Library and Information Research 

About: Library and Information Research is an academic journal published by Library and Information Research Group. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Information literacy & Higher education. It has an ISSN identifier of 1756-1086. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 289 publications have been published receiving 2012 citations. The journal is also known as: LIR & Library and information research.

Exploring information experiences through phenomenography

Abstract: Phenomenography is a qualitative research approach that seeks to explore variation in how people experience various aspects of their world. Phenomenography has been used in numerous information research studies that have explored various phenomena of interest in the library and information sphere. This paper provides an overview of the phenomenographic method and discusses key assumptions that underlie this approach to research. Aspects including data collection, data analysis and the outcomes of phenomenographic research are also detailed. The paper concludes with an illustration of how phenomenography was used in research to investigate students’ experiences of web-based information searching. The results of this research demonstrate how the phenomenographic approach yields insights into variation, making it possible to develop greater understanding of the phenomenon as it was experienced, and to draw upon these experiences to improve and enhance current practice.

A comparison of UK academics' conceptions of information literacy in two disciplines: English and Marketing

Abstract: The authors aim to present and compare findings from a phenomenographic investigation into conceptions of information literacy in two populations: academics in English and Marketing disciplines teaching at British universities. These were chosen as examples of, respectively, soft-pure and soft-applied disciplines.We begin by defining information literacy and briefly setting our research in context. We explain the nature of research using the phenomenographic approach, and describe our sample and methods. We present firstly, the four qualitatively different conceptions of information literacy held by the English academics, and then the seven conceptions held by the Marketing academics. Key differences between the conceptions held in the two disciplines are discussed, in particular relating differences to characteristics of soft-pure and soft-applied disciplines. The authors conclude that study of the differences between the conceptions held by the two disciplinary groups can illuminate and guide information literacy initiatives.

What information competencies matter in today’s workplace?

Abstract: This is a qualitative study about the information competencies that employers seek in university graduates and the skills which graduates demonstrate when they enter the workplace. Included are findings from interviews with 23 US employers and focus groups with a total of 33 recent graduates from four US colleges and universities. Employers said they recruited graduates for their online searching skills but once graduates joined the workplace they rarely used the traditional, low-tech research competencies that their employers also needed. Graduates said that they used skills from university for evaluating and managing published content; yet most graduates still needed to develop adaptive strategies to save time and work more efficiently. A preliminary model compares information problems in the university with those of the workplace. Opportunities are identified for preparing students to succeed beyond the academy in the workplaces of today and tomorrow.

The collection and analysis of job advertisements: A review of research methodology

Abstract: An increasing number of research studies in LIS use job adverts as a data source to analyse and track changes to job skills and the employment market over time. This review of 70 research studies in LIS aims to provide an overview of key characteristics of existing research methods, and to suggest improvements which could be made to methods. The researcher analysed different aspects of each study using a quantitative approach, and noted salient features of each study’s methodology. The review found that studies of job adverts in LIS are characterised by: large sample sizes often collected using purposive sampling; a lack of full pilot studies and ethical assessments; minimal use of inferential statistics and automatic text analysis; and minimal use of complementary empirical methods. Studies of job adverts could be improved by: fuller preparation of research methods, more sophisticated methods of analysis, and greater use of secondary empirical methods.

Interviews via VoIP: Benefits and Disadvantages within a PhD study of SMEs

Abstract: The benefits and disadvantages of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are explored as part of a PhD study to conduct qualitative interviews to discuss risk management within records management. This was used in conjunction with an internet-based electronic whiteboard system to provide online collaboration between participant and researcher. This work describes interviews that were held separately with two participants from one small to medium enterprise (SME). An analysis of factors that might affect researcher choice of interview format is given, and the differences noted between other formats of 'remote' interview. Suggestions are made as to how other forms of e-communication may be used for interviews.