Library and Information Research (LIR)
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Applications of Edith Stein\u27s empathy theory to Library Science
No full textLibrary Science has traditionally been a discipline which operates from a pragmatic rather than a philosophical framework. Theory is traditionally superseded by practice, rendering librarianship a field lacking in concrete foundations. However, philosophy, particularly phenomenology, harbors powerful ramifications for improving both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of the field. In particular, phenomenologist Edith Stein\u27s research on empathy has the unique potential to advance librarianship by providing a model for better understanding of patron needs. In order to translate Stein\u27s theory into practice, the classic feminist strategy of consciousness-raising provides a novel methodology
The shape and state of gaming in UK libraries
Get PDFThis article describes the results of a survey to ascertain the current state of gaming provision in UK libraries. The online survey was completed by a self-selecting sample of libraries from mainly public and school libraries. The questions were based on similar surveys carried out by the Library Game Lab at Syracuse in the United States. The results show that, despite little mention of gaming in library policy documents, there is evidence considerable support for gaming in UK public and school libraries. A number of benefits for libraries and gamers are identified, but there are barriers to greater involvement in gaming such as resources and negative attitudes within the professio
The Accidental Health Sciences Librarian Review
No full textThis review looks at a book which incorporates the results of a survey of health librarians in the USA. This is, overall, an excellent introduction to health sciences librarianship, whether you want introductory books to read, insights into the technical resources used regularly, case studies, or nuggets of advice on a range of topics. It would be a good choice for those not sure if health library work is for them - or to remind those of us who are "accidental health sciences librarians" how we ended up here in the first place
Methods for demonstrating the value of public libraries in the UK: a literature review
Get PDFThis paper summarises the findings of a report commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals\u27 (CILIP) Library and Information Research Group (LIRG) to produce a comprehensive review of existing quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies for demonstrating the value of public libraries in the United Kingdom (UK).
A thorough literature review of existing research was carried out and an investigation into best practices for evaluating impact was conducted. A wide range of journals and books published within the fields of library and information science and social research have been consulted. Relevant White Papers and Reviews; such as those published by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC); the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), the Department of Culture, Sport and Media (DCMS); and the American Library Association (ALA) have been analysed. Additional online searches helped to identify models of best practice; and the most up to date methods currently in use for measuring value outside of the UK.
During the early stages of the literature review it became clear that a limited amount of research has been carried out in the UK field of public library valuation. Although academic researchers at Loughborough, Sheffield and Strathclyde University have published various journal articles and reports on this topic there is a lack of evidence that local authorities have been implementing the methodologies that the academics have recommended. Although it is possible that some local authorities may be working in isolation to implement bespoke evaluation methodologies it has been difficult to uncover examples of best practice in the UK. Therefore, as the literature review progressed the author expanded beyond the UK public library sector, and into the broader areas of economics, sociology and psychology. This enabled a more thorough understanding of the increase in evaluations, incentives, benchmarking, objective setting, accountability; and social and economic auditing.
It is anticipated that the findings of this research will help the sector to develop more appropriate models for demonstrating the value of public libraries in the 21st century.
The original report was compiled in June 2010
An investigation into the attitudes of academic librarians towards Internet plagiarism of HE students.
Get PDFThis paper aims to report an investigation into the attitudes of academic librarians towards Internet plagiarism by higher education students, particularly, how they define Internet plagiarism, their perceived role in combating this phenomenon, and the skills and techniques they have or will adopt to achieve this. A Delphi study was undertaken using a sample of 10 respondents. The responses demonstrated that plagiarism is a multifaceted term and not easily definable, however respondents were unanimous in their opinion that the Internet has made it easier to plagiarise. The potential for active collaboration between librarians and academics to jointly address Internet plagiarism was seen as vital by all respondents, although opinion was divided on the role of librarians and academics. A blended approach is recommended, which involves involving policing and prevention; in addition to ensuring that students are achieving information literacy well before they reach the gates of the University
BÜLOW, Anna E. and Jess Ahmon. Preparing collections for digitization. London: Facet Publishing. 2011.
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The rationale for the DREaM: Developing Research Excellence and Methods Project
Get PDFThe article describes the background to the development of the DREaM project, which is aimed at expanding the range of skills of UK-based researchers in the LIS field, and at developing a network of active researchers, both in academia and amongst LIS practitioners. The project, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council involves two major conferences and a number of workshops throughout the UK starting in July 2011. Details of the events, and how the project will be evaluated, are provided