Library Review

Nicholas Joint

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845017

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationship between library and information management principles and defence and national security. Design/methodology/approach – An opinion piece based on viewpoints from speakers at the 2007 American Library Association conference held in Washington DC, and on recent US writings on US foreign and defence policy. Findings – That there is a verifiable relationship between library and information management principles and defence and national security. But the exact nature of this relationship is open to dispute, which therefore presents important challenges in professional ethics to librarians. Research limitations/implications – It is impossible to define the moral parameters of professional ethical issue in the abstract. Reflective and sophisticated analysis of ethical issues in the particular contemporary context is an ongoing requirement of LIS research. Practical implications – It is important for a fully rounded professional to see the relevance of larger moral, political and social issues to the narrower sphere of their professional practice. Originality/value – This paper gives a starting point for the analysis of information principles in terms of the most recent developments in the international political arena.

Sajjad Rehman; Laila Marouf

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845026

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the perceptions of the graduates of Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at Kuwait University about coursework, faculty, instructional methods, instructional facilities, fieldwork, comprehensive examination, and research component. Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument was used for electronic administration. Eighty graduates of the MLIS program of Kuwait University were identified as population of the study. Sixty‐seven alumni (86.3 per cent) participated in the survey. Findings – Based on the analysis of 61 usable responses, it was found that the faculty and core courses received highest mean scores for satisfaction whereas elective coursework, fieldwork, and comprehensive examinations received the lowest. Qualitative analysis of the participants revealed that the alumni wished broadening the breadth of the elective coursework and fundamental changes in fieldwork and comprehensive examination. Many of them were quite critical of instructional methods and facilities. Research limitations/implications – Results cannot be generalized to other graduate programs. Yet, these provide procedural guidance and insights about the way these studies of perception can be conducted. Practical implications – This input can be meaningfully applied in further development of the MLIS program. Originality/value – It is original research that carries value for the assessment of graduate programs of library and information studies.

Clare Snowball

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845035

Purpose – Children and teenagers are the future adult users of libraries, and how they are treated in our libraries, particularly school and public libraries, can cement lifelong memories and habits in these young people. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The following paper is a review of the literature on young people's, particularly teenagers’ use (or lack thereof) of libraries, the importance of library use and methods to encourage library use in young people. Findings – Despite the findings from some of the literature that teenagers are less likely to visit libraries, there were many services and programmes in libraries that aim to reverse this trend. Research limitations/implications – Some of the literature is peer‐reviewed, but selected pieces were written by librarians in the field about their interactions with young people in their libraries. Although the latter cannot be generalised to all young people, they are important in providing examples of what occurs in some cases and what might be replicated in other settings. Originality/value – Encouraging young people to visit and enjoy libraries can be a rewarding experience and is important in creating the next generation of library users.

Meredith E. Torre

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845044

Purpose – Special collections departments are predominately portrayed or perceived as a place for researchers rather than as a means for enhancing the learning experience for the undergraduate student. The very nature of rare books and manuscripts means that arguments to discourage their heavy use prevail. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews these perceptions, considers why such perceptions continue to thrive, and provides examples in which the image of special collections departments can be refashioned into a more inclusive environment for the undergraduate student. Findings – There are extraordinary barriers that face the average undergraduate experience with rare books at most academic institutions. Librarians of special collections departments and other primary resource collections can play a fundamental role in making these collections accessible to the undergraduate student. Originality/value – This paper reexamines the notion that special collections should have limited use due to conservation concerns and demonstrates that using fragile materials may serve as a good opportunity to reflect on the collection's conservational health.

Olugbenga Isaac Ajala

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845053

Purpose – The main objective of this study is to discuss the needs and the information utilization patterns of periodical literature amongst the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. As a result, the study attempts to solve the following problems: What are the information needs of undergraduate students in relation to periodical literature? How do they go about seeking such information needed in periodical literature? How do they make valuable use of the information available to them in such periodical literature? What should the university libraries do to meet the information needs of these students in relation to periodical literature? Design/methodology/approach – The researcher aimed at studying periodical literature use by the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. It is impossible to sample the entire population hence a cross‐sectional descriptive Survey design was employed as the most suitable because the population under study was fairly large and heterogeneous. A questionnaire was designed to know the attitude, interest and value of the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students. In order to have an accurate assessment, questionnaire was designed and distributed to collect vital information from the undergraduate students. Also, observation and direct oral interviews were also employed to supplement the information provided through the questionnaires collected. Findings – Findings show that 70 per cent respondents used the library once every week, undergraduate students need and utilize periodical literature materials for their information needs, the general purpose of using periodical literature was mainly for research among others. Originality/value – Useful in determining the periodical use by students as well as assisting serials librarian in planning.

Christine Rooney‐Browne

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845062

Purpose – The current financial and political climate means that libraries are more accountable to their stakeholders and are under increasing pressure to justify their place and value in an ever‐changing information society. The purpose of this report is to discuss how one local library and information service has adapted to changes in cultural demands and user expectations to deliver a concept that communicates its social value to all of its stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The report combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques to determine the outputs and outcomes of the project and to assess if key objectives have been achieved. Findings – The results of this evaluation confirm that the Look at Libraries Festival has been embraced by event attendees, staff, participants and the community. The research also illustrates that the demands and expectations of two communities can vary dramatically, posing the question: is it right to judge libraries so heavily on their outputs? The emerging impact of the festival also supports the argument that the local library service can support its parent body to achieve overall community objectives. Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted during a four week academic placement period within East Renfrewshire Council Library and Information Service. The depth of the research has been challenged by limitations associated with time and resources. Therefore, the findings must be viewed as preliminary and suggestive rather than exhaustive. Originality/value – The case study reveals an innovative approach by a public library and information service to challenge perceptions, communicate changes in service provision, market public libraries, attract new members and establish an effective brand extension for the service.

Bob Duckett

2008 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/00242530810845071

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to alert students, scholars and librarians to the many recently published works of reference on the life and works of the Brontë family. The paper aims to present an account of new major reference works, which are transforming the nature of Brontë scholarship, giving an insight into the development of literary studies in a field which has reached maturity and provides a benchmark for studies with other classic authors. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review set against developing scholarship. Findings – After 150 years of scholarship, Brontë studies have reached a peak of maturity in the areas of biography, bibliography and textual transcription. Research limitations/implications – The greater reliability of recent texts necessitates a re‐evaluation of biographical and critical studies on the Brontë family. The paper indicates the rigorous standards required in author bibliography. Practical implications – Librarians need to update their reference collections. Originality/value – The paper brings together disparate sources to provide a coherent overview.