an article by Miriam L. Matteson and Shelly S. Miller (School of Library and Information Science, Kent State University, Columbus, USA) published in Library & Information Science Research Volume 34 Issue 3 (July 2012)
Abstract
Many occupations, including librarianship, require emotional labour, which can be defined as the awareness of the emotional expressions required of a job, and the strategies used to express those emotions. To date, little research has examined emotional labour in library work, even though strong evidence exists to suggest emotional labour is a key component of many library jobs.
Research on emotional labour shows that there can be positive and negative effects on individuals such as job satisfaction and job burnout. Research also shows that the negative outcomes from emotional labour may be buffered to some extent by factors such as support from the organization, or job autonomy. Individual differences such as personality traits and attitudes toward customers also impact the effects of emotional labour on employees.
Because emotional labour is a critical issue in library work, and because evidence suggests positive outcomes can be fostered, there is a need to study how emotional labour is carried out in libraries, and to identify management techniques for emotional labour that will yield positive outcomes for both employees and organizations.
Empirical research on emotional labour is reviewed, and a research agenda for exploration of this important construct in the field of librarianship is presented.
Highlights
► Emotional labour (EL) involves managing emotions required by a job.
► EL strategies are categorized as either deep acting or surface acting.
► EL strategies affect both individuals’ well-being and organizational outcomes.
► EL outcomes can also be influenced by individual and organizational factors.
► EL is a construct important in librarianship and should be further researched.
Hazel’s comment:
Let us not forget the many volunteers now providing a service in libraries. Are they being trained in managing the emotions involved in their work?
I doubt it!
Showing posts with label librarians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label librarians. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Monday, 18 June 2012
Professional development 2.0 for librarians: developing an online personal learning network (PLN)
an article by Nicole A. Cooke (Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA) published in Library Hi Tech News Volume 29 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The field of librarianship is ever expanding and changing, from exploding internet and media technologies, to ever diverse patron groups with increasingly complex information needs. Library professionals need to be as savvy as the clients they serve, and the most productive and effective way for librarians to keep up with these changes is to seek out professional development opportunities.
Librarians owe it to their clients and to themselves as competent professionals, to remain abreast of trends and developments in the field. The purpose of this paper is to address the changing landscape of the library profession, including the changing nature of library and information science education, and to exemplify the importance and necessity of continuing professional development for librarians, the newest manifestation of which is online professional development through Web 2.0 tools and social media technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
Specifically, using such technologies enables library professionals to develop an online personal learning network (PLN).
Findings
PLNs are beneficial because they are so customizable to an individual’s work and research interests and time constraints, and they facilitate global learning and collaboration opportunities that may not otherwise be feasible. In times of financial difficulty, more traditional professional development opportunities requiring travel and funding are often prohibitive; PLNs enable continuous and affordable professional development opportunities that will benefit librarians and their institutions.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the newest technologies and opportunities and how their attendant considerations and concerns apply to library professions; also the best ways in which to deliver content and instruct future library professionals.
Abstract
Purpose
The field of librarianship is ever expanding and changing, from exploding internet and media technologies, to ever diverse patron groups with increasingly complex information needs. Library professionals need to be as savvy as the clients they serve, and the most productive and effective way for librarians to keep up with these changes is to seek out professional development opportunities.
Librarians owe it to their clients and to themselves as competent professionals, to remain abreast of trends and developments in the field. The purpose of this paper is to address the changing landscape of the library profession, including the changing nature of library and information science education, and to exemplify the importance and necessity of continuing professional development for librarians, the newest manifestation of which is online professional development through Web 2.0 tools and social media technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
Specifically, using such technologies enables library professionals to develop an online personal learning network (PLN).
Findings
PLNs are beneficial because they are so customizable to an individual’s work and research interests and time constraints, and they facilitate global learning and collaboration opportunities that may not otherwise be feasible. In times of financial difficulty, more traditional professional development opportunities requiring travel and funding are often prohibitive; PLNs enable continuous and affordable professional development opportunities that will benefit librarians and their institutions.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the newest technologies and opportunities and how their attendant considerations and concerns apply to library professions; also the best ways in which to deliver content and instruct future library professionals.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Journal based current awareness services for systems librarianship
an article by Fei Xu (South Dakota State University Libraries) published in VINE Volume 42 Issue 2 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effective ways to utilize current awareness services (CAS) for library and information science (LIS) professionals. It seeks to identify core journals for systems librarianship based on Bradford analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
The study explored the methods for CAS based on literature review, followed by Bradford analysis of systems librarianship literature, which was conducted by the quantitative analysis approach.
Findings
A core journal list for systems librarianship was built based on Bradford analysis. Three effective ways to utilize CAS by table of contents (TOCs) alerts were identified.
Originality/value
To keep up to date with the latest literature in the field of interest, LIS professionals should take advantage of CAS. The study found three effective ways to utilize CAS by TOCs alerts and identified core journals for systems librarianship. The research can help LIS professionals efficiently navigate the information tsunami to obtain the reliable and relevant information that deserves their time and attention, and stay aware of new developments in their area of interest.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effective ways to utilize current awareness services (CAS) for library and information science (LIS) professionals. It seeks to identify core journals for systems librarianship based on Bradford analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
The study explored the methods for CAS based on literature review, followed by Bradford analysis of systems librarianship literature, which was conducted by the quantitative analysis approach.
Findings
A core journal list for systems librarianship was built based on Bradford analysis. Three effective ways to utilize CAS by table of contents (TOCs) alerts were identified.
Originality/value
To keep up to date with the latest literature in the field of interest, LIS professionals should take advantage of CAS. The study found three effective ways to utilize CAS by TOCs alerts and identified core journals for systems librarianship. The research can help LIS professionals efficiently navigate the information tsunami to obtain the reliable and relevant information that deserves their time and attention, and stay aware of new developments in their area of interest.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
A study on the conceptualization of librarians’ career movement and identification of antecedents
an article by Younghee Noh (Konkuk University, South Korea) published in Journal of Librarianship and Information Science Volume 43 Number 4 (December 2011)
Abstract
In today’s world, the surrounding environment and organizations are constantly requiring individuals to engage in lifelong learning and develop boundaryless careers. In this paper, the antecedents of career movement for librarians or those working in related organizations will be identified and conceptualized. To this end, this study establishes a theoretical model of internal and external career movement and its antecedents, verifies a model based on surveying librarians working at libraries and those whose functions are similar to those of librarians, and conducts usefulness analysis while exploring a new model.
In the previous study, a structural equation model, originally designed for careers other than librarians, was applied to the targets of this study, librarians, to assess external validity. This study, however, sets out a new model because the basic model cannot fully explain the structure of the data. The new model has good fit and also offers a good explanation of a covariance matrix of the original data. The significance of all coefficients, except for the covariance between career development support and external career movement intention, are statistically significant.
Abstract
In today’s world, the surrounding environment and organizations are constantly requiring individuals to engage in lifelong learning and develop boundaryless careers. In this paper, the antecedents of career movement for librarians or those working in related organizations will be identified and conceptualized. To this end, this study establishes a theoretical model of internal and external career movement and its antecedents, verifies a model based on surveying librarians working at libraries and those whose functions are similar to those of librarians, and conducts usefulness analysis while exploring a new model.
In the previous study, a structural equation model, originally designed for careers other than librarians, was applied to the targets of this study, librarians, to assess external validity. This study, however, sets out a new model because the basic model cannot fully explain the structure of the data. The new model has good fit and also offers a good explanation of a covariance matrix of the original data. The significance of all coefficients, except for the covariance between career development support and external career movement intention, are statistically significant.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Students’ conceptions and experiences of Web 2.0 tools
an article by Sirje Virkus and Alice A. Bamigbola, (Institute of Information Studies, Tallinn University, Estonia) published in New Library World Volume 112 Issue 11/12 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a study that investigated the Erasmus Mundus Digital Library Learning (DILL) Master programme students' conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted phenomenography as a research approach to identify DILL students' conceptions and experiences of Web 2.0 tools. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 12 students from Africa and Asia within the DILL Master programme.
Findings
The data analysis revealed four categories of descriptions of Web 2.0 tools: communication, educational, professional and multipurpose. For each category of descriptions preferred Web 2.0 tools were identified.
Research limitations/implications
The study analyses only conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools of 12 DILL students. This small group of students was from Africa and Asia and, therefore, the results should not be generalised to describe all DILL students' conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be taken into consideration when designing and delivering a DILL programme. In order to use technologies to support learning there is a need to understand and know what students do with these new technological tools.
Originality/value
This paper supports the idea of integration of information and communication technologies into education and highlights the potential of Web 2.0 tools to support teaching and learning in the higher education setting.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a study that investigated the Erasmus Mundus Digital Library Learning (DILL) Master programme students' conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted phenomenography as a research approach to identify DILL students' conceptions and experiences of Web 2.0 tools. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 12 students from Africa and Asia within the DILL Master programme.
Findings
The data analysis revealed four categories of descriptions of Web 2.0 tools: communication, educational, professional and multipurpose. For each category of descriptions preferred Web 2.0 tools were identified.
Research limitations/implications
The study analyses only conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools of 12 DILL students. This small group of students was from Africa and Asia and, therefore, the results should not be generalised to describe all DILL students' conceptions and experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be taken into consideration when designing and delivering a DILL programme. In order to use technologies to support learning there is a need to understand and know what students do with these new technological tools.
Originality/value
This paper supports the idea of integration of information and communication technologies into education and highlights the potential of Web 2.0 tools to support teaching and learning in the higher education setting.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Secondary school librarians as heads of department in UK schools
an article by Hannah L Brackenbury and Peter Willett (University of Sheffield) published in Library Management Volume 32 Issue 4/5 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the attitudes of UK head teachers and of librarians to the view that secondary school librarians should have the status of a head of department (HOD).
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires sent to 77 secondary schools in Cheshire, UK had response rates of 58 per cent from the librarians and of 49 per cent from the head teachers, with follow-up interviews being conducted with 15 of the librarians.
Findings
Most librarians were employed as support staff, although many of them were doing a HOD’s job; even when a librarian had this title, they did not often receive the recognition appropriate to such a role. Librarians were more likely to have HOD status in the independent schools sector than in the state-maintained sector, and there was some evidence that head teachers and librarians have different views as to what a librarian’s responsibilities should be.
Originality/value
There has been no previous study of this topic in the UK.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the attitudes of UK head teachers and of librarians to the view that secondary school librarians should have the status of a head of department (HOD).
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires sent to 77 secondary schools in Cheshire, UK had response rates of 58 per cent from the librarians and of 49 per cent from the head teachers, with follow-up interviews being conducted with 15 of the librarians.
Findings
Most librarians were employed as support staff, although many of them were doing a HOD’s job; even when a librarian had this title, they did not often receive the recognition appropriate to such a role. Librarians were more likely to have HOD status in the independent schools sector than in the state-maintained sector, and there was some evidence that head teachers and librarians have different views as to what a librarian’s responsibilities should be.
Originality/value
There has been no previous study of this topic in the UK.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Weeding: facing the fears
an article by Eleonora Dubicki in Collection Building Volume 27 Issue 4 (2008)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide librarians with an approach to weeding, which reduces librarians’ fears and concerns of withdrawing books from an academic collection.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a case study.
Findings
The paper outlines specific steps for implementing a weeding project, including developing criteria and procedures, garnering the support of administration, building librarian confidence in performing weeding, and encouraging teaching faculty involvement.
Originality/value
The paper provides insights into the nature of the concerns and fears librarians face in weeding an academic library collection, and offers suggestions on how to build confidence and support for weeding among both librarians and academic faculty.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide librarians with an approach to weeding, which reduces librarians’ fears and concerns of withdrawing books from an academic collection.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a case study.
Findings
The paper outlines specific steps for implementing a weeding project, including developing criteria and procedures, garnering the support of administration, building librarian confidence in performing weeding, and encouraging teaching faculty involvement.
Originality/value
The paper provides insights into the nature of the concerns and fears librarians face in weeding an academic library collection, and offers suggestions on how to build confidence and support for weeding among both librarians and academic faculty.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Creating the next generation of library leaders
an article by Jennifer Arnold, Lisa T Nickel and Lisa Williams in New Library World Volume 109 Issue 9/10 (2008)
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to answer the question: “Where is our profession going and who is leading us there?”
Design/methodology/approach
The article presents results of a survey directed to leadership institute attendees and attempts to determine the impact of such institutes on librarians' careers, and their willingness to move into administrative positions (department head, director, etc.) or leadership roles (project leader, committee chair). This paper was developed from the poster session, “Follow Me! Are Leadership Institutes Creating the Next Generation of Library Leaders?” presented at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Washington, DC, June 24, 2007. Survey questions allowed data collection on the nature and impact of the leadership institute experience, attendees' supervisory and administrative experience, and their future professional goals. The role of leadership mentors and the potential of mentorship to increase the number of library leaders was also considered.
Findings
Librarians who attended leadership institutes felt it had a direct impact on their careers because they are more willing to move into leadership, management, and administrative roles. The majority of attendees find their leadership institute experience professionally valuable and would recommend it to others. Additionally, survey findings reveal the importance of professional mentors.
Research limitations/implications
The survey was limited to librarians who attended a leadership institute. Approximately 75% of respondents were female which reflects the general demographics of the profession as a whole.
Practical implications
Leadership institutes should be developed to focus on particular constituencies. A variety of formats – retreats, year-long – will also help address different needs among potential attendees. Current library and institutional administrators should encourage librarians to develop their leadership potential.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the insufficient number of librarians both willing and prepared to take on leadership roles both within individual libraries and the profession at large, which is a growing concern to the library profession.
Hazel's comment:
It would seem that librarians, as opposed to information managers, are better able to move into leadership roles. Is that the fault of the information service or of the person doing the job? Purely rhetorical question – I have no idea of the answer myself. Comments welcome.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to answer the question: “Where is our profession going and who is leading us there?”
Design/methodology/approach
The article presents results of a survey directed to leadership institute attendees and attempts to determine the impact of such institutes on librarians' careers, and their willingness to move into administrative positions (department head, director, etc.) or leadership roles (project leader, committee chair). This paper was developed from the poster session, “Follow Me! Are Leadership Institutes Creating the Next Generation of Library Leaders?” presented at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Washington, DC, June 24, 2007. Survey questions allowed data collection on the nature and impact of the leadership institute experience, attendees' supervisory and administrative experience, and their future professional goals. The role of leadership mentors and the potential of mentorship to increase the number of library leaders was also considered.
Findings
Librarians who attended leadership institutes felt it had a direct impact on their careers because they are more willing to move into leadership, management, and administrative roles. The majority of attendees find their leadership institute experience professionally valuable and would recommend it to others. Additionally, survey findings reveal the importance of professional mentors.
Research limitations/implications
The survey was limited to librarians who attended a leadership institute. Approximately 75% of respondents were female which reflects the general demographics of the profession as a whole.
Practical implications
Leadership institutes should be developed to focus on particular constituencies. A variety of formats – retreats, year-long – will also help address different needs among potential attendees. Current library and institutional administrators should encourage librarians to develop their leadership potential.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the insufficient number of librarians both willing and prepared to take on leadership roles both within individual libraries and the profession at large, which is a growing concern to the library profession.
Hazel's comment:
It would seem that librarians, as opposed to information managers, are better able to move into leadership roles. Is that the fault of the information service or of the person doing the job? Purely rhetorical question – I have no idea of the answer myself. Comments welcome.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Personality traits of individuals in different specialties of librarianship
an article by J M Williamson, A E Pemberton and J W Lounsbury in Journal of Documentation (Volume 64 Issue 2 (2008))
Abstract:
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate whether academic reference librarians, archivists, catalogers, distance education librarians, public librarians, records managers, school librarians, special collections librarians, and systems librarians differ in personality traits measured by the Personal Style Inventory: i.e. adaptability, assertiveness, autonomy, conscientiousness, customer service orientation, emotional resilience, extraversion, openness, optimism, teamwork, tough-mindedness, visionary/operational work style, and work drive. It also aims to investigate whether personality traits of those in person-oriented library specialties differ from those in technique-oriented (technical) library specialties.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 2,075 librarians/information professionals were surveyed in non-random sample. The Personal Style Inventory is a normal personality inventory assessing important traits for the world of work. It was used in a two-step cluster analysis for the data analysis.
Findings
The paper finds that distinct personality traits were associated with the different types of librarians. There was also a “unadaptive” cluster composed of individuals from all specialties. There were distinguishing traits associated with person-oriented and technique-oriented specialties.
Research limitations/implications
Results were not generalizable due to the non-random sample. Gender was not collected. The research has implications for career counseling.
Originality/value
There have been few studies of personality traits in library specialties, none measuring both narrow work trait and broad personality trait variables.
Link to Emerald Group Publishing Ltd if wish to purchase the full article (£13 + handling charge + VAT)
Abstract:
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate whether academic reference librarians, archivists, catalogers, distance education librarians, public librarians, records managers, school librarians, special collections librarians, and systems librarians differ in personality traits measured by the Personal Style Inventory: i.e. adaptability, assertiveness, autonomy, conscientiousness, customer service orientation, emotional resilience, extraversion, openness, optimism, teamwork, tough-mindedness, visionary/operational work style, and work drive. It also aims to investigate whether personality traits of those in person-oriented library specialties differ from those in technique-oriented (technical) library specialties.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 2,075 librarians/information professionals were surveyed in non-random sample. The Personal Style Inventory is a normal personality inventory assessing important traits for the world of work. It was used in a two-step cluster analysis for the data analysis.
Findings
The paper finds that distinct personality traits were associated with the different types of librarians. There was also a “unadaptive” cluster composed of individuals from all specialties. There were distinguishing traits associated with person-oriented and technique-oriented specialties.
Research limitations/implications
Results were not generalizable due to the non-random sample. Gender was not collected. The research has implications for career counseling.
Originality/value
There have been few studies of personality traits in library specialties, none measuring both narrow work trait and broad personality trait variables.
Link to Emerald Group Publishing Ltd if wish to purchase the full article (£13 + handling charge + VAT)
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