Library Review

Nicholas Joint

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831202

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that, for historical reasons related to the manner in which career progression and professional accreditation has developed in the UK, newly qualified LIS professionals are uniquely positioned to reshape the role of their professional association in this country. Design/methodology/approach – An opinion piece based on a brief and selective conference report from the 2007 American Library Association conference held in Washington DC. Findings – Newly qualified professionals in the UK may well find good models for reshaping the UK profession by taking some of the best examples of professional association practice from the USA. Research limitations/implications – The suggestions made in this paper are entirely value‐based, but their acceptability at the practitioner level is a potential avenue for further investigation. Practical implications – This piece attempts to give newly qualified LIS practitioners some very clear ideas about how to develop their own professional practice by reference to broader principles of professional ethics, law and the role of the professional association. Originality/value – This paper attempts to give an original synthesis of viewpoints from two different national perspectives.

Abigail Luthmann

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831211

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the professional role of the librarian, examining the images of presented by professional literature, mass media and popular culture. Design/methodology/approach – The historical development of the library professional is considered. Conceptions of librarians in professional literature, mass media and popular culture are examined. The ongoing dialogue upon the nature of the professional role within the professional press and email discussion lists is also discussed. Findings – Images of librarians within mass media and culture are often positive and heroic whereas images within professional literature tend to reinforce stereotypes. Originality/value – An examination of the professional role of the librarian, particularly in the UK, considering images and content from the mass media, popular culture and professional literature.

Jacalyn E. Bryan

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831220

Purpose – Faculty status for academic librarians is an issue that has been the subject of much debate in recent decades. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key points raised during this debate, in the hope of achieving a suitable resolution. Design/methodology/approach – This paper begins with an overview of the issue of faculty status for academic librarians from an historical perspective and then continues with a review of literature from the past three decades. The pros and cons of granting faculty status are examined, as well as alternate models, followed by a proposed recommendation. Findings – While there are a number of concerns regarding the value of faculty status for academic librarians, such as disagreement with the basic tenet that librarians are primarily teachers, the weight of the evidence seems to support the granting of faculty status to academic librarians. This status provides academic freedom, recognition of librarians in their role as educators, and financial benefits and job security and is supported by the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Association of American Colleges, and the American Association of University Professors. Research limitations/implications – While this paper is a review of selected relevant literature, only a small portion of the literature was of an empirical nature. There is a need for more studies which directly measure the impact of faculty status for academic librarians on the librarians themselves and the students, faculty, and institutions they serve. Originality/value – The paper shows that with faculty status, academic librarians receive the same rights and privileges as other faculty and participate in college or university governance, thereby increasing the integration of the library with the institution.

Seongsin Lee

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831239

Purpose – The puropse of this paper is to understand the components of Vroom's expectancy theory; to create or develop a public library customer motivation model using Vroom's expectancy theory; to suggest appropriate public library services marketing mindset which public libraries can employ to enhance customers’ perceived expectancy and instrumentality of public library services to motivate customers to use public library services more frequently based on the proposed public library customer motivation model; and to suggest appropriate public library services marketing strategies to motivate customers to use public library services more frequently based on the proposed public library customer motivation model. Design/methodology/approach – Research paper based on expectancy theory. Findings – Customer‐centered mindset is the most important factor to motivate public library customers. Furthermore, the suggested marketing strategies can be also achieved through a customer‐centered marketing mindset. In conclusion, public libraries should continuously focus on the recognition of customers’ needs and deliver long‐term value to customers. Originality/value – There were few studies that focused on library users’ motivations for using library products and services. In addition, there was a lack of developed theory in library and information science field.

Christelle Steyn; Janice A. de Wee

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831248

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the ever‐changing profession of the Health Information Specialists. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a literary essay. Findings – Health Information Specialists/librarians need to adapt and change constantly, in order to keep up with all new developments. Practical implications – This paper should be of interest to anyone involved in academic health libraries. Originality/value – The paper offers a viewpoint on the current and possible future situation of Health Information Specialists, especially in South Africa.

Regina Lee Roberts

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831257

Purpose – Libraries are exploring the meaning of the “information commons” and have responded to the technological needs of the diversity of digital access trends. The purpose of this conceptual article is to explore the possibilities of the next step of developing dynamic “learning commons” using examples of projects and ideas presented by librarians in the field. Design/methodology/approach – The “learning commons” model has the potential to be a laboratory for students, librarians and faculty. It is a collaboration space and requires partnerships and cooperation across disciplines. Ideas about user behavior and types of projects to be explored are included. Findings – Funding for learning commons is linked to measured outcomes. The role of the librarian changes to include advocacy and project planning. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates that the change in library service via the learning commons concept requires planning, interdisciplinary collaboration and a certain amount of risk taking. Originality/value – This paper is useful for librarians who are designing and/or implementing “learning commons” spaces and concepts into their libraries and library services.

Farzana Shafique

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831266

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review librarianship in different eras and throw light on its foreseeable future, as seen through the eyes of new librarians in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature search, website visits, personal communication with related experts and interviews of future librarians. A purposive sample of 20 students of the final semester from the Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab was chosen. Findings – The electronic environment of the 21st century will demand a range of skills from librarians. Technology alone cannot help bring about the required changes. Attitudes, practices and policies need to change if libraries are to truly benefit themselves and their community of users by the application of new technologies. Research limitations/implications – The research is mostly based on a small sample of future librarians” perception and researcher”s perception acquired through literature review and personal communication with experts. Practical implications – The paper can be helpful for both working and future library professionals in planning their professional future tracks. Originality/value – The paper provides an overview of librarianship in different eras and provides a thorough understanding of the foreseeable future as seen through the eyes of newly qualified Pakistani librarians.

Adrianna Lukasiewicz

2007 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530710831275

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that in order to remain a dynamic and important part of the university, academic librarians must embrace change and create digital libraries that offer innovative reference services and other cutting edge digital products such as podcasting and wikis. Design/methodology/approach – An examination of current research in the field. Findings – America Online Instant Messenger (AOL IM) has the potential to be used for reference chat, and more scholarship should be done in this area. Wikis and podcasting also have the potential to innovate service. Focused efforts through scholarship and implementation of new technological tools will ensure that librarians remain dynamic in the creation of digital libraries. Originality/value – An in‐depth discussion of podcasting, wikis, and virtual reference in the context of the academic library.