Library Theory and Research Section

Annual Report
September 2001 - August 2002

After its meetings in Boston in August 2001, the section undertook a number of obligations during the year 2001, as outlined in the Strategic Plan set at the Boston meetings. The best way to measure the Section's achievements for the year 2001/2 is to note the action comments appended to the relevant component of the Plan, which follows.

Strategic Plan, 2001-2003

Mission

The IFLA Section on Library Theory and Research provides a research-based underpinning to IFLA's professional priorities on the role of libraries in society and the development of library professionals, through a programme promoting theoretical and empirical library and information science research and analysis. It provides and encourages international networking opportunities for library professionals engaged in library and information science research

Goals

Actions

2.1 2001/2

2.1.1 Present research proposal to IFLA PC in December 2001 on "Political perceptions of the public library"; DONE . Proposal accepted by IFLA PC with funding for Euro 1815. Project leader is Professor Bob Usherwood.

2.1.2 Reconfigure LTR business meetings at conferences to encourage sharing of research ideas and collaboration by undertaking business at first meeting and collaborative discussions at second; - UNDERWAY.

2.2 2002/3

2.2.1 Further develop research proposal on "Methods for studying the social side of libraries" in society for presentation to IFLA PC in 2002; NOT DONE

3. Evaluate different research approaches

Actions

3.1 2001/2

3.1.1 Negotiate with authors Maxine Rochester and Pertti Vakkari and enable the IFLA publication of their work on behalf of LTR on "International Library and Information Science Research"; UNDERWAY - K Smith co ordinating.

3.2 2002/3

3.2.1 Further develop research proposal on "Methods for studying the social side of libraries" in society for presentation to IFLA PC in 2002; NOT DONE

4. Facilitate transnational networks of common research interests

Actions

4.1 2001-2-3

4.1.1 Continue the broad international representation on our Standing Committee; ELECTIONS ratified 2001 - new members to the section are:
4.1.2 Revamp section leaflet to reflect new priorities and actions and disseminate widely; UNDERWAY. 150 printed copies available at Glasgow conference, PDF file version is available on our IFLANET website. Translations to be organised.
4.1.3 Promote membership to the Section; NOT DONE - no special action taken during 2001/2.
4.1.4 Continue bi-annual publication of section newsletter; DONE. Two issues wefre published in December 2001 and July 2002. The cost of postage for the 2 x paper copies per year is becoming prohibitive.
4.1.5 Disseminate LTR newsletter electronically; DONE. Electronic dissemination of the newsletter will assist greatly in reducing the cost of postage. LTR will follow up this matter with IFLA PC. The July 2002 issue was distributed electronically and a paper copy posted to those on the mailing list who did not have an email address.
4.1.6 Open electronic discussion to interested parties from the Boston 2001 conference; DONE - there are now 36 subscribers to LTR-L the Section's discussion list.
4.1.7 Consider ways to encourage section members to participate and communicate; DONE
4.1.8 Reconfigure LTR business meetings at conferences to encourage sharing of research ideas and collaboration; UNDERWAY

5. Promote and support the translation of LIS research into practice and policy

5.1 2002 - 3:

5.1.1 Disseminate results of public libraries project to wide audiences; UNDERWAY: a component of the Glasgow conference workshop will be to encourage as many potential international participants to the project.
5.1.2 Disseminate electronic newsletter to wider practitioner groups; NOT DONE
5.1.3 Continue to encourage practitioners and researchers to share ideas at conference sessions; ONGOING
5.1.4 Promote relevant and current LIS research initiatives to LIS practitioners through section newsletter, liaison and collaboration with other IFLA sections. ONGOING

Other activities:

• The section's minutes of its meetings held in Boston on 18th and 24th August 2001 are on the Section's web page.
• This was an election year and the new members to the Section are:
  2001-2005 term:
  Ragnar Audunson, Norway;
  Juan Carlos Fernandez Molina, Spain,
  Wallace Koehler, USA
  Ms Marian Koren, Netherlands
  Ms Ilkka Makinen, Finland
  Ms Wilda B Newman, USA (2nd term)
  Steffen Ruckl, Germany (2nd term)
  Bob Usherwood, UK (2nd term)
• There was an election of office bearers and Lis Byberg was thanked by the Standing Committee for her tireless efforts on the Section's behalf as she stepped down as LTR Chair. The new Chair is Kerry Smith, Secretary is Marian Koren and Wilda Newman continues as Information Officer.
• The section's Boston conference undertakings were the Open Session International cooperation in library and information science (LIS) research: making a difference in the knowledge age Wednesday 22 August 2001 - Wallace Koehler was the Chair;
  Workshop Collaboration between the library and information science researcher and the practitioner: leadership programs in the US, Monday 20th August 2001, Beverly Lynch organised a group of speakers and chaired this session.
• IFLA had decided to move form Medium Term programs to Strategic Plans for each section. LTR developed its planning document, as above.
• LTR considered a number of ideas for potential projects: attitudes of government officials to public libraries; methodologies for studying the role and impact of libraries in society; a bibliography on research being carried out on IFLA's priorities; something on ethics. The section decided that it would support the project on political perceptions of the public library.
• Efforts are being made to update the section's website. As at July 2002 the following information was available:
• copies of the section newsletter for December 1999, July 2000 and July 2001;
• Minutes for SC meetings: Boston, 2001,
• Annual reports for 1994-95; 1996-97; 1997-98.
• LTR membership/information Leaflet in English
There is more to be done.