Library and Information Research (LIR)
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MATTHEWS, G. & WALTON, G. (Eds.). University libraries and space in the digital world. Farnham: Ashgate. 2013.
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Public libraries in the "age of austerity": income generation and public library ethos
Get PDFThe budgets of Britain’s public services have been under sustained pressure and public libraries are no exception to public spending cuts in today’s “age of austerity”. Librarians increasingly try to supplement shrinking budgets by employing a variety of income generation methods. But are these methods always in line with the public library ethos? This article presents data showing what British librarians hold to be the public library ethos, what they undertake to generate extra income to maintain public library services and whether they think that their efforts to generate additional income are ever in contradiction to the public library ethos. The article is based on survey and interview data produced in 2013 and also provides, in a Supplementary File, a comprehensive list of income generation methods. The research methods only allowed for the production of non-generalisable data
The Researcher Librarian Partnership: building a culture of research
Get PDFIncreasingly, the library and information science (LIS) practitioner is being challenged to incorporate research into the context of their professional work. This paper reports on the Researcher-Librarian Partnership, a research-mentoring programme that was initiated by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Six new LIS practitioners within their first seven years of professional practice took part in the programme. Each was partnered with an experienced LIS researcher who provided mentoring and support. During the 12-month programme the new professionals designed and implemented a research project on a topic of interest. This paper outlines the details of the programme providing observations on how research mentoring can be a powerful way to ensure all stakeholders – practitioners, educators and professional associations – can plan an active role in supporting the development of a research culture within the profession
"You don’t come to the library to look at porn and stuff like that": Filtering software in public libraries
Get PDFShould public libraries filter the content of internet services offered to their users? We discuss this question in the light of findings from the AHRC-funded MAIPLE project, which has been investigating measures taken by UK Public Library Services to manage public internet provision in their libraries. Initial findings suggest that filtering software is extensively used, and that librarians and users alike are mostly content with this solution. It could be argued that this position is at odds with our professional and ethical duties towards clients to provide uninhibited access to information and ideas. However, we recognise the social norms and realities in which services must operate and go on to discuss clear and transparent policies and procedures that public libraries might adopt to mitigate the potential for misuse of their internet facilities
Electronic sources in libraries of Polish technical universities: yesterday and today
Get PDFThe aim of this article is to outline changes in the libraries of Polish technical universities, as a result of the proliferation of electronic information sources. Methods of gaining access to them are discussed. Results of a survey, which suggest that the increasing availability of e-resources does not go hand in hand with the development of skills for selecting, assessing and using these resources, are described. Usage statistics for three e-resources from three technical universities are also described. With the introduction of remote access, the number of user visits to the library decreased. Thus cultural activities, as well as adapting the library space to users’ changing expectations, have become necessary to attract users. Libraries are becoming increasingly “open” to users’ needs, and in addition to traditional tasks many of them have taken up the role of a university information centre
What is the current state of practitioner research? The 2013 LIRG Research Scan
Get PDFThis paper reports on a scoping review commissioned as a research scan by the CILIP Library and Information Research Group (LIRG) and undertaken by a small research team at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. Firstly the recent literature (2010-2012) on LIS practitioner-focused research was identified and briefly reviewed. This was supplemented by an entities scan; that is, a brief scan of key outputs (e.g. newsletters, discussion lists, etcetera) produced by CILIP specialist interest groups (SIGS). The team identified a total of 142 relevant papers. These were coded and characterised against relevant frameworks. A brief selection of items in each category was reviewed. The paper concludes by suggesting priorities to improve practitioner research at practitioner, organisational and strategic level. Particular attention was focused on the stimulation of collaborative “hive” research activities and on monitoring existing good practice from other groups, associations and countries
Spreading the word: how public libraries are helping to extend digital inclusion
Get PDFPublic libraries are on the frontline in the battle to engage those lacking IT skills, offering free access to the internet and support where required. The range of services available online has increased exponentially in the last few years to the extent that those without IT skills are at a considerable disadvantage. This has been recognised by governments at UK, Scottish and local authority level and the push to offer basic training is on. Public libraries have a vitally important role to play in encouraging citizens to meet their full potential, by opening up access to information, education, employment and entitlements only available online. Bridging the crucial skills gap cannot be achieved without significant investment in the hardware, software and staffing public libraries provide. Properly resourced, they are uniquely placed to meet growing demand