Linda Ashcroft

Developing competencies, critical analysis and personal transferable skills in future information professionals

New technologies mean library and information science is currently characterised by fast‐paced change, with staff needing to be flexible in adapting and adopting new skills and levels of awareness. New developments need to be marketed and evaluated, and these are additional skills for information professionals to adopt. Findings of a research project carried out at Liverpool John Moores University into the marketing and management of e‐journals demonstrate the need for LIS professionals to develop marketing and evaluation skills and strategies for new technologies. Other emerging skills in the electronic information environment are communication, negotiation and collaboration, with information professionals being called upon to teach new skills.

ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria

Changes in the provision of information brought about through the emergence of electronic information resources have created subsequent changes in the skills needed by information professionals. Information professionals are now expected to be aware of and capable of using emerging information communication technologies, as well as having essential communication skills. Professional bodies, such as CILIP in the UK and the ALA in the US, recognize the importance of continuing professional development in order to keep skills and expertise up-to-date for all aspects of work. The necessity of ICT skills has a clear impact on reference service professionals, with the emergence of digital reference services. A research project carried out at Liverpool John Moores University into the provision of electronic information in Nigeria identified a significant skills gap amongst information professionals. Collaboration and strategic management of resources may be key to alleviating this problem.

Crisis management ‐ public relations

Considers management of information and effective communication at times of crisis. Examines recent crises to illustrate how and why poor management of information and communication has had disastrous effects. Discusses basic rules together with preparation and training for crisis management, including a crisis checklist, phone lines, spokespersons, conveying the message and training support staff. Comments on the need for the establishment of house rules to avoid problems. Discusses interpretations of “off the record” and how problems can arise from differing interpretations. Establishes the value of simultaneous communication to all audiences.

Information skills of undergraduate business students – a comparison of UK and international students

Summarises the results of a study aimed at measuring the information skills of UK and international students pursuing an undergraduate course in business studies. Investigates the hypothesis that international students studying in the UK might be disadvantaged as a consequence of their different educational backgrounds. The recent higher education curriculum shift towards a more learning‐centred approach and an emphasis on independent learning means that information skills are now far more fundamental to a student’s survival and success. No significant difference between the information skills of UK and international students was found. Only about one‐quarter of students performed well on the test, while three‐quarters had inadequate information skills. The majority of students feel negative or neutral towards library and information skills – with international students having a more positive attitude than home students. One of the main sources of negative attitudes cited was the inability to find information without help.

PR, marketing and the Internet: implications for information professionals

Adapted from a presentation given by the authors at the Annual Conference of the Publicity and Public Relations Group of the Library Association in November 1999, focusing on how the Internet impacts on today’s public relations (PR) and marketing and the implications for librarians. Building on the experience of the publisher MCB University Press and using analysis and practical examples, identifies how promotional activity can be adapted to this new medium. Finds that interactivity is a feature of the Internet that can be exploited for promotional purposes, and that integration of traditional and online communication methods provides the key to successful PR/marketing for the Internet. The need for effective planning and implementation of PR/marketing activity is stressed, together with the need to incorporate Internet promotion into an overall promotional plan for the organisation.

Electronic journals and university library collections

Given the advantages of electronic publishing and the benefits of electronic journals, this paper comments on a research project which investigates benefits of and barriers to the purchase of electronic journals in university library collections in the UK and North America. The methodology included surveys of those involved in serials provision in university libraries. More detailed information is being obtained via follow‐up interviews. Research findings demonstrate the growth of electronic journals, and their benefits. The issues of access to electronic journals in university libraries, including availability, methods of access and delivery options, promotion and evaluation are discussed. The various cost factors are considered, including site licence issues, purchase decisions, and consortia purchasing. Archiving issues are discussed. Conclusions highlight current considerations affecting the purchase of electronic journals in university collections.

Public libraries and adult learners

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of three “grey” areas which emerged from a study on adult learning provision both within and outside public libraries in England – formal and informal learning, promotion and attracting learners, and evaluation and feedback.Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises a literature review, interviews with the regional agencies of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), and interviews with a purposive select sample of public library services in England.Findings – The public libraries sampled demonstrated their expertise in reaching out to a range of different social groups and their willingness to work with a variety of partners to provide the wide range of courses and services needed. Good reciprocal partnership relationships have been established. The need for more sophisticated market research and promotion is identified. Evaluation and feedback are subject to various interpretations and form an area surrounded by difficulties....

Change implications related to electronic educational resources

E‐books are a relatively recent addition to the online electronic resources market, and commentators are still debating their efficacy. Access to e‐books continues to develop, with numerous platforms available, and lack of standardisation an ongoing problem. However, there are potential advantages to e‐books, including easier access, speed of publication, space‐saving, and lower costs. Many university libraries are beginning to have e‐books in their collections. A research project being undertaken at Liverpool John Moores University is investigating the provision of e‐books in 127 academic libraries in the UK. Many academic libraries are providing access to e‐book resources that are free‐of‐charge, and those libraries offering e‐book subscriptions are using the World Wide Web for their platform. There are similar issues in the take‐up of e‐books to those regarding the take‐up of other electronic resources, such as e‐journals. These include changes in professional and management skills, such as collection development, marketing and evaluation, user education, technological skills and communication skills.

Issues in developing, managing and marketing electronic journals collections

The provision of electronic journals collections has required libraries and librarians to adapt and develop services and working practices. Research carried out at Liverpool John Moores University investigated promotion and evaluation of e‐journals in academic library collections in the UK and North America. Further issues discussed include cost implications and best value. Faced with many alternatives of packages and bundles, the questions of relevancy and management costs arise. The research also considered the prevalence and benefits of purchasing consortia. Promotion and evaluation of e‐journals are examined in light of changing user expectations, possible benefits from the supply chain and management skills in a changing collection environment.

Electronic Journals: Managing and Educating for a Changing Culture in Academic Libraries.

With the requisite IT infrastructure now becoming commonplace in academic institutions, electronic journals are becoming an established component of academic life, but the management of electronic journals can not yet be considered trouble‐free. This latest research project at Liverpool John Moores University focuses on the evaluation and promotion of electronic journals in academic libraries in the UK and in North America. The aim is to highlight any significant differences in the way that electronic journals are managed and to identify successes in order to establish “best practice”. Several issues emerge from the research. For electronic journals to become a significant alternative to the print version, there needs to be a recognition that the introduction of electronic journals will impact on working practices and staffing requirements, requiring more technical skills and competencies and changes in management priorities. Furthermore, electronic journals are still a “moving target”, making realignment even more difficult and posing awkward questions for decision makers as to the best way forward. The whole process of electronic journal development requires effective management of change. Interoperability would seem to provide the key to many of the issues involved. All of these factors influence the changing arena of LIS education.