Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 859-867, September 2023.
Policy provides a roadmap for actions to be taken in any task. It plays an important role in successful implementation of any program. Similarly, the presence of policy also plays a key role in implementation of digital preservation program. The organizations having such policy hold an edge for carrying out their digital preservation activities in an organized manner. This paper provides an explicit overview regarding preparedness of libraries and other organizations across the world in terms of availability of policies for digital preservation. The paper also attempts to map the data geographically. The empirical studies were reviewed systematically, and the extracted data was synthesized for producing meaningful insight about this phenomenon. The meta-analysis affirms that libraries and other organizations seem to have realization about importance of policies for implementation of digital preservation program. Although some studies highlight the availability of digital preservation policies in a good number of organizations yet, as a whole, most of the studies point out passive organizational attitude toward the development of such policies. The data mapping affirms that the studies conducted worldwide and North American region show a satisfactory situation in terms of availability of digital preservation policies. However, the studies conducted in European countries, African region, China, and New Zealand identify a gap regarding presence of such policies.
Metrics employed in the evaluation of research productivity: A systematic literature review
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 868-885, September 2023.
The present paper makes a systematic review of 131 articles on research productivity basing upon a model developed by Denyer and Tranfield. The current review paper analyzed the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the sample literature in the field of research productivity. The quantitative analysis incorporates the chronological distribution of articles, keyword wise distribution, form wise distribution, discipline wise distribution, publisher wise distribution, data sources used in the articles, most prolific journals of the publications and qualitative dimensions studied are top-cited articles and all the metrices used in these articles. The paper is based upon literature retrieved from Scopus bibliographic database and other online databases like Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO for full-text articles. It was revealed that there is significant growth in the number of articles during the fourth decade (2011–2020) whereas the highest numbers of citations (1530) have been received during the third decade from 2001 to 2010. Journal articles appeared to be the predominant source of information. A wide range of metrices found to be used in the sample literature to analyze the research productivity namely basic metrics, metrics dealing with growth, collaboration and metrics at institute level and author level metrics. It will serve as a reference tool to the scholars and practitioners in the field who will be acquainted with the publications on research productivity as well as various metrices, laws of bibliometrics, statistical tools, used in the articles.
The present paper makes a systematic review of 131 articles on research productivity basing upon a model developed by Denyer and Tranfield. The current review paper analyzed the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the sample literature in the field of research productivity. The quantitative analysis incorporates the chronological distribution of articles, keyword wise distribution, form wise distribution, discipline wise distribution, publisher wise distribution, data sources used in the articles, most prolific journals of the publications and qualitative dimensions studied are top-cited articles and all the metrices used in these articles. The paper is based upon literature retrieved from Scopus bibliographic database and other online databases like Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO for full-text articles. It was revealed that there is significant growth in the number of articles during the fourth decade (2011–2020) whereas the highest numbers of citations (1530) have been received during the third decade from 2001 to 2010. Journal articles appeared to be the predominant source of information. A wide range of metrices found to be used in the sample literature to analyze the research productivity namely basic metrics, metrics dealing with growth, collaboration and metrics at institute level and author level metrics. It will serve as a reference tool to the scholars and practitioners in the field who will be acquainted with the publications on research productivity as well as various metrices, laws of bibliometrics, statistical tools, used in the articles.
Patterns and conversational structure of knowledge sharing on Ebola virus disease among healthcare practitioners: Observations from a pilot study
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 836-847, September 2023.
This pilot study was designed to determine the conversational structure on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pattern of knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behaviour of healthcare practitioners (HCP) on Medscape online network. The study was guided by Conversation Theory, and deployed a retrospective document/content analysis research design. Ninety-two comments from healthcare practitioners including 16 EVD newsposts out of 37 EVD news were randomly extracted from the network between 2014 and 2018. Extracted data were analysed using NVivo and Microsoft Excel applications. An EVD knowledge taxonomy was developed from the content mapping of EVD topics posted on the network. Results from the pilot study revealed that news on EVD were mostly on EVD outbreak management at the peak period of EVD outbreak in 2014. Also, the HCPs mostly engaged in knowledge sharing on issues relating to EVD risk. Findings revealed that the entire (37) newsposts were of interest to HCPs and they responded to 16 newsposts. There were three active and influential HCPs on the network. The novelty of this study stems from its focus on conversation patterns of HCP on online knowledge sharing using the variables of Conversation theory to examine their knowledge sharing behaviours. The outcome of the study could serve as a model for other studies on other trending viral diseases such as Coronavirus, Lassa Fever, Monkey pox, etc. This study thus recommends replicate analysis in the main study with a larger data set with further findings using network analysis and other statistical tools to examine the conversational structure on EVD and pattern of knowledge sharing among the HCPs.
This pilot study was designed to determine the conversational structure on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pattern of knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behaviour of healthcare practitioners (HCP) on Medscape online network. The study was guided by Conversation Theory, and deployed a retrospective document/content analysis research design. Ninety-two comments from healthcare practitioners including 16 EVD newsposts out of 37 EVD news were randomly extracted from the network between 2014 and 2018. Extracted data were analysed using NVivo and Microsoft Excel applications. An EVD knowledge taxonomy was developed from the content mapping of EVD topics posted on the network. Results from the pilot study revealed that news on EVD were mostly on EVD outbreak management at the peak period of EVD outbreak in 2014. Also, the HCPs mostly engaged in knowledge sharing on issues relating to EVD risk. Findings revealed that the entire (37) newsposts were of interest to HCPs and they responded to 16 newsposts. There were three active and influential HCPs on the network. The novelty of this study stems from its focus on conversation patterns of HCP on online knowledge sharing using the variables of Conversation theory to examine their knowledge sharing behaviours. The outcome of the study could serve as a model for other studies on other trending viral diseases such as Coronavirus, Lassa Fever, Monkey pox, etc. This study thus recommends replicate analysis in the main study with a larger data set with further findings using network analysis and other statistical tools to examine the conversational structure on EVD and pattern of knowledge sharing among the HCPs.
Influence of publication on university ranking: Citation, collaboration, and level of interdisciplinary research
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 828-835, September 2023.
The rank of a university has been widely perceived as a reputation measure that is often determined based on the comprehensive overview of various factors. Among the factors, publication is imperative and carries a significant weight in almost every university ranking system around the globe. To reveal how publication may influence university ranking, we investigated the 2020 US News Best Global Universities Ranking results and analyzed different publication related criteria, including discipline coverage, publication productivity, research impact, level of interdisciplinary research, and degree of research collaboration. Shannon index and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) index were calculated to compare universities at four levels (i.e. top50, top100, top200, and top500). Results showed that the top50 universities cover nearly all majority disciplines, at least half of which rank among the global top 10%. Top50 universities are also featured with high publication numbers, high-impact factors, and broad network for international collaboration. The top200 universities showed a relatively longer history of carrying out high level of interdisciplinary research compared to the universities belonged to the remaining category in which interdisciplinary research was mostly started less than a decade. More than two-thirds of surveyed universities with Shannon index above 2.5 and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) above 1.5 shows that interdisciplinary research promotes the quality of publication. Universities small in size and focused on specific academic themes can earn top ranking spots based on their extraordinary academic performance, but the current ranking method results in more favor of the large comprehensive universities. In seeking for higher-ranking within the top200 category, in addition to expanding in campus size, increasing the number of academic programs, and encouraging more publications, university decision makers should value the efforts to develop leading academic disciplines, enable broad international collaborations, and promote new interdisciplinary programs.
The rank of a university has been widely perceived as a reputation measure that is often determined based on the comprehensive overview of various factors. Among the factors, publication is imperative and carries a significant weight in almost every university ranking system around the globe. To reveal how publication may influence university ranking, we investigated the 2020 US News Best Global Universities Ranking results and analyzed different publication related criteria, including discipline coverage, publication productivity, research impact, level of interdisciplinary research, and degree of research collaboration. Shannon index and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) index were calculated to compare universities at four levels (i.e. top50, top100, top200, and top500). Results showed that the top50 universities cover nearly all majority disciplines, at least half of which rank among the global top 10%. Top50 universities are also featured with high publication numbers, high-impact factors, and broad network for international collaboration. The top200 universities showed a relatively longer history of carrying out high level of interdisciplinary research compared to the universities belonged to the remaining category in which interdisciplinary research was mostly started less than a decade. More than two-thirds of surveyed universities with Shannon index above 2.5 and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) above 1.5 shows that interdisciplinary research promotes the quality of publication. Universities small in size and focused on specific academic themes can earn top ranking spots based on their extraordinary academic performance, but the current ranking method results in more favor of the large comprehensive universities. In seeking for higher-ranking within the top200 category, in addition to expanding in campus size, increasing the number of academic programs, and encouraging more publications, university decision makers should value the efforts to develop leading academic disciplines, enable broad international collaborations, and promote new interdisciplinary programs.
Research output and visibility of librarians: Are social media influencers or distractors?
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 813-827, September 2023.
The study examined the influence of social media use on research output and visibility of librarians in university libraries in southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research approach was utilised in the study. The population consisted of 363 librarians from all of southwestern Nigeria’s university libraries. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that librarians produce a high level of research output but their research visibility is low. The use of social media significantly positively influenced the research output and visibility of librarians. The study concluded that the use of social media can improve librarians’ research output and visibility, and thus recommends that more effort be made to expand the use of social media such as Yahoo, ResearchGate, Zotero, ORCID and LinkedIn, as well as greater awareness of social bookmarking tools such as Bibsonomy.
The study examined the influence of social media use on research output and visibility of librarians in university libraries in southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research approach was utilised in the study. The population consisted of 363 librarians from all of southwestern Nigeria’s university libraries. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that librarians produce a high level of research output but their research visibility is low. The use of social media significantly positively influenced the research output and visibility of librarians. The study concluded that the use of social media can improve librarians’ research output and visibility, and thus recommends that more effort be made to expand the use of social media such as Yahoo, ResearchGate, Zotero, ORCID and LinkedIn, as well as greater awareness of social bookmarking tools such as Bibsonomy.
Librarians’ competencies for implementing embedded librarianship in university libraries
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 798-812, September 2023.
The present study examines the extent of academic librarians’ teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians’ teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users’ (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users.
The present study examines the extent of academic librarians’ teaching, research, communication, and interpersonal skills; key competencies required for the successful implementation of embedded librarianship in Tanzania. A mixed research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was deployed to guide the collection of data from 166 librarians and 6 directors. Whereas cross-section survey questionnaires were used to collect data from librarians from six university libraries. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from directors. Regarding statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were performed to derive frequencies and percentages from quantitative data collected. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings suggest that librarians’ teaching skills and their knowledge of the research cycle are inadequate, while their communication and interpersonal skills are sufficient to allow them to effectively embed their services in their users’ (researchers, students, and teaching staff) activities. To effectively adopt embedded librarianship, the authors recommend the allocation of adequate funds to support diverse external and in-house training, the development of harmonized library and information science (LIS) curriculum, and the use of social media to interact with users.
Open research data: A case study into institutional and infrastructural arrangements to stimulate open research data sharing and reuse
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 782-797, September 2023.
This study investigates which combination of institutional and infrastructural arrangements positively impact research data sharing and reuse in a specific case. We conducted a qualitative case study of the institutional and infrastructural arrangements implemented at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. In the examined case, it was fundamental to change the mindset of researchers and to make them aware of the benefits of sharing data. Therefore, arrangements should be designed bottom-up and used as a “carrot” rather than as a “stick.” Moreover, support offered to researchers should cover at least legal, financial, administrative, and practical issues of research data management and should be informal in nature. Previous research describes generic institutional and infrastructural instruments that can stimulate open research data sharing and reuse. This study is among the first to analyze what and how infrastructural and institutional arrangements work in a particular context. It provides the basis for other scholars to study such arrangements in different contexts. Open data policymakers, universities, and open data infrastructure providers can use our findings to stimulate data sharing and reuse in practice, adapted to the contextual situation. Our study focused on a single case and a particular part of the university. We recommend repeating this research in other contexts, that is, at other universities, faculties, and involving other research data infrastructure providers.
This study investigates which combination of institutional and infrastructural arrangements positively impact research data sharing and reuse in a specific case. We conducted a qualitative case study of the institutional and infrastructural arrangements implemented at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. In the examined case, it was fundamental to change the mindset of researchers and to make them aware of the benefits of sharing data. Therefore, arrangements should be designed bottom-up and used as a “carrot” rather than as a “stick.” Moreover, support offered to researchers should cover at least legal, financial, administrative, and practical issues of research data management and should be informal in nature. Previous research describes generic institutional and infrastructural instruments that can stimulate open research data sharing and reuse. This study is among the first to analyze what and how infrastructural and institutional arrangements work in a particular context. It provides the basis for other scholars to study such arrangements in different contexts. Open data policymakers, universities, and open data infrastructure providers can use our findings to stimulate data sharing and reuse in practice, adapted to the contextual situation. Our study focused on a single case and a particular part of the university. We recommend repeating this research in other contexts, that is, at other universities, faculties, and involving other research data infrastructure providers.
Insights from a cultural-historical HE library makerspace case study on the potential for academic libraries to lead on supporting ethical-making underpinned by ‘Critical Material Literacy’
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 763-781, September 2023.
This article explores the tensions and contradictions in the potential success of maker-learning in Higher Education (HE) as supported in academic library makerspaces. Insights are formed from an in-depth, Cultural-Historical Activity Theory framed case study on a well-established North American HE academic library-based makerspace service. Lessons are drawn from the organisational tensions that emerged as challenges in its development. Participants were from the library service, students and academics from different disciplines that make significant use of the library makerspace. The ‘relational agency’ and ‘common knowledge’ of academic librarians in bringing together academic and student perspectives on the utility of maker-learning is found to be key. Maker-learning is observed to be an intertwined embodied/haptic, social/dialogic and rational/critical expansive cross-disciplinary system in a Zone of Proximal Development. Evidence of attempts to address the themes of inclusivity, diversity and sustainability to achieve ethical-maker-learning outcomes are discussed and developed. The article then expands on Ratto’s Critical Maker pedagogy utilised by the case study library service. I conclude with the proposal of a potentially transformative new concept for supporting cross-disciplinary maker-learning systems, ‘Critical Material Literacy’ (CML), whereby technical and material awareness connects with progressive concerns for people and the planet. This new theoretical concept is designed to start proactively addressing the key case study themes, with academic librarians becoming critical agents in creating ethical-maker knowledge hubs.
This article explores the tensions and contradictions in the potential success of maker-learning in Higher Education (HE) as supported in academic library makerspaces. Insights are formed from an in-depth, Cultural-Historical Activity Theory framed case study on a well-established North American HE academic library-based makerspace service. Lessons are drawn from the organisational tensions that emerged as challenges in its development. Participants were from the library service, students and academics from different disciplines that make significant use of the library makerspace. The ‘relational agency’ and ‘common knowledge’ of academic librarians in bringing together academic and student perspectives on the utility of maker-learning is found to be key. Maker-learning is observed to be an intertwined embodied/haptic, social/dialogic and rational/critical expansive cross-disciplinary system in a Zone of Proximal Development. Evidence of attempts to address the themes of inclusivity, diversity and sustainability to achieve ethical-maker-learning outcomes are discussed and developed. The article then expands on Ratto’s Critical Maker pedagogy utilised by the case study library service. I conclude with the proposal of a potentially transformative new concept for supporting cross-disciplinary maker-learning systems, ‘Critical Material Literacy’ (CML), whereby technical and material awareness connects with progressive concerns for people and the planet. This new theoretical concept is designed to start proactively addressing the key case study themes, with academic librarians becoming critical agents in creating ethical-maker knowledge hubs.
Exploring librarians’ intentions to collaborate in research: A model integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 744-762, September 2023.
While many studies have attempted to understand librarians’ academic engagement (e.g. publication), there is a dearth of knowledge about the determinants of the research collaboration behavior of librarians, especially in Chinese libraries. This study focused on Chinese academic librarians and investigated factors that affect their intentions to engage in research collaboration based on a conceptual framework integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory. A survey containing 318 respondents was used to evaluate the research model by partial least square based structural equation modeling. The results showed that the integrative model could explain 53% of the variance of academic librarians’ intentions to collaborate. The findings revealed that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and perceived benefits showed significant direct influence on Chinese academic librarians’ collaborative intentions. Perceived positive consequences (benefits, relationships, and reputation) in research collaboration had indirect effects on academic librarians’ intentions through attitude. Meanwhile, there were significant differences existing in path coefficients for librarians with different disciplinary backgrounds, professional ranks, and research projects. This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically studying factors that impact Chinese librarians’ intention to research collaboration and examining the intrinsic relations among these factors. It helps the universities’ managers and librarians finding ways to boost factors in supporting the research collaboration.
While many studies have attempted to understand librarians’ academic engagement (e.g. publication), there is a dearth of knowledge about the determinants of the research collaboration behavior of librarians, especially in Chinese libraries. This study focused on Chinese academic librarians and investigated factors that affect their intentions to engage in research collaboration based on a conceptual framework integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory. A survey containing 318 respondents was used to evaluate the research model by partial least square based structural equation modeling. The results showed that the integrative model could explain 53% of the variance of academic librarians’ intentions to collaborate. The findings revealed that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and perceived benefits showed significant direct influence on Chinese academic librarians’ collaborative intentions. Perceived positive consequences (benefits, relationships, and reputation) in research collaboration had indirect effects on academic librarians’ intentions through attitude. Meanwhile, there were significant differences existing in path coefficients for librarians with different disciplinary backgrounds, professional ranks, and research projects. This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically studying factors that impact Chinese librarians’ intention to research collaboration and examining the intrinsic relations among these factors. It helps the universities’ managers and librarians finding ways to boost factors in supporting the research collaboration.
“For me, it is an intellectual freedom issue”: Drag storytimes, neutrality, and ALA core values
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 734-743, September 2023.
Drag storytimes are increasingly popular programing events in which drag performers lead storytime in public libraries or other settings; they have been both popular and contentious. In this study, we utilized data from a national survey of 458 library staff and 26 subsequent interviews to investigate connections between drag storytime, intellectual freedom, neutrality, and other core librarianship values. The data was analyzed inductively and several key themes emerged: hosting drag storytimes is an intellectual freedom stance; various perspectives on the American Library Association stance in support of drag storytimes; connections to other core values; emphasizing diversity to serve one’s community; and contesting the neutrality of libraries. We found difficult-to-reconcile stances of “presenting all sides” and “taking a side,” but we suggest a way forward by focusing on the outcome of collective self-governance (based on core values of intellectual freedom and democracy).
Drag storytimes are increasingly popular programing events in which drag performers lead storytime in public libraries or other settings; they have been both popular and contentious. In this study, we utilized data from a national survey of 458 library staff and 26 subsequent interviews to investigate connections between drag storytime, intellectual freedom, neutrality, and other core librarianship values. The data was analyzed inductively and several key themes emerged: hosting drag storytimes is an intellectual freedom stance; various perspectives on the American Library Association stance in support of drag storytimes; connections to other core values; emphasizing diversity to serve one’s community; and contesting the neutrality of libraries. We found difficult-to-reconcile stances of “presenting all sides” and “taking a side,” but we suggest a way forward by focusing on the outcome of collective self-governance (based on core values of intellectual freedom and democracy).