Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the bibliometric study of journal articles in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) related to outsourcing library functions, including publication trends from 1994 to 2015, core journals, authorship and citing articles used for librarians and researchers to have a basic reference of relevant resources. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consisted of journal article searches in SSCI with 1994-2015 as the date limiter. The search terms came from the topic of outsourcing to the topic of library by using the Boolean operator; and results were used in the Web of Science (WOS) database based on pre-determined categories and were evaluated based on the five research questions about core journals, authorship and citing articles. Findings The findings were based on the five research questions evaluated in the bibliometric study. There were 55 articles published on the topics of outsourcing and library authored by 80 individuals between 1994 and 2015. In the 55 articles analyzed, there were 24 different journals represented with 150 times cited. Originality/value This study takes the bibliometric analysis approach, which has rarely been used on the topics of outsourcing and library articles with the specific focus on library finance issues. It provides a foundation for further research on the topic as well as resources to be used by librarians and researchers.
本文的目的是对SSCI中与外包图书馆职能相关的期刊文章进行文献计量学研究,包括1994 - 2015年的出版趋势、核心期刊、作者和被引文章,为图书馆员和研究人员提供相关资源的基本参考。设计/方法/方法该方法包括SSCI期刊文章检索,以1994-2015年为日期限制。使用布尔运算符将搜索项从外包主题转换为图书馆主题;并将结果按照预先确定的分类录入Web of Science (WOS)数据库,根据核心期刊、作者和被引文章的5个研究问题进行评价。研究结果基于文献计量学研究中评估的五个研究问题。1994年至2015年间,80人撰写了55篇关于外包和图书馆主题的文章。在分析的55篇文章中,有24种不同的期刊被引用了150次。独创性/价值本研究采用文献计量分析方法,这种方法很少用于研究外包和图书馆文章的主题,并特别关注图书馆财务问题。它为进一步研究这一主题提供了基础,也为图书馆员和研究人员提供了资源。
{"title":"Outsourcing library functions: a bibliometric study in SSCI","authors":"T. Ma, Gwo-Guang Lee","doi":"10.1108/BL-12-2015-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-12-2015-0022","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore the bibliometric study of journal articles in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) related to outsourcing library functions, including publication trends from 1994 to 2015, core journals, authorship and citing articles used for librarians and researchers to have a basic reference of relevant resources. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The methodology consisted of journal article searches in SSCI with 1994-2015 as the date limiter. The search terms came from the topic of outsourcing to the topic of library by using the Boolean operator; and results were used in the Web of Science (WOS) database based on pre-determined categories and were evaluated based on the five research questions about core journals, authorship and citing articles. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The findings were based on the five research questions evaluated in the bibliometric study. There were 55 articles published on the topics of outsourcing and library authored by 80 individuals between 1994 and 2015. In the 55 articles analyzed, there were 24 different journals represented with 150 times cited. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This study takes the bibliometric analysis approach, which has rarely been used on the topics of outsourcing and library articles with the specific focus on library finance issues. It provides a foundation for further research on the topic as well as resources to be used by librarians and researchers.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"200 1","pages":"251-258"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80722802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This paper aims to deal with recognizing and reacting to an aging workforce and understanding the value that older workers can still represent to an organization. Design/methodology/approach This article references field literature to support the points addressed. Findings Librarians and library workers have knowledge and experience that can provide value to both their organizations as they approach retirement and afterwards as retirees in a variety of ways. Originality/value This article represents the viewpoint of the author produced from his experiences and understandings.
{"title":"The value of older library workers","authors":"M. Crumpton","doi":"10.1108/BL-01-2016-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-01-2016-0004","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This paper aims to deal with recognizing and reacting to an aging workforce and understanding the value that older workers can still represent to an organization. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This article references field literature to support the points addressed. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Librarians and library workers have knowledge and experience that can provide value to both their organizations as they approach retirement and afterwards as retirees in a variety of ways. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This article represents the viewpoint of the author produced from his experiences and understandings.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"7 1","pages":"226-229"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72831439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This column aims to propose the idea of using learning management systems (LMSs) as a platform for online training and development within academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach A background and literature review are used as a basis for these recommendations. Findings The column argues that LMSs possess untapped potential as an effective online library training platform. Originality/value The column proposes further widespread use of LMSs for online training and development in academic libraries, despite a historical lack of use for this purpose.
{"title":"Training academic library staff using an online learning management system (LMS)","authors":"B. Bell","doi":"10.1108/BL-02-2016-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-02-2016-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This column aims to propose the idea of using learning management systems (LMSs) as a platform for online training and development within academic libraries. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000A background and literature review are used as a basis for these recommendations. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The column argues that LMSs possess untapped potential as an effective online library training platform. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The column proposes further widespread use of LMSs for online training and development in academic libraries, despite a historical lack of use for this purpose.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"67 1","pages":"237-240"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88668520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in providing computing services to library users in an era of shrinking budgets, reductions in staffing and increased costs. Design/methodology/approach Uses examples and illustrations from the technology literature and both anecdotal and analytic information from the author’s library to highlight some of the implications and resulting costs of password fatigue. Findings Web users are increasingly finding themselves in situations where they are overwhelmed by the stress induced by the need to remember many usernames and password combinations of varying complexities to complete their tasks at home, work and school. Originality/value This paper describes the shortcomings and counter-productive nature of the exceedingly complex and increasingly insecure world of usernames and password-protected web-based services. The cost of help desk-mediated password resets is enormous. Libraries are not immune to a large volume of calls generated by access issues.
{"title":"Transient technologies: the end of the username and password?","authors":"Anthony McMullen","doi":"10.1108/BL-02-2016-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-02-2016-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The purpose of this paper is to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in providing computing services to library users in an era of shrinking budgets, reductions in staffing and increased costs. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Uses examples and illustrations from the technology literature and both anecdotal and analytic information from the author’s library to highlight some of the implications and resulting costs of password fatigue. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Web users are increasingly finding themselves in situations where they are overwhelmed by the stress induced by the need to remember many usernames and password combinations of varying complexities to complete their tasks at home, work and school. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This paper describes the shortcomings and counter-productive nature of the exceedingly complex and increasingly insecure world of usernames and password-protected web-based services. The cost of help desk-mediated password resets is enormous. Libraries are not immune to a large volume of calls generated by access issues.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"16 1","pages":"230-232"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81676624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the impact the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) Library and Information Studies Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) Scholars Program has had on promoting diversity and adding value to the library and information studies profession.Design/methodology/approachThis article is presented as a case study in which three iterations of the ACE Scholars Program are discussed, including program design and suggested impact the program has had on educating and engaging diverse individuals for careers in the library and information studies professions.FindingsNearly 50 ACE Scholars program participants, representing ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, have graduated from UNCG with their MLIS degrees since 2011. In the five years since the first ACE cohort graduated, Scholar alums continue to impact the LIS profession through their professional roles as well as through their community engagement, professional association memberships and leadership roles, professional presentations, and numerous publications.Originality/valueThis article presents a model that has helped to promote diversity in the LIS field in way that can be adapted by other graduate programs that are preparing individuals for successful and engaged careers as library and information studies professionals.
{"title":"Promoting Diversity to Add Value to the LIS Profession","authors":"Rebecca A. Croxton, M. Crumpton, Gerald V. Holmes","doi":"10.1108/BL-05-2016-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2016-0024","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the impact the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) Library and Information Studies Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) Scholars Program has had on promoting diversity and adding value to the library and information studies profession.Design/methodology/approachThis article is presented as a case study in which three iterations of the ACE Scholars Program are discussed, including program design and suggested impact the program has had on educating and engaging diverse individuals for careers in the library and information studies professions.FindingsNearly 50 ACE Scholars program participants, representing ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, have graduated from UNCG with their MLIS degrees since 2011. In the five years since the first ACE cohort graduated, Scholar alums continue to impact the LIS profession through their professional roles as well as through their community engagement, professional association memberships and leadership roles, professional presentations, and numerous publications.Originality/valueThis article presents a model that has helped to promote diversity in the LIS field in way that can be adapted by other graduate programs that are preparing individuals for successful and engaged careers as library and information studies professionals.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"4 1","pages":"191-206"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87687190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PurposeThis article discusses a collaboration with a non-profit organization conducted as part of the Real Learning Connections project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. We discuss our experiences working with a non-profit partner from outside the university and the benefits gained from collaboration.Design/methodology/approachThis is a reflection based on the personal experiences of the authors as collaborators in the project.FindingsThrough our experience with the Real Learning Connections project, we found that collaborating with a non-profit organization provides a unique opportunity for library school students to learn practical skills while also providing value to the non-profit organization in the form of expertise in information services.Originality/valueThis piece discusses the benefits of collaboration from the perspective of both an LIS student and a professional librarian, as well as considering the experiences of an external non-profit organization.
{"title":"Making connections while earning an MLIS","authors":"S. Loor, M. Crumpton","doi":"10.1108/BL-05-2016-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2016-0022","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis article discusses a collaboration with a non-profit organization conducted as part of the Real Learning Connections project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. We discuss our experiences working with a non-profit partner from outside the university and the benefits gained from collaboration.Design/methodology/approachThis is a reflection based on the personal experiences of the authors as collaborators in the project.FindingsThrough our experience with the Real Learning Connections project, we found that collaborating with a non-profit organization provides a unique opportunity for library school students to learn practical skills while also providing value to the non-profit organization in the form of expertise in information services.Originality/valueThis piece discusses the benefits of collaboration from the perspective of both an LIS student and a professional librarian, as well as considering the experiences of an external non-profit organization.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"116 1","pages":"166-172"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89582932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion on the added value of a library science degree in a community college setting. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint supported with research from current field literature. Findings This is demonstrating the variances of perceived value of LIS degrees in different library settings. Recommendations are made for individuals to lead their own career needs. Originality/value This is the author’s own points of view.
{"title":"Bringing value to the library science degree in a changing environment","authors":"Suvanida Duangudom, Nora J. Bird","doi":"10.1108/BL-05-2016-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2016-0021","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion on the added value of a library science degree in a community college setting. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This is a viewpoint supported with research from current field literature. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This is demonstrating the variances of perceived value of LIS degrees in different library settings. Recommendations are made for individuals to lead their own career needs. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This is the author’s own points of view.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"29 1","pages":"218-222"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86718511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the competencies, skills and knowledge obtained through a master’s degree in library and information science (LIS) and to identify those competencies that are most valued by graduates who obtained employment in non-library roles. These observations will contribute to an understanding of the transferability of LIS education which will assist LIS professionals and educators to frame LIS competencies in a way that appeals to employers outside of library settings who may not have any knowledge of LIS education or practice. Design/methodology/approach The grounded theory methodology was used with data collection taking the form of semi-structured interviews. Interviews were between 30 and 90 min in length and included career narratives, as well as responses to particular questions about different aspects of professional identity. Participants included graduates of master’s level LIS programs employed in a variety of positions including information managers, policy analysts, human resources specialists, marketers, vendors, taxonomists, search engine designers and information consultants. The participants were employed in sectors including government, information technology, aerospace, oil and gas and retail/online sales in both Canada and the USA. Findings The participants in this study found that their LIS education was valuable to their success in a number of non-library roles. Although the specific career paths of participants were each unique and the different roles they occupied required different combinations of skills, a list of key transferable LIS competencies could be identified. These included a focus on client service, the ability to identify need, and the ability to search for information and navigate databases. In addition, several participants observed that their coursework and opportunities to participate in internships, co-operative positions or work placements prepared them for such workplace conditions as deadlines and fast-paced environments. Originality/value This study involved a population of LIS graduates whose experiences have not been extensively examined in the past. This article helps to fill a gap in the understanding of the professional experiences of LIS graduates who pursue roles outside of libraries. In addition, the semi-structured interview technique allowed for deeper understanding of participants’ perceptions of which of their competencies, skills and knowledge were valuable to employees. This information was gained through answers to specific skills-focused questions intended to identify which competencies developed during their LIS education assisted them most in their careers, as well as larger career narratives. This study will have implications for library practitioners and educators. It will provide insights into valued skills for those who are designing or implementing LIS education programs, as well
{"title":"The value of the MLS or MLIS degree","authors":"Melissa Fraser-Arnott","doi":"10.1108/BL-03-2016-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-03-2016-0015","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The purpose of this paper is to examine the competencies, skills and knowledge obtained through a master’s degree in library and information science (LIS) and to identify those competencies that are most valued by graduates who obtained employment in non-library roles. These observations will contribute to an understanding of the transferability of LIS education which will assist LIS professionals and educators to frame LIS competencies in a way that appeals to employers outside of library settings who may not have any knowledge of LIS education or practice. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The grounded theory methodology was used with data collection taking the form of semi-structured interviews. Interviews were between 30 and 90 min in length and included career narratives, as well as responses to particular questions about different aspects of professional identity. Participants included graduates of master’s level LIS programs employed in a variety of positions including information managers, policy analysts, human resources specialists, marketers, vendors, taxonomists, search engine designers and information consultants. The participants were employed in sectors including government, information technology, aerospace, oil and gas and retail/online sales in both Canada and the USA. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The participants in this study found that their LIS education was valuable to their success in a number of non-library roles. Although the specific career paths of participants were each unique and the different roles they occupied required different combinations of skills, a list of key transferable LIS competencies could be identified. These included a focus on client service, the ability to identify need, and the ability to search for information and navigate databases. In addition, several participants observed that their coursework and opportunities to participate in internships, co-operative positions or work placements prepared them for such workplace conditions as deadlines and fast-paced environments. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This study involved a population of LIS graduates whose experiences have not been extensively examined in the past. This article helps to fill a gap in the understanding of the professional experiences of LIS graduates who pursue roles outside of libraries. In addition, the semi-structured interview technique allowed for deeper understanding of participants’ perceptions of which of their competencies, skills and knowledge were valuable to employees. This information was gained through answers to specific skills-focused questions intended to identify which competencies developed during their LIS education assisted them most in their careers, as well as larger career narratives. This study will have implications for library practitioners and educators. It will provide insights into valued skills for those who are designing or implementing LIS education programs, as well","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"63 1","pages":"129-141"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84002738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This paper aims to examine the teaching of library graduate students in an introductory course on the foundations of librarianship. To examine the specific skill of developing an ethical foundation in their future profession of librarianship, an examination is offered here using a multiple-step teaching strategy, introducing specific instructional materials, including a model of assessing ethics and a proposed integration of research skills with problem-based learning (PBL) as the suggested teaching delivery. As the experience proved to provide positive outcomes for student learning, the paper provides not only this operational examination but also the theoretical justification for further adaptation and usage of PBL as a teaching method in library and information science (LIS) education. Described are details LIS faculty should consider in implementing the method in teaching, especially on the topic of professional ethics. Methodology/approach This research project focused on exploring a new way of exploring the teaching of ethical behaviors in the library profession by examining real-world examples of ethics in trade news sources. It was therefore determined that the best strategy was to design a teaching activity that assists students in learning two sets of skills: information-seeking behavior and developing ethical boundaries and standards that a librarian would use in professional practice. Findings The process is often taught in a linear manner, but in practice, ethical situations are found and expressed in non-linear ways. In practice, the profession is rife with ethics, non-rules, non-lists and no checklists upon how to behave. Ethical dilemmas are extemporaneous, and yet decisions regarding them can be made from the guidance of professional associations and combined with thoughtful analysis. Originality/value Redefining any pedagogical activity in graduate teaching is, at times, more herculean than it seems at the start, yet with distilling the process into workable steps with appropriate protocols, we can successfully teach ethics in new ways. More integration of PBL is hereby advocated throughout LIS curriculum in a variety of contexts.
{"title":"Teaching ethical dilemmas in LIS coursework","authors":"James H. Walther","doi":"10.1108/BL-05-2016-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2016-0020","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This paper aims to examine the teaching of library graduate students in an introductory course on the foundations of librarianship. To examine the specific skill of developing an ethical foundation in their future profession of librarianship, an examination is offered here using a multiple-step teaching strategy, introducing specific instructional materials, including a model of assessing ethics and a proposed integration of research skills with problem-based learning (PBL) as the suggested teaching delivery. As the experience proved to provide positive outcomes for student learning, the paper provides not only this operational examination but also the theoretical justification for further adaptation and usage of PBL as a teaching method in library and information science (LIS) education. Described are details LIS faculty should consider in implementing the method in teaching, especially on the topic of professional ethics. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This research project focused on exploring a new way of exploring the teaching of ethical behaviors in the library profession by examining real-world examples of ethics in trade news sources. It was therefore determined that the best strategy was to design a teaching activity that assists students in learning two sets of skills: information-seeking behavior and developing ethical boundaries and standards that a librarian would use in professional practice. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The process is often taught in a linear manner, but in practice, ethical situations are found and expressed in non-linear ways. In practice, the profession is rife with ethics, non-rules, non-lists and no checklists upon how to behave. Ethical dilemmas are extemporaneous, and yet decisions regarding them can be made from the guidance of professional associations and combined with thoughtful analysis. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Redefining any pedagogical activity in graduate teaching is, at times, more herculean than it seems at the start, yet with distilling the process into workable steps with appropriate protocols, we can successfully teach ethics in new ways. More integration of PBL is hereby advocated throughout LIS curriculum in a variety of contexts.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"20 1","pages":"180-190"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83796705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose This paper aims to show the importance of the Master’s degree in the library and information sciences in learning the essential values of library and information science culture. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a discussion based upon the author’s decades of experience as a librarian and library science professor. Findings Cultural values help unify the diverse profession of librarianship. Librarians working in different types and sizes are able to cooperate because of these shared values. Research limitations/implications The paper does not build upon any research studies. Practical implications The paper provides ways in which library and information science schools can help students learn the important elements of library culture. Social implications Library culture helps librarians bond together and work toward common goals to benefit the profession. Originality/value The value of library culture as a unifying factor has not often been systematically investigated. This paper also integrates current trends in librarianship including the increased focus on information technology.
{"title":"Library culture and the MLIS: the bonds that unite librarianship","authors":"R. Holley","doi":"10.1108/BL-05-2016-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2016-0023","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This paper aims to show the importance of the Master’s degree in the library and information sciences in learning the essential values of library and information science culture. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The paper is a discussion based upon the author’s decades of experience as a librarian and library science professor. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Cultural values help unify the diverse profession of librarianship. Librarians working in different types and sizes are able to cooperate because of these shared values. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Research limitations/implications \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The paper does not build upon any research studies. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Practical implications \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The paper provides ways in which library and information science schools can help students learn the important elements of library culture. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Social implications \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Library culture helps librarians bond together and work toward common goals to benefit the profession. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The value of library culture as a unifying factor has not often been systematically investigated. This paper also integrates current trends in librarianship including the increased focus on information technology.","PeriodicalId":44548,"journal":{"name":"Bottom Line","volume":"248 1","pages":"207-217"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2016-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90812557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}