Purpose




The purpose of this paper is to dissect key issues and debates in digital humanities, an emerging field of theory and practice. Digital humanities stands greatly to impact the Information and Library Science (ILS) professions (and vice versa) as well as the traditional humanities disciplines.




Design/methodology/approach




This paper explores the contours of digital humanities as a field, touching upon fundamental issues related to the field’s coalescence and thus to its structure and epistemology. It looks at the ways in which digital humanities brings new approaches and sheds new light on manifold humanities foci.




Findings




Digital humanities work represents a vital new current of interdisciplinary, collaborative intellectual activity both in- and outside the academy; it merits particular attention from ILS.




Research limitations/implications




This paper helps potential stakeholders understand the intellectual and practical framework of the digital humanities and “its relationship” to their own intellectual and professional work.




Originality/value




This paper critically synthesizes previous scholarly work in digital humanities. It has particular value for those in ILS, a community that has proven especially receptive to the field, as well as to scholars working in many humanities disciplines. Digital humanities has already made an important impact on both LIS and the humanities; its impact is sure to grow.

The conceptual ecology of digital humanities

This study broadly examines factors impacting work-life experiences of library faculty of color within the framework of tenure policies and processes. An online survey was sent out to academic librarians of color to gauge perceptions of tenure and promotion policies and processes, professional activities and productivity, organizational climate and culture, and job satisfaction and retention. Results of the survey showed mixed findings regarding the impact of race on the tenure and promotion process. Findings can be used to inform future discussions of recruitment and retention for academic librarians of color and to improve the overall tenure experience.

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Tenure and Promotion Experiences of Academic Librarians of Color.

Tenure status for library faculty in the academic environment is coming under increasing attack from administration, faculty members in other departments, and non-academics. This is due to incorrect perceptions about what academic librarians do and how they serve their profession. This paper describes the many challenges faculty librarians face in balancing their work load with service and scholarship; justifies why academic librarians need tenure; and ultimately proves that tenure and faculty status for academic librarians are an absolute necessity.

/pdf/seeking-full-citizenship-a-defense-of-tenure-faculty-status-4t65bzf0h1.pdf

Seeking Full Citizenship: A Defense of Tenure Faculty Status for Librarians

/pdf/supporting-digital-humanities-for-knowledge-acquisition-in-3dgb63ojtu.pdf

Supporting Digital Humanities for Knowledge Acquisition in Modern Libraries

Librarians and archivists are intimately involved in scholarly communication systems, both as information providers and instructors. However, very little is known regarding their activities as scholars. This study seeks to examine the scholarly communication practices of librarians and archivists, the role that tenure plays in scholarly communication practices, and the degree to which institutional support is provided in librarians’ efforts to consume and disseminate research and reports of best practices. A questionnaire was sent to professional librarians and archivists at 91 ARL institutions. The responses demonstrate that ARL librarians and archivists are avid consumers and creators of scholarship, and they use emerging technologies to stay up-to-date on the profession’s latest research.

/pdf/beyond-gatekeepers-of-knowledge-scholarly-communication-2az2h01h6t.pdf

Beyond Gatekeepers of Knowledge: Scholarly Communication Practices of Academic Librarians and Archivists at ARL Institutions

Introduction I. Appointment II. Promotion in academic rank III. Tenure (Continuous Appointment) IV. Termination of appointments V. Grievance VI. Dismissal procedures VII. Action by the institutional governing board VIII. Procedures for imposition of sanctions other than dismissal IX. Terminal salary or notice X. Academic freedom and protection against discrimination XI. Complaints of violation of academic freedom or of discrimination in nonreappointment XII. Administrative personnel Notes

"A Guideline for the Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Librarians"

/pdf/digital-humanities-where-to-start-4ft9h1voha.pdf

Digital Humanities Where to start

From small colleges to large universities, academic librarians continue to meet the challenges of digital humanities in a variety of ways. The diversity of skills, knowledge, and experience exhibit...

Kevin Gunn

Papers

"A Guideline for the Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Librarians"

Digital Humanities Where to start

The digital humanities: Implications for librarians, libraries, and librarianship

Student as Teacher: creating LibGuides as a tool for professional development