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A systematic literature review informing library and information professionals’ emerging roles
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Purpose: This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the specific roles information professionals have adopted in the last fourteen years. It aims to identify the roles reported in the literature concerning developments in the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession.
Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted the method of systematic review. Searches were conducted in February and March 2014 on different LIS databases. From a total of 600 papers, 114 were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough full-text analysis of the papers revealed six roles that librarians have adopted: as teachers, technology specialists, embedded librarians, information consultants, knowledge managers and subject librarians.
Findings: New and evolving roles were identified, mainly in the context of academic libraries. Librarians’ educational responsibilities and their active involvement in the learning and research process were highlighted in all role categories identified. Collaboration among faculty and librarians was reported as a way of ensuring successful instruction. Librarians' personal views of their new and emerging roles were more frequently reported; further research is needed to shed light on academics, students and other users’ perceptions of librarians’ engagement in the learning process.
Research limitations/implications: The study considered only peer reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2014 in English. , it focused on information professionals’ roles and not on librarians' skills and their changing professional responsibilities.
Originality/valueThis review paper considers the development of the LIS profession in a changing environment and offers an understanding of the future direction of the LIS profession.
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... All things being equal, information professionals have numerous roles to play in curbing terrorism and violence. According to Mislan et al (2020); Vassilakaki and Moniarou-Papaconstantinou (2015), information professionals execute the role of information, collectors, organizers, disseminators, preservers, consultants, educators, sensitizers, mobilizers, advocates, collaborators, partners and facilitators to ensure the continuous upgrading of information generation, retrieval and use for the fight against terrorism and violence. Specifically, some of these roles and how they help in curbing terrorism and violence are briefly discussed under the following subheadings: i. ...
... Another segment of the information professionals interacted with equally harped on the provision of information literacy programmes such as training and educating the public on how to access, retrieve, use, preserve and communicate available information on terrorism related matters in order to reduce incidents terrorism activities. The finding agrees with Mislan et al. (2020); and, Vassilakaki and Moniarou-Papaconstantinou (2015), which revealed that the roles of information professionals in combating terrorism and violence include collection of information, dissemination of information, preservation of information, sensitization of the public, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the continuous spread of information on terrorism related activities. ...
This study investigated the roles of information professionals in curbing terrorism and violence in the Nigerian society. It adopted both the quantitative and qualitative research approaches, with three specific research objectives. Twenty high ranking information professionals (librarians) were randomly selected from four states in South-South Nigeria, namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states. Published statistical data obtained from the Global Conflict Tracker (2021) and semi-structured interview schedule, which involved face-to-face interactions with the respondents to elicit in-depth and first-hand information, were used for the study. The statistical data obtained from the Global Conflict Tracker (2021) were analysed quantitatively to explain the trends of attacks in Nigeria between 2005 and 2020, while responses from the semi-structured interview schedule on the roles of information professionals and factors militating against their involvement in curbing terrorism and violence in Nigeria, were qualitatively analysed using subjective headings. Among others, the study identified that major factors militating against information professionals' involvement in curbing terrorism and violence in Nigeria include: financial challenges, poor interest in the fight against terrorism and violence, lack of strategic knowledge and on the needed skills to combat terrorism and violent crimes, inadequate supporting facilities and infrastructure, among others. Based on the findings, it was recommended that governments at all levels should provide necessary supports including adequate financial resources and facilities to information professionals involved with the fight against terrorism and violent crimes, while information professionals should develop special interest and demonstrate personal involvement in activities that facilitate the fight against terrorism and violence in the Nigerian society.
... Owing to their statistical precision, systematic reviews are particularly useful for researchers who rely on evidence-based decision-making. Initially popularized in the health sciences to enhance the reliability and validity of medical research [4,5], the practice of systematic reviews has since broadened to include information science [6,7] and related fields [8,9], effectively informing future developments. The systematic review presents a methodology for establishing valuable findings and distinct contributions in IR beyond a simple overview of past works. ...
There have been rapid advancements in the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) in recent years, greatly revolutionizing the field of natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and interact with human language. Therefore, in this work, we conduct a systematic investigation of the literature to identify the prominent themes and directions of LLM developments, impacts, and limitations. Our findings illustrate the aims, methodologies, limitations, and future directions of LLM research. It includes responsible development considerations, algorithmic improvements, ethical challenges, and societal implications of LLM development. Overall, this paper provides a rigorous and comprehensive overview of current research in LLM and identifies potential directions for future development. The article highlights the application areas that could have a positive impact on society along with the ethical considerations.
... Kanchan (2013) highlights librarians' proficiency in research data management, while Granger (2020) stresses the necessity of diverse skill sets. Vassilakaki and Moniarou-Papaconstantinou (2015) draw attention to the challenges in managing growing material, indicating the complexity of the librarian's role. Furthermore, Mandal and Dasgupta (2019) underscore the demands of research collaborations, highlighting the need for continuous support, resources and professional development to deal with these challenges effectively. ...
In this article, I build on previous research investigating the transformation of university libraries into Research Commons service delivery models. Conducted at three public universities in the Gauteng province of South Africa, the study explores the perspectives and challenges of Research Commons librarians in their daily roles. I used interviews in a phenomenological case study design with a qualitative approach. The research provided a comprehensive understanding of librarians’ experiences within varied Research Commons contexts. Although limited to three libraries, the findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, technological integration, and institutional support for the successful implementation of the Research Commons. In the study, I recommend that South African university libraries adopt user-centric, data-driven approaches and use effective change management to adapt to changing research, learning styles and student needs to succeed in these collaborative environments.
In contemporary society, library professionals serve as vital contributors to the intellectual and cultural development of communities, embodying a multifaceted role that extends beyond the traditional custodianship of information resources. This abstract elucidates the social responsibilities of library professionals, delineating their pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, equitable access, and knowledge dissemination within diverse and evolving communities. Library professionals, as information stewards, bear the responsibility of curating and providing access to a diverse array of information resources, catering to the informational needs of a heterogeneous user base. In doing so, they play a crucial role in democratizing knowledge, ensuring that information is accessible to all members of society, irrespective of socioeconomic, cultural, or demographic disparities. Moreover, library professionals are charged with the task of cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment within library spaces. By embracing diversity, they contribute to the creation of spaces that are not only repositories of information but also hubs for community engagement, intellectual exchange, and cultural enrichment. This inclusivity extends to advocating for collections that represent varied perspectives, thus fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the world. In the digital era, library professionals are confronted with the challenge of navigating the complexities of information technology and ensuring digital literacy among patrons. The social responsibility of library professionals encompasses facilitating digital inclusivity, empowering users to navigate the digital landscape effectively, critically evaluating online information, and harnessing technology for educational and informational purposes. Furthermore, library professionals play a pivotal role in promoting lifelong learning by offering educational programs, workshops, and resources that cater to the evolving needs of their communities. Through strategic collaborations with educational institutions, local organizations, and community stakeholders, library professionals can enhance the accessibility and relevance of their services, thereby contributing to the continuous intellectual development of their patrons. The social responsibilities of library professionals encompass a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from equitable information access and inclusivity to digital literacy and community engagement. By actively embracing these responsibilities, library professionals not only fulfil their custodial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge but also serve as catalysts for social and intellectual growth within the communities they serve.
This study aims to explore research interests and trends in the journal by analyzing the entire publication history of the Journal of Library and Information Science (JoLIS) between 1969 and 2023 using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). A comprehensive topic modeling analysis was conducted on 1437 articles for which titles, abstracts and keywords were available. The research focuses on identifying key thematic shifts in the journal’s publications. The findings highlight that topics such as Information Literacy & Research and Librarian Roles & Skills are growing in importance, while traditional topics such as Cataloging & Classification are declining. The results reveal shifts in the focus of the LIS field, providing critical insights to guide future research. In particular, Information Literacy & Research emerges as a highly accelerating topic, reflecting the need for digital competencies in response to evolving information environments. Meanwhile, declining interest in Cataloging & Classification is in line with the automation of traditional library functions, shifting training priorities toward digital literacy and data management skills. By mapping the evolution of research priorities, this study serves as a valuable resource for LIS researchers and practitioners, helping them to align their work with future developments in the field.
Neste artigo discutem-se as relações entre o gerenciamento informacional e temáticas focalizadas em aplicações e inovações tecnológicas através dos programas curriculares de disciplinas no ensino acadêmico na organização iSchools. Foram analisadas as ementas e disciplinas acadêmicas de 22 unidades de escolas de informação filiadas iSchools. O objetivo deste artigo é a identificação e análise das áreas de ensino em que as escolas de informação concentram suas disciplinas com o foco tecnológico na esfera do gerenciamento informacional e no campo da Ciência da Informação. As ementas dos programas de graduação e pós-graduação das 22 unidades acadêmicas foram analisadas através dos títulos indicativos e descrições dos conteúdos das disciplinas. No universo de 1463 disciplinas, foram selecionadas um total de 423. As principais áreas de ensino relacionadas ao universo tecnológico no contexto das iSchools foram relacionadas a questões de desenvolvimento e uso de tecnologias, acesso e recuperação da informação, técnicas e procedimentos de tratamento da informação, reflexões sobre o impacto das tecnologias, acesso e uso da informação na sociedade, práticas que resultam na criação ou avaliações de serviços especializados e instruções ou métodos para os contextos gerenciais nas organizações.
Knowledge management is a new form of organizational collaborative computing. Successful managers have always used intellectual property and are aware of its value. However, these efforts were not systematic, nor did they guarantee that the acquired knowledge would be jointly used and disseminated appropriately in order to maximize organizational benefits. Knowledge management is a process that helps organizations identify, select, organize, disseminate and impart important information and expertise that is part of an organization's memory and that usually exists within the organization but is not structured. Knowledge structuring enables effective and efficient problem solving, dynamic learning, strategic planning and decision making. Knowledge management is at its core the discovery of knowledge, its interpretation in a way that enables it to be shared in a formal way, intensifying its value by re-use.
Academic librarians are expanding their teaching roles and increasing numbers are involved in teaching information literacy by means of the credit-bearing class. Librarians at the Axinn Library at Hofstra University have been teaching credit-bearing classes since 2001. While doing research on the subject, the author found that the literature contained very little practical information concerning this important responsibility for academic librarians. In order to answer some questions that arose from Axinn librarians' experiences with credit-bearing classes, a survey was conducted using the Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Literacy Instruction's Discussion List as the study group. Among the topics surveyed were assessment, delivery method, embedded classes and retention.
A reference/instruction librarian used targeted outreach to furnish library services to faculty and students while assigned to work in the College of Education during a library renovation project. Due to the success of this temporary assignment, the author has subsequently maintained regular office hours in the College to provide research consultations for faculty and students, collaborate on collection development, and continue outreach efforts resulting in increased requests for research assistance and course-integrated information literacy instruction. The benefits and challenges of embedded librarianship in an academic department are also discussed.
Kansas State University's K-State Libraries recently adopted a new organizational structure that allows librarians to better meet the needs of interdisciplinary fields of study, such as sustainability. Our librarians are transitioning from a traditional model in which subject librarians were assigned to individual colleges/departments based on subject knowledge to a more flexible approach that enables librarians to move freely across the disciplines. Additionally, we, along with many of our colleagues, practice "embedded librarianship," a growing movement that encourages librarians to proactively collaborate with faculty and instructors to advance teaching and research goals as well as campus and community initiatives. Academic librarians are in a unique position to support sustainability efforts as both advocates and partners. In addition to a librarian's traditional role of providing access to resources that support educational goals (collection development, information literacy expertise, etc.), librarians increasingly seek opportunities to leave the library and become more visible partners in classrooms and campus-wide. In this presentation we will outline our involvement in sustainability efforts at Kansas State University as "embedded" librarians, describe our future goals, and provide suggestions for how members of a university community can partner with librarians to further sustainability initiatives. © Common Ground, Stephanie Cold, Ellen Urton, All Rights Reserved.