Library Theory and Research
Strategic Plan
2006-2007
Mission
The IFLA Section on Library Theory & Research exists to:
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provide a research-based framework to IFLA's professional priorities through a program promoting theoretical and empirical library and information science research and analysis;
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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. 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)
- LIS research in Korea: off-site session at a Korean institution for research in LIS presenting Korean LIS-research
- Contribute to a divisional session for the division on education and research: The effects of cultural and linguistic differences on how we interpret, research and educate in LIS.
1.1.2. Durban 2007
- A satellite conference on the effects of cultural and linguistic differences on LIS research with a special view to African cultural and linguistic heritage is planned but not yet finally decided upon.
- LIS research in South Africa: off site session at a South African institution for research in LIS presenting South African LIS-research.
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;
- LTR to communicate with IFLA and library schools.
1.2.2 Information co-ordinator to commence knowledge exchange amongst LTR members;
1.2.3 Evaluating research projects for their relevance to IFLA's professional priorities and LTR's goals.
- 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)
- 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.
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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
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Project is prolonged to increase different international perspectives project report - expected publication within August 2006.
- 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
