Library Theory and Research
Strategic Plan
2004-2005
Mission
The IFLA Section on Library Theory & Research exists to:
- Provide a research-based framework to IFLA's professional priorities through a program promoting theoretical and empirical library and information science research and analysis;
- Provide and encourage international networking opportunities for library professionals engaged in library and information science research.
(Professional priorities: Supporting the role of libraries in society; Developing library professionals; Promoting standards, guidelines and best practices)
Goals
1. Encourage exchange between practice-based and theoretical research in LIS.
Actions
1.1 Encourage empirically based papers at IFLA and IFLA sponsored conferences:
1.1.1 Oslo 2005 (theme: L
ibraries: a voyage of discovery).
- Research project: Role of IFLA in promoting change and diffusing professional norms in libraries with a weight on norms, standards and policies related to lifelong literacy (part 1)
- How do people of the world define, understand and translate the word "literacy"?
- Is there a base standard of "literacy" and is it universal?
- What can we learn from historical research and examples of projects undertaken.
- Consider invitations from relevant IFLA sections for joint sessions:
- Management and Marketing, offsite satellite session: Management, marketing, evaluation and promotion of library services, based on statistics, analyses and evaluation in your own library.
- Education & Training (SET): The Nordic Tradition in Library and Information Science Research and Education and International Perspectives.
- CBVII offsite session: Recruitment and careers in LIS. Invited research-based papers.
1.1.2 Seoul 2006 (theme:
Libraries: Dynamic Engines for the Knowledge and Information Society)
- Seminar/workshop to continue development of LTR research project: Role of ILFA in promoting change and diffusing professional norms in libraries with a weight on norms, standards and policies related to lifelong literacy (part 2)
- Consider the introduction of a new theme for LTR conference session: Cultural bias and its influence on LIS research projects and topics - possible joint session with other IFLA section(s).
1.2 Promoting appropriate research activities and investigations relevant to IFLA'S professional priorities:
1.2.1 Encouraging library schools to include LIS research units/courses/subjects in their programs
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LTR to communicate with IFLA and library schools.
1.2.2 Information coordinator to continue knowledge exchange amongst LTR members;
1.2.3 Evaluating research projects for their relevance to IFLA's professional priorities and LTR's goals;
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Consider a project on the preparation of a research toolbox for LIS researchers in languages other than English.
2. Assisting in the development of expertise and knowledge in useful research methods
Actions
2.1 Communicating research expertise and knowledge to the library community.
2.1.1 Oslo conference (theme:
Libraries: a voyage of discovery)
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Encourage submission of library research paper to satellite session with Section of Management and Marketing: Management, marketing and promotion of library services, based on statistics, analyses and evaluation in your own library.
- Join SET in applying for session on research, education and training in Nordic countries.
- Seek LTR session to progress the LTR project: Role of ILFA in promoting change and diffusing professional norms in libraries with a weight on norms, standards and policies related to lifelong literacy
2.1.2 Disseminating results of research projects and activities:
- Political perceptions of the public library
- Project report - IFLA to publish once ready with deadline end of 2004.
- Other publication(s) from the project, e.g. conference papers, journal articles.
- Evaluate conference papers for possible inclusion in IFLA and other journals.
3. Facilitating transnational networks of common research interests
Actions
3.1 Encouraging participation in LTR Research projects:
- Political perspectives of the public library
- An investigation into the role of IFLA in promoting change and diffusing professional norm in libraries with a weight on norms, standards and policies related to lifelong literacy.
3.2 Sharing LTR communications:
3.2.1 LTR Newsletter;
3.2.2 LTR Discussion List;
3.2.3 LTR Website on IFLANET;
3.2.4 Encourage attendance at LTR Standing Committee meetings;
3.3 Promoting membership to LTR:
3.3.1 Target professional groups (e.g. library schools)
- Encourage broad international representation on LTR Standing Committee in 2005 elections.
- Update the Section leaflet
