Librarian as Communicator


Book Description

As the information landscape evolves and takes shape using traditional and new platforms, it is the role of Academic Libraries to take the lead in communicating, developing and informing these changes in timely and relevant ways. Experienced librarians and those new to the field seek out innovative and more effective way to engage with users and stakeholders. This book provides a variety of communication strategies for different user groups, taking into account the changing information landscape and the application and implications of social media developments. A major driver in higher education is the change in the scholarly communication model where initiatives such as Open Access, Institutional Repositories and Data Management are challenging previous practice whilst offering new opportunities for leadership. These communication developments provide opportunities for academic librarians who need the insight and awareness to take these chances. Librarian as Communicator provides research-based explorations of the above topics, covering developing areas and also the communication skills that are needed for the academic library to have a continuing role in the 21st Century. It was originally published as a special issue of the journal New Review of Academic Librarianship.







Hope and a Future


Book Description

In a world that often questions the value of libraries and librarianship, this collection of reflective essays and future-focused research emphasizes the ways in which being an information professional continues to be a rewarding and vital profession.




Librarianship


Book Description

Among the problems that Third World countries face is the need to integrate education--especially programs that promote basic literacy--into the development process. Part of the challenge is to create programs in library and information studies that are not wholly derived from First World institutions and ideologies but spring from the needs of the very different societies they are intended to serve. In this book, Horowitz offers the first detailed assessment of the role of librarianship in a nation struggling to overcome underdevelopment. Through her systematic rethinking of the conceptual basis of library and information studies, she provides a practical synthesis that reconciles opposing views and establishes the validity of Third World perspectives in their own right.




Libraries in the Early 21st Century


Book Description

Following the pattern of the first volume, the second volume of Libraries in the early 21st century: An international perspective extends the range of countries covered. Each chapter covers a different country and describes the modern history, development of libraries and library technology. The careful selection of countries achieves good representation of professional library work on all continents.This two-volume work represents an excellent contribution to international librarianship and allows comparative studies both at graduate and professional level.




International and Comparative Studies in Information and Library Science


Book Description

Comparative studies in information and library science published in the past ten years have reflected a broad spectrum of backgrounds, interests, and issues, but until now services between different countries, Asian nations in particular, have never been gathered or organized into a single source. As demand from researchers, students, directors, and practitioners for pertinent literature continues to grow, there is a definite and increasing need for a focused guide to international and comparative librarianship. International and Comparative Studies in Information and Library Science: A Focus on the United States and Asian Countries consists of eighteen previously published articles divided into seven categories that address issues such as research methodologies; information policy; professional education; information organization; and school, academic, and public libraries. It also features a comprehensive bibliography of related articles, books, proceedings, and other publications in both English and Chinese and four appendixes that list curricula, journal titles, conferences, and websites relating to International and comparative librarianship available at the time of publication. With this important compilation, Yan Quan Liu and Xiaojun Cheng fill an important and previously unmet need. Book jacket.




International Perspectives on Improving Student Engagement


Book Description

As the role and practices of the academic library are evolving, so too is the relationship between the library and other areas of the university. This volume explores the library’s relationship with students, including the library-based learner, creating engaging classroom experiences, the library as an extension of the classroom, and more.




Bridging Research and Library Practice


Book Description

Bridging the gap between research and practice communities is more pertinent than ever because of the need for evidence in developing and evaluating library services and programs. The gap between research and library practice has been discussed in the library and information science (LIS) field for almost two decades. The issues range from limited transfer of ideas from research into practice to a lack of education in research methods for library practitioners. This book introduces new voices from international research and practice communities into the discussion and contributes to the debate about the research-practice divide. Education and continuing training in research methods from international perspectives are explored and the experiences of researcher-practitioners from several countries highlight the issues. The volume includes chapters from LIS educators, academic researchers, and researcher-practitioners from 18 countries. It features the voices of instructors who teach research methods in LIS programs and library practitioners who engage in research. The book is addressed to the global audience of LIS educators and practitioners, with the goal of deepening the understanding of LIS education and training in research methods through sharing case studies and approaches to teaching and conducting research in practice.




Public Library Governance


Book Description

Major changes in public libraries throughout the world have led to an increased focus on governance issues. Forging successful futures for public libraries depends on effective governance. This book defines governance and examines its many facets in relation to public library provision internationally, differentiating governance from the policies, processes and practices of public libraries. The perspectives of leaders, practitioners, researchers, decision makers, and service users are presented, offering a variety of views from the past, the present and potential approaches in the future. Decision-making and the roles of decision makers involved in governance are explored. Prominent figures from the public library community throughout the world have contributed their knowledge and experience. Wicked problems facing the public library sector are identified and the varying approaches adopted internationally to deal with them are outlined. There are many practitioner and professional practice issues associated with provision of libraries and views on library usage and delivery vary according to user and practitioner standpoints. Globally diverse content provides directions for the future development of public libraries and for dealing with the emerging challenges facing the library world.




Librarians and Educators Collaborating for Success


Book Description

The first in the IASL-Libraries Unlimited partnership series, this book features contributions written by authors from around the world about their effective collaboration experiences. Collaboration between teachers and school librarians is a topic that is often discussed in the quest for educational excellence, but the international perspective is something that is rarely explored. This text documents the collaboration endeavors in international school libraries and—drawing upon research and direct experience—demonstrates effective collaboration experiences in a range of countries. It also features selected brief case studies as well as several original essays on the topic of collaboration between teachers and teacher librarians in curriculum planning. The result of a joint effort between Libraries Unlimited and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), this book shows how collaboration with teachers looks in the international arena. It addresses topics such as collaborating for success with student searching, the roles of librarians and teachers in the research process, principal involvement, information literacy, inquiry-based learning, use of digital resources, models of collaboration for diversity, and evaluation of collaboration. Additionally, the current research findings presented will offer readers new insights into their profession.