several constituent parts of the research tradition, both theoretical and empirical, and that this has created tensions and misunderstandings between researchers and practitioners. Against this background, the impact of the Research Assessment Exercises since 1988, and especially the implications of the outcome of RAE 2008, are analysed and discussed. Sources of funding, and the roles of various stakeholder bodies in the research process, are also discussed. It is concluded that in the UK, LIS research has been absorbed into the mainstream of academic research, but that it is still producing outputs which are transferable into the sphere of professional practice.

Book Reviews: Introduction, 40th Anniversary Edition

Muddiman, D. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Book Review: Digital Consumers: Reshaping the Information Professions edited by David Nicholas and Ian Rowlands: 2008, London: Facet, xiii + 226pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046510

Bevan, N. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Book Review: Renewing Professional Librarianship: A Fundamental Rethinking by Bill Crowley: 2008, Westport CT: Libraries Unlimited, 174pp, {pound}25.95, ISBN 978 1 59158 554 1

Usherwood, B. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Book Review: British Librarianship and Information Work 1991--2000 edited by J.H. Bowman 2006, Aldershot: Ashgate, 582pp, {pound}70, ISBN 978 0 7546 4779 9; British Librarianship and Information Work 2001--2005 edited by J.H. Bowman 2007, Aldershot: Ashgate, 554pp, {pound}70, ISBN 978 0 7546 4778 2

Muddiman, D. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

Librarians, librarianship and The Uses of Literacy: A review article

Usherwood, B. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:33:38 PDT

First published in 1957, following a battle with nervous lawyers, The Uses of Literacy is recognized as one of the founding texts of cultural studies. Its critique of mass culture reverberated far beyond that discipline. It influenced the librarians of the day who were beginning to think about issues of class and consider their services in a social context. This review considers its current relevance and discusses the views of library professionals who support and oppose Hoggart’s thesis. Library educators and practitioners also consulted other writers who examined culture and class but the author suggests that Hoggart is closest to the library world. Libraries were part of his development and he contributed to professional journals and activities. The Uses of Literacy remains relevant to the concerns of the working class and reminds librarians of their responsibilities. It is pertinent to current professional debates about literacy, commercialized culture and the need for excellence. As we enter a more serious age there are signs that Hoggart’s arguments might be heeded and that members of the profession will use them as a compass to help them counter the abuse of literacy.

When does an academic information need stimulate a school-inspired information want?

Beautyman, W., Shenton, A. K. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

This paper explores the nature of school-inspired information wants. It considers how such wants arise and actions taken by youngsters to meet them. The methodology within the study reported was one of interpretivist ethnography, with data collected from two classes of 7- to 8-year-olds in an English primary school via a form of participant observation that incorporated dialogues with pupils and staff. Children were seen to follow up on topics taught in the classroom with their own questions when one or more of seven situations arose. These included instances in which they developed an empathic interest in the protagonists being studied and when they noted inconsistencies in their own understanding. The findings have a range of implications, notably for practices in both education and LIS.

The nature and role of empathy in public librarianship

Birdi, B., Wilson, K., Hin Man Tso, — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

This article presents two recent studies, an AHRC-funded exploration of the role of empathy in community librarianship (Study 1) and an investigation of the role of empathy in service to minority ethnic users (Study 2). Qualitative elements of each methodology are presented, namely a series of focus groups with frontline staff, interviews with senior managers and a research workshop (Study 1), and a case study investigation of a public library in the heart of a Chinese community (Study 2). Synthesizing the data of both studies, an analysis is conducted of the relationship between the cultural identities of library staff and their ability to empathize with the public. It is concluded that empathy plays a role in facilitating effective communication between staff and users, but that a distinction should be made between intuitive and cognitive empathy, in considering the potential of staff training to develop appropriate levels of emotional response to members of all communities.

Role and justification of web archiving by national libraries: A questionnaire survey

Shiozaki, R., Eisenschitz, T. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

This paper reports on a questionnaire survey of 16 national libraries designed to clarify how national libraries attempt to justify their web archiving activities. Results indicate they envisage that a) the benefits brought about by their initiatives are greater than the overall costs, b) the costs imposed on libraries are greater than the costs imposed on stakeholders, and c) all of them are making efforts to respond to legal risks in various ways (e.g. legislation, contracting and opt-out policies) although there are trade-off relations in terms of costs for negotiation, scope of access and size and scope of the web archive. The paper discusses whether a basic logic for justification of their web archiving is valid from the perspective of balancing cost—benefit. Further, it highlights the potential, underlying premises of the logic that motivates the intervention of national libraries as public sector organizations.

Evaluating the impact of a Special Library and Information Service

Botha, E., Erasmus, R., Van Deventer, M. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

The mere fact that a library service is being used does not mean that the service makes a difference or has a positive impact on the user. This has significant implications for Special Library and Information Services (SL&IS) that have to constantly prove that they add value. Because of the difficulty of measuring impact effectively, the majority of libraries still appear to measure performance quantitatively (how many books do we have, how many are used etc.) instead of looking at the difference the service actually makes. This paper discusses specifically the impact an information service has on the ability of natural science researchers to perform their research effectively and efficiently. A focus group, short survey and 15 interviews were conducted with researchers that use SL&IS in their research at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) — the largest research Council in Africa. The results showed that researchers felt that Library and Information Services have a positive impact on the research process. The two most important indicators of impact chosen by the researchers were firstly, time saved in information retrieval and delivery and secondly, higher success rate in research. In contrast with Poll's (2005) view, researchers felt that Library and Information Services do not necessarily impact on growing their skills and competencies or their attitude and behaviour as researchers. The relationship between the librarian and the researcher also came to light as very important in the research process. The study also identified further important indicators of impact which will serve as the foundation for a more in-depth research study.

Book Review: European Modernism and the Information Society: Informing the Present, Understanding the Past edited by W. Boyd Rayward: 2008, Aldershot: Ashgate, 343pp, {pound}55.00, ISBN 9780 75464928 1

Hannabuss, S. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

Book Review: Improving Library Services to People with Disabilities edited by Courtney Deines-Jones: 2007, Oxford: Chandos, 175pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 1843342863

Usherwood, B. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

Book Review: The Phenomenon of Information. A Conceptual Approach to Information Flow by Mario Perez-Montoro, translated by Dick Edelstein: 2007, Medford, NJ: The Scarecrow Press, 285pp, $50, ISBN 0810859424

Weller, T. — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:08:26 PDT

Editorial: Credit Crunch: the Impact On Libraries

Goulding, A. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Reviews a range of reports, features and web-based resources focusing on the credit crunch and the likely impact on libraries. Suggests that for public libraries, the majority of commentators indicate that the global financial crisis may be a mixed blessing, leading to new and increased use on the one hand but raising the threat of cuts to services on the other. Notes that there are few reports on the potential impact of the economic situation on academic libraries although, again, universities in general may benefit as people seek to retrain or update their skills to make themselves more marketable in the careers marketplace. Concludes with a discussion of how the core principles of librarianship should be maintained and emphasized during these hard times.

Academic libraries and social and learning space: A case study of Loughborough University Library, UK

Bryant, J., Matthews, G., Walton, G. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

A key area of debate within the public and academic library sectors across the world is use of physical space. Changing ideas about what a library should be, coupled with the growth of digital collections, has raised fundamental questions about how library buildings are used and the role of space in library services. Alongside these drivers is the need for libraries to produce data on services to inform their future development and design. This article is a case study from Loughborough University in the UK to evaluate the use of a large open learning/social space in the library. The investigation employs an ethnographic approach to gather data, a method little used in the field. Findings are explored under the following themes: collaborative study, individual study, social space, intrusions and interruptions, use of technology, diversity, library staff/library materials and spatial organization. The role of ethnographic studies within the library context is considered alongside the broader theoretical considerations of the use of physical space.

Information literacy assessment: Where do we start?

Walsh, A. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Interest in developing ways to assess information literacy has been growing for several years. Many librarians have developed their own tools to assess aspects of information literacy and have written articles to share their experiences. This article reviews the literature and offers readers a flavour of the methods being used for assessment: those which are popular within the field and also illustrative examples from some of the case studies found, particularly where they show how the reliability and validity of the methods have been considered. It does not aim to be an exhaustive list of case studies or methods, but a representative sample to act as a `jumping off point' for librarians considering introducing assessment of information literacy into their own institutions.

Information literacy in the workplace: A qualitative exploratory study

Crawford, J., Irving, C. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Although increasingly recognized as a future skills issue, the use of information in the workplace is a little studied area within library and information research. A substantial `pedagogic' literature of learning in the workplace exists, however, and this was critically reviewed to generate a repertoire of issues which could in turn be used to inform a research project. This repertoire was supplemented by advice from the Scottish Information Literacy Project's partners and contacts including those working in Adult Literacies. These issues were used to generate research questions for an interview-based project which, it was hoped, would generate both action points and further research questions. With the help of partners a range of interviewees was identified, mainly in the public sector. Information usage in the workplace, as the pedagogic literature predicted, proved to be a form of social interaction with people, both within and outside the organization, being generally the prime source of information. Other sources included intranets, electronic resource data management systems, a limited range of Internet sites and a small number of printed sources. Recommendations include the need to establish contacts with chambers of commerce, skills agencies and trade unions. Public libraries should explore the possibility of developing information literacy training programmes.

Librarians' attitudes towards marketing library services

Aharony, N. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

This research set out to explore the attitudes of school, academic and public librarians towards marketing libraries. The main question that was examined is whether personality characteristics such as empowerment, extroversion and resistance to change influence librarians' attitudes towards the marketing of libraries. One hundred and fifty-six participants took part in this study. The research tools included: a personal details questionnaire, extroversion/ introversion questionnaire, attitudes towards marketing a library questionnaire, a resistance to change questionnaire and an empowerment questionnaire. The most important finding of this research was the positive correlation between personal characteristics: empowerment, extroversion and resistance to change and attitudes towards marketing libraries. The results of the current research emphasize the idea that librarians of all branches should be exposed to marketing concepts in order to maintain their central position as information providers despite — and within — the new technologies.

Book Review: Equity and Excellence in the Public Library: Why Ignorance is Not Our Heritage by Bob Usherwood 2007, Aldershot: Ashgate, 238pp, {pound}45.00 ISBN 978075462

Webster, F. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Research Methods in Information by Alison J. Pickard 2007, London: Facet, 329pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856045452

Hayter, S. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Panning for Gold: Information Literacy and the Net Lenses Model by Sylvia Edwards 2006, Adelaide: Auslib Press, 212pp, A$55.00 ISBN 1875145605

Fieldhouse, M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: The Academic Research Library in a Decade of Change by Reg Carr 2007, Oxford: Chandos, 237pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 1843342456

Steele, C. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Self-examination: The Present and Future of Librarianship by John M. Budd 2008, Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 282pp, {pound}36.95, ISBN 9781591585916

Hannabuss, S. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Librarianship: An Introduction by G.G. Chowdhury, Paul F. Burton, David McMenemy and Alan Poulter 2008, London: Facet, 329pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046176

Bowman, J.H. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Metadata and Its Applications in the Digital Library: Approaches and Practices by Jia Liu 2007, Westport CT: Libraries Unlimited, 192pp, $40.00 ISBN 9781591583066

Bawden, D. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Annual Review of Science and Technology, Volume 42 edited by Blaise Cronin 2008, Medford, NJ: Information Today Inc., 686pp, $124.95, ISBN 9781573873086; ISSN 00664200

Johnson, I. M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST

Book Review: Information Literacy Meets Library 2.0 edited by Peter Godwin and Jo Parker 2008, London: Facet, 188pp, {pound}39.95, ISBN 9781856046374

Underwood, P. G. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:05:44 PST