Joseph J. Mika

Library and information science practitioners and research

Abstract There is a continuing need for more and better research in the field of library and information science (LIS). However, many LIS practitioners are not heavily involved in research. To add to our knowledge of practitioners’ involvement in research, 1,444 questionnaires were sent to members of the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science and Technology, the Medical Library Association, and the Special Libraries Association. An analysis of 615 responses revealed the following: almost 90% of LIS practitioners in the United States and Canada regularly read at least one research journal, nearly 62% regularly read research-based articles, approximately 50% occasionally apply research results to professional practices, and 42% occasionally or frequently perform research related to their job or to the LIS profession. The data analysis also identified factors related to practitioners’ involvement in research and determined how practitioners assess their research training and skills.

The Role of Multiculturalism and Diversity in Library and Information Science: LIS Education and the Job Market

Abstract Library and Information Science (LIS) education has responded positively to calls for professionals to be educated to serve the increasingly diverse and multicultural population in the USA and Canada. Analyzing LIS school websites’ missions, goals, and objectives as well as program curricula, this study reports on the expressions of multiculturalism and diversity in the programs and in courses. The study also explores the positions, types of institution, and geographic locations that advertise for diversity in information professionals, plus the qualifications, skills, and languages sought by employers. The paper argues for continued emphasis on the part of LIS programs to recruit students with multicultural backgrounds and for recognizing that a second language (other than English) is indispensible for new professionals.

Library and Information Services to the Arabic‐Speaking Community: A Survey of Michigan Public Libraries

Public Libraries tout that they serve diverse communities, even having collection development policies, programs, and service that recognize their dissimilar neighborhoods. The authors of this article, having noted the influx of Arab‐speaking populations from Iraq and other Middle East countries to the United States, sought to find out the extent to which this population was receiving library service. The investigators discovered that four Michigan counties comprise a significant Arab‐speaking population; in fact, that population base is surpassed only by that of the Middle East countries and Paris, France. The researchers constructed a survey, based on a successful model used with libraries serving Spanish‐speaking populations and applied it to the Michigan libraries in the counties with a significant Arab‐speaking population. The results reveal that the Arab‐speaking neighborhoods, at least at the time of the survey, were not very well served (except in a few instances) by their public libraries.

The Preservation Resource Needs of Michigan's Public Libraries

Public libraries throughout Michigan are engaged in a constant struggle to preserve their collections. Public library preservation labors require a set of resources—skills, materials, vendors, and financial support. Michigans public libraries were invited to participate in a survey designed to inquire into their current preservation resources and their preservation resource needs. Survey results revealed that Michigans public libraries are making several inroads to preserve their collections but, nevertheless, have unmet preservation resource needs. These preservation resource requirements require innovative and financial solutions to meet these needs.