Library Review

David McMenemy

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750545

Purpose – The purpose of this Editorial is to discuss the nature of television‐based celebrity book clubs and the pressures on public librarians to provide reading material for users who wish to take part in them. Design/methodology/approach – The article provides a reflective viewpoint. Findings – While initiatives that promote reading should be welcomed, equally librarians may have to concern themselves with the ethics of stock selection in promoting such clubs. While this does not mean taking part is a mistake, stock selection based on anything other than community need is potentially problematic. Practical implications – Of practical use to practitioners who may be considering the issue of promoting books made popular via television endorsement. Originality/value – The paper questions whether something that is taken for granted, i.e. promotion of reading through such clubs, is actually always a good thing for libraries and readers.

Nicholas Joint

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750554

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that government‐led social legislation inspired by Victorian ideals of paternalistic law‐making is still an appropriate way of intervening to promote citizenship and equity in the information society of the 21st century. However, to do so effectively is more complex than traditional models suggest and needs ongoing and energetic participation from the library and information services (LIS) profession to ensure good laws are put on to the statute book. Design/methodology/approach – A detailed review of certain targeted aspects of the relevant legislation, put into the context of broad concepts of social reform from UK history. Findings – That the outcomes of recent legislation in the area of intellectual property protection and disability discrimination have not been as beneficial as they could have been had the insights of the LIS profession been incorporated into the process of law‐making. Research limitations/implications – The international comparative dimension of legislation in this area could give scope for further academic research. Practical implications – This paper suggests ways in which the UK library and information professionals’ association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, can be supported in its work to improve the quality of laws relating to library services and practice in the UK. Originality/value – This paper combines a number of different perspectives – historical, informational, and legal – in an attempt to give insight on some important contemporary social and political issues of particular interest to Library and Information practitioners.

Stuart James

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750563

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to indicates the history and nature of Library Review over 80 years. Design/methodology/approach – A chronological narrative highlights the main themes and personalities involved in the history of the journal. Findings – Library Review has changed in nature and outlook since its foundation although many of its professional fundamentals remain unchanged. Practical implications – Discusses the history of one of the longest running library journals and as such should be of practical interest to library historians and those interested in journal publishing. Originality/value – Celebrates the 80th anniversary of Library Review , written by a former editor, the second‐longest‐serving incumbent at the journal.

Priti Jain

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750572

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small‐scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM. Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers. Research limitations/implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in‐depth knowledge related to KM. Practical implications – This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs. Originality/value – Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa.

Juliet Eve; Margo de Groot; Anne‐Marie Schmidt

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750581

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings from the European project PuLLS (Public Libraries in the Learning Society), funded by the EU's Socrates programme. Design/methodology approach – Describes a piece of action research, outlining the development and implementation of a model for delivering open learning to adult library users. Findings – Details of the model, and the course developed and offered by partner libraries are described. Results suggest there is a significant role for libraries to play in supporting both ICT skills and wider information literacy learning. Practical implications – Sharing of results may be useful for public libraries wishing to develop open learning facilities/develop audiences for lifelong learning. Suggests that libraries are beginning to move from a passive access approach to supporting learning to a more active approach in delivering library‐generated content themselves. Originality/value – The paper offers insights into supporting lifelong learning in public libraries across Europe.

Syed Jalaluddin Haider; Khalid Mahmood

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710750590

Purpose – The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this program and difficulties encountered in this regard at different universities are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The study is mainly based on review of the literature. Research theses approved at MPhil and PhD level are evaluated. Some information collected from Library and Information Science (LIS) schools through personal communication is also provided. Findings – The problems that did not allow success in the doctoral programs in LIS were: lack of encouragement by seniors in a real sense; low esteem for indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow professionals; little or no impact of early recipients of the degree on profession; and non‐availability of financial assistance to the prospective candidates. Of the findings mention is made of: no fixed criteria for admission; the research topics do not concern the problems; and absence of proper supervision/guidance resulting in poor quality of thesis in most cases. Suggestions include: formation of a high level committee comprising senior library educators under the Higher Education Commission to work out problems and streamline the process; maintenance of close links with library schools in other countries, particularly in the English speaking world, which are interested in global librarianship. Originality/value – This paper is the only evaluation of postmaster level LIS education in Pakistan. The findings are useful for planners of LIS education at postmaster level in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.