Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
Category Archives: Journal of Librarianship and Information Science
Analysis of the factors affecting information search stopping behavior: A systematic review
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This study has been conducted to better and more deeply understand search stopping behavior. The objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting search stopping behavior and notice the knowledge gaps in this field. This study was conducted as a systematic review. By reviewing the databases and studying the retrieved articles with relevant keywords, 1356 articles were identified and after refinement, 34 articles were reviewed without time limit. By studying selected articles in the field of search stopping behavior and using content analysis approach, the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior were analyzed. Factors affecting stopping behavior were classified into two different cognitive and environmental categories. The cognitive factors include information sufficiency and individual characteristics; and the environmental factors include search task, information retrieval system and time as the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior. One of the important research gaps in this field is the lack of a comprehensive model of factors affecting search stopping behavior. This is one of the studies to systematically review and examine the factors affecting information search stopping behavior and provides a model.
This study has been conducted to better and more deeply understand search stopping behavior. The objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting search stopping behavior and notice the knowledge gaps in this field. This study was conducted as a systematic review. By reviewing the databases and studying the retrieved articles with relevant keywords, 1356 articles were identified and after refinement, 34 articles were reviewed without time limit. By studying selected articles in the field of search stopping behavior and using content analysis approach, the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior were analyzed. Factors affecting stopping behavior were classified into two different cognitive and environmental categories. The cognitive factors include information sufficiency and individual characteristics; and the environmental factors include search task, information retrieval system and time as the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior. One of the important research gaps in this field is the lack of a comprehensive model of factors affecting search stopping behavior. This is one of the studies to systematically review and examine the factors affecting information search stopping behavior and provides a model.
A systematic review of literature on human libraries: Objectives, benefits, and challenges
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
This systematic review aims to collect and review, systematically the literature on human libraries to identify the purpose of managing human libraries, their benefits, and barriers. Another purpose of the study was to assess the quality level of studies conducted on human libraries. The study collected and screened the literature on the topic in the light of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The authors identified 1764 studies by searching five reputed databases and found 24 studies eligible for this review. The research employed Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004) guidelines to assess the quality of the reviewed literature. The study found that the major objective of human libraries is to share knowledge, arrange to get together opportunities, promote understanding and respect different cultures. Moreover, human libraries aim to combat prejudice and bridge differences through social dialog. The study also shares the barriers and benefits of managing human libraries. This is the first review in terms of its nature that collected and reviewed the literature on human libraries systematically. The review may facilitate library professionals to understand and implement the concept in libraries that can prove a game-changer for libraries when their (libraries) existence is being questioned in this digital era.
Research trends in LIS: The case of doctoral research in Pakistan, 1981–2021
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The current study aims to examine doctoral research works produced by Pakistani universities in the field of library and information science (LIS). The study provides an understanding of the perspective of PhD level research in Pakistan and aims to determine developmental patterns, popular focused areas, current trends, and the most productive universities. The content analysis method was used to conduct this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. A total of five universities were selected for the collection of softcopies of theses for this study. The information was gathered from department heads at five LIS schools in Pakistan. MS-Excel was used to analyze and present the data in the form of tables and charts to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings show that Pakistani LIS schools have produced a total of 62 PhD theses from 1981 to 2021. Steady development has been observed until 2010. However, the growth of LIS research has increased significantly during the last decade. The study has explored LIS research trends at the doctoral level and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential LIS scholars. The findings are useful to improve research quality at the doctoral level for LIS scholars and faculty members of LIS schools in Pakistan and other developing countries.
The current study aims to examine doctoral research works produced by Pakistani universities in the field of library and information science (LIS). The study provides an understanding of the perspective of PhD level research in Pakistan and aims to determine developmental patterns, popular focused areas, current trends, and the most productive universities. The content analysis method was used to conduct this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. A total of five universities were selected for the collection of softcopies of theses for this study. The information was gathered from department heads at five LIS schools in Pakistan. MS-Excel was used to analyze and present the data in the form of tables and charts to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings show that Pakistani LIS schools have produced a total of 62 PhD theses from 1981 to 2021. Steady development has been observed until 2010. However, the growth of LIS research has increased significantly during the last decade. The study has explored LIS research trends at the doctoral level and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential LIS scholars. The findings are useful to improve research quality at the doctoral level for LIS scholars and faculty members of LIS schools in Pakistan and other developing countries.
Perceived values to personal digital archives and their relationship to archiving behaviours: An exploratory research based on grounded theory
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Library and information science and the positivist paradigm: Some critical reflections
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
Research trends in LIS: The case of doctoral research in Pakistan, 1981–2021
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The current study aims to examine doctoral research works produced by Pakistani universities in the field of library and information science (LIS). The study provides an understanding of the perspective of PhD level research in Pakistan and aims to determine developmental patterns, popular focused areas, current trends, and the most productive universities. The content analysis method was used to conduct this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. A total of five universities were selected for the collection of softcopies of theses for this study. The information was gathered from department heads at five LIS schools in Pakistan. MS-Excel was used to analyze and present the data in the form of tables and charts to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings show that Pakistani LIS schools have produced a total of 62 PhD theses from 1981 to 2021. Steady development has been observed until 2010. However, the growth of LIS research has increased significantly during the last decade. The study has explored LIS research trends at the doctoral level and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential LIS scholars. The findings are useful to improve research quality at the doctoral level for LIS scholars and faculty members of LIS schools in Pakistan and other developing countries.
The current study aims to examine doctoral research works produced by Pakistani universities in the field of library and information science (LIS). The study provides an understanding of the perspective of PhD level research in Pakistan and aims to determine developmental patterns, popular focused areas, current trends, and the most productive universities. The content analysis method was used to conduct this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. A total of five universities were selected for the collection of softcopies of theses for this study. The information was gathered from department heads at five LIS schools in Pakistan. MS-Excel was used to analyze and present the data in the form of tables and charts to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings show that Pakistani LIS schools have produced a total of 62 PhD theses from 1981 to 2021. Steady development has been observed until 2010. However, the growth of LIS research has increased significantly during the last decade. The study has explored LIS research trends at the doctoral level and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential LIS scholars. The findings are useful to improve research quality at the doctoral level for LIS scholars and faculty members of LIS schools in Pakistan and other developing countries.
Perceived values to personal digital archives and their relationship to archiving behaviours: An exploratory research based on grounded theory
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Personal digital archiving (PDA) is a type of personal information behaviour related to personal memory and identity construction. The aim of this study is to discover and define individual’s perceived values in relation to personal digital archives, and to explore their relationship between PDA behaviours. Based on the grounded theory, drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese college students, both the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives and the PDA behaviours were coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes. This study found the perceived values in relation to personal digital archives mainly include subject value, object value, intermediary value, value to other subjects and social value, PDA behaviours mainly include accumulation behaviour, use behaviour, appraisal behaviour and disposal behaviour. Moreover, the value cognition of personal digital archives is the intermediary link between perceived values and PDA behaviours and is the core connecting the two. Value cognition can be divided into judgement on whether personal digital archives are valuable, subdivision of value types of personal digital archives, value evaluation of personal digital archives, and cognition of enhancing or weakening the value of personal digital archives. The study comprehensively analysed the perceived values, value cognition that drive PDA behaviours, built the relationship between perceived values, value cognition and PDA behaviours, and answered the question of why individuals want to archive from cognitive and behavioural perspectives. The findings of the study can help librarians to conduct more targetted PDA education and improve the public’s awareness and literacy in PDA.
Library and information science and the positivist paradigm: Some critical reflections
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.
Overcoming barriers to te reo Māori usage in libraries: Providing access to Māori knowledge
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Ahead of Print.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.
Over the last 40 years, New Zealand libraries and information management institutions have been undergoing cultural change in an attempt to improve the services and resources made available to Māori clients. Previous studies have demonstrated that Māori have not been regular users of these institutions, so a critical part of the transformation process has focused on the promotion of the benefits that library and information institutions can provide. This has led to institutions reviewing how they can incorporate distinctively Māori elements within their existing structures. A critical part of this innovation has been the introduction of te reo Māori into areas such as signage, intellectual access, website and online catalogue designs and client services. This article reports on research that has focused on how Māori language into services, and the challenges and opportunities that its usage has for Māori clients and the libraries and information management institutions in New Zealand.