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For the first time, data are used to explore the current degree of management feminization in Spain's leading archives and libraries. By examining male directors' perception of the possible implications of the profession's feminization on their work, this study contributes to research into the feminization of the archival profession and librarianship. The various results were cross-checked, revealing that both current data and 40-year-old data show a prevalence of female leadership and therefore feminized management in Spain's main archives and libraries. Pertinent contributions on the historical process of these professions' feminization in Spain are offered, together with surprising data on the low number of female directors in international professional organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about the demographic make-up of librarianship, which remains overwhelmingly white and female, but little has been discussed about the socioeconomic background of folks entering the field. In this column, I explore some of the ways that coming from a financially disadvantaged background can impact both entering the profession and the experience of working within it. A mix of practical and aspirational action items are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a survey of library and information professionals in positions of leadership regarding the skills and knowledge expected of MLS program graduates seeking employment in their organizations. The survey demonstrates that, as libraries and other information agencies continue to expand their role as a vital resource within a community, academic institution, or business, it is critical for prospective library employees to develop a balanced array of competencies that combines soft skills, such as adaptability, leadership potential and team orientation, as well as hard technical skills that have traditionally been important for daily library operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigated job demands and requirements in the American Library Association (ALA) job website. The states with the highest number of library and information science (LIS) job openings were California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Washington. Academic libraries had the highest number of job openings, followed by Public libraries and Government libraries, respectively. The most sought-after LIS job categories were Administration/Management, Special Collections/Archives, Subject Specialist/Liaison, Information Literacy and Instruction, and Collection Development/Acquisitions. A significant majority of libraryrelated jobs required a Master's degree. These findings benefit LIS researchers, educators, professionals, and job seekers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The academic library is an institution in continual flux, with ever-growing demands and challenges for its leadership. Many leadership development texts focus on implementing selected styles or techniques in order to deal with these challenges. However, this article explores how developing reflexivity is an essential component of leadership development for academic library leaders. In order to develop this reflexivity, leaders must become disembedded via relational practices such as engaging within interstitial spaces. Discussion of the topic yields three suggested relational practices for leaders to become disembedded in their quest for reflexivity: (1) participating in regular strategic assessment; (2) cultivating faculty relationships; and (3) engaging in student outreach and embedded librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research impact librarianship is an area within the profession that continues to grow out of need for dedicated expertise of bibliometrics and other various assessment measures. There are numerous methods of creating or re-imagining research impact services. As is common practice within librarianship, sharing experiences and best practices for service provision, especially burgeoning services, is invaluable and informs other professionals about successes they can potentially adapt into their plans for doing similar work. The Libraries at the University of Houston is in the midst of creating a research visibility and impact program born out of an initiative to elevate the university's level of prestige and impact by developing personnel, programs, and practices to support research visibility and impact across the institution. This article discusses the University of Houston Libraries' process and progress toward formalizing research impact services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians across the country are experiencing unprecedented acts of censorship. This study examines the recommendations from librarians on handling censorship and information that librarians wished was commonplace for public understanding. The study asked the following two questions: What do you wish the public understood about cases of censorship? What recommendations do you have for others who might be facing a case of censorship in the library? The interview results were analyzed and coded. Librarians serve all members of their community. This study will give insight into recommendations for librarians and the profession of Library and Information Science best practice when dealing with censorship attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pamela Ann Taylor, also known as PT, was a librarian and fashion enthusiast who made significant contributions to the field of librarianship in Australia. She began her career at the State Library of NSW before transitioning to the fashion department at Mark Foy's. However, she eventually returned to librarianship and had a successful career at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Library. In 1975, she became the Foundation Librarian at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), where she established an exceptional library collection and implemented innovative services. Pamela was an early adopter of library innovations and played a key role in making the Australian Journal of Management available online. She was highly regarded by her colleagues and mentored many young librarians. Pamela passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion for her profession. [Extracted from the article]

The general subject trends and emphasized points of Community Librarianship (CL) researches are not clear. According to reviewed papers, CL encompasses a wide range of social issues. This dispersion and diversity require presenting a comprehensive map of the thematic trends. The present study showed the concept of "social capital" is the underlying base for the literature of CL, which is the outcome of dialogue and interactive space of libraries. Also, historically, the related publications can be classified into five categories: 1) promoting the democratic culture and training informed and participating citizens 2) improving e-government; 3) library as a place for creating social capital; 4) sharing consumer health information; and 5) natural crises and disasters. The results of this study can show and reflect the "common good" of public libraries, that can effectively provide insight for librarians, attract policymakers' support, and maintain the position and future of these libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a literature driven reflection about a radiologist’s experience of using health libraries in England’s National Health Service, as a consultant after returning from a Clinical Fellowship in New Zealand. It is a collaboration between a Consultant Interventional Radiologist and two Academic Librarians. It attempts to reflect on the lived experience of the radiologist and locate that experience within the wider Library and Information Science (LIS) context. Findings include new suggestions about how librarians can support staff in career transition and apply their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic to forge pragmatic relationships within the health care community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual paper introduces the joint San José State University, School of Information and Simmons University, School of Library and Information Science, IMLS grant planning project: iLead: Preparing Tomorrow’s Library Leaders. During 2023–24, the grant team project members are designing an asynchronous online program where library employees may earn micro-credentials. The online program focuses on developing leadership skills with an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. Contributions from national, state, and local library partners during the development of this curriculum will assist in applying for a future IMLS implementation grant. For more information on iLead: https://www.ileadedi.org/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While medical and health science librarians' median salaries have increased over the last forty years; however, inflation-adjusted salaries are lower than in 2008. Utilizing data from the Medical Library Association's salary surveys from 1983 to 2023, this column explores median salary changes over time by discussing the median salary's performance against inflation and how the 2008 recession and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic impacted salaries. From 2017 to 2023, the median salary increased by 18%, but after adjusting for inflation, the median salary decreased by almost 6%. The findings have serious implications for recruitment and retention in medical and health sciences librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the presentations delivered by the CORE Faceted Subject Access Interest Group (FSAIG) during the ALA CORE Virtual Interest Group Week on March 5, 2024. Topics discussed include digital collections through the adoption of faceted subject vocabularies and the implementation of Library of Congress Demographic Group Terms (LCDGT). Attendees include Rebecca Saunders, Librarian at Western Carolina University and Kelley McGrath, Librarian at the University of Oregon.

The article discusses the presentations of the Project Management Interest Group (PMIG) during the Core Interest Group Week held in March 2024. Topics discussed include various aspects of project management, particularly within the context of digital initiatives and web migration projects. Attendees included Timothy Provenzano, Digital Initiatives Librarian and Cari Lovins, Director of Digital Programs.

There are many considerations to take before embarking on a new project or creating a new community partnership. Many such considerations are undocumented and not widely taught in Master of Library and Information Science programs. This article fills in the gap with suggested steps to take before implementing a new service or partnership. Recommendations stem from the author's own experiences and aim to help public library workers—from staff to administration—avoid possible pitfalls and become effective advocates for focus and intentionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper extends Critical Race Feminista Methodological (CRFM) approaches by contending that convivencias− the coexistence necessary for creating relationships in the field − are an integral part of engaging research collaborators within educational historical research. Drawing on oral histories with Chicana/o librarians, personal collections, and archival sources, I outline the convivencias I shared with librarians that span across spatial and temporal dimensions. These interactions were centered on recollecting, remembering, and learning about the activism within Latina/o/x chidlren's literture and librarianship's history. Convivencias across space were possible through diverse interactions, such as in-person meetings, phone conversations, video conferences, and emails. Convivencias across time are represented by the continuity of sustained efforts to advance social justice in librarianship across multiple decades. The conceptualization of convivencias across space and time emerged as a CRFM tool that aims to center seldomly documented narratives of activism essential for fostering connections, cultivating community memories, and nuancing historical educational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping literature review explored specific themes connected to the evolving nature of academic business librarianship (career paths and educational backgrounds, services and job roles, self-assessment, and professional development) with the goal to determine the state of existing literature. Following careful review, two areas of business librarianship—self-assessment and professional development—were identified as lacking in overall research literature. Literature regarding career paths and educational backgrounds, as well as services and job roles demonstrated notable gaps and need for timely revision. Future directions for research in emerging areas of academic business librarianship are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on critical librarianship in the health library context. It critiquing societal norms; supporting critical thinking in academic and hospital libraries; advocating for inclusive and accurate indexing of Indigenous populations in research databases; highlights a case study involving the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus; and demonstrating how critical examination by information professionals led to impactful changes in information access and representation.

The article focuses on exploring the relationship between information literacy, information access, and artificial intelligence in today's information landscape. Topics include the evolution and standards of information literacy; challenges and responsibilities in education; the critical aspect of information access; the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on information management; and highlighting its benefits and ethical considerations.

STEM librarian roles are shifting to accommodate the changing academic research and education landscape within universities. To best support students and faculty, liaisons need to examine current practices within STEM librarianship, experiment with new models of information literacy, and consider how students are using the library. The following articles examine the roles of STEM librarians; the methods they use to connect with STEM students; and the way STEM students are interacting, or not interacting, with university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify potential needs for primary source collections, this study examines course descriptions and student learning outcomes from the University General Course Catalog of the University of Nevada, Reno. Primary source collection development analysis has not been a focus for librarianship literature. This study uses OpenRefine to analyze words and phrases related to philosophy, history, and primary source resources. Specific locations, time periods, and topics were identified as potential collections for future acquisitions. The findings presented here are specific to one university, but the development of this analysis process can help other academic libraries identify potential topics and resources for their collection development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the familiarity, understanding, and perceptions of immersive technologies such as Virtual Environments (VEs), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) among library professionals in India. It seeks to determine the importance of Metaverse literacy for librarians, explore their attitudes toward integrating Metaverse concepts into library services, identify potential benefits, and examine perceived barriers hindering the adoption of Metaverse technologies in libraries. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving a stratified random sampling method to gather data from library professionals across various universities and colleges in India. Familiarity with VEs, AR, and VR technologies was high, with mean scores above 4.0 for most items, indicating respondents' strong interest and understanding. The importance of Metaverse literacy was emphasized, with high mean scores (above 4.2) on its significance for enhancing library services and user engagement. Critical barriers identified included cost (mean = 4.13), lack of expertise (mean = 4.01), and privacy concerns (mean = 3.51). The results underscore the need for targeted training programs and resource allocation to support adopting immersive library technologies. Adopting Metaverse literacy in libraries can help bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial literacy (FL) is an important ability needed by any individual to understand, evaluate, and communicate business and financial information. Having accurate financial information increases one's competency to be financial literate. It is regarded as a common and basic life skill that libraries can develop for their users. Using purposive sampling, this study ponders into the status and challenges of eight public city libraries in the Philippines in terms of providing FL education and how they can potentially share a role in developing the economy of a country. Public libraries' readiness to serve their users can be observed in terms of their collection, web presence, services, and programs. The level of financial knowledge and competencies of city librarians were also assessed. A look into the available professional development programs for public librarians in business and finance librarianship was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the potential benefits of eliminating the requirement of a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) for branch library management positions. Waiving the requirement attracts a wider range of candidates, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) applicants. Many of the skills necessary for library jobs—such as building community relationships and overseeing budgets—do not necessarily come from acquiring an MLIS and, in fact, are more likely to come from other experiences. At the same time, the MLIS does offer foundational knowledge about library values and professional ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This opinion paper discusses the impact of the Library and Information Science (LIS) course/program accreditation, and implications for graduating students when it excludes an international element. The case study describes the accreditation status of Zimbabwe's LIS training and qualifications, while also gathering insight from international practices. Results reveal the need for a solid support system to the LIS profession from various constituents including LIS curriculum developers, library associations, and an environment that encourages library and information professionals to possess qualifications relevant to their respective markets and innovation. The paper concludes with a recommendation for international accreditation practices, principles and standards that produce well-equipped, versatile LIS professionals. In exploring the process and implications of international accreditation and recognition of library science qualifications in Zimbabwe, the paper holds promise for informing other situations beyond Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides initial insight into the infrastructure surrounding outdoor public librarianship, a term introduced in this article. Data from a Fall 2021 survey revealed many libraries moved programs and services outside during Summer 2021. Library workers predominantly used local infrastructure, supplemented by some extralocal infrastructure (primarily their peers within the profession), to develop and implement these programs and services. Data reveal these services are expected to continue, and possibly expand. Given this potential growth, future research to uncover effective practices is needed so that libraries can effectively help their communities benefit from being outside in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from a survey of 291 Australian library and information science (LIS) practitioners, examining their research capacity by identifying attitudes towards, and experiences of research activities, including support needs and barriers. This study found that supported LIS practitioners will be confident LIS practitioner-researchers. Findings reveal that in addition to fostering research skills and knowledge strategies to build LIS practitioners' research capacity, the profession must acknowledge and address the feelings that underlie resistance to research. In addition, before mentoring can be used as a meaningful research support mechanism, LIS practitioners need to first develop confidence that their experiences are sufficient to provide support to others and receive training in research methods to bridge the gap between research as service, and research as partnership. LIS academics, with their expertise in research, are well placed to take an active role in collaboration with LIS practitioners to provide research training and mentoring. For LIS practitioner-researchers' potential to be realised, developmental interventions need to be addressed within LIS institutions. As a supportive research culture within a workplace is enhanced, mistrust in research and anxiety about research practices will diminish, and practitioners will build their identities as practitioner-researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mintel Reports Academic is a market intelligence database that provides reports on consumers, markets, products, and brands from various geographies. The reports are written by analysts with expertise in different industries and include survey data collected through online surveys. Mintel tracks government statistics, consumer and trade association statistics, and press articles worldwide. The database offers a user-friendly interface for searching and accessing reports, and users can download reports in various formats. Mintel Reports is a comprehensive resource for market research and is particularly useful for business faculty and students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. [Extracted from the article]

This article reviews the practices of subject assignment by the two main Norwegian cataloging agencies serving the public library domain, Biblioteksentralen and Bokbasen, analyzing 47,235 records representing media cataloged by both agencies, published between 2012 and 2019. In addition to descriptive statistics representing these practices, we apply the Panofsky/Shatford model, previously used in the analysis of artworks and images, to distinguish aspects of these practices associated with levels of meaning. We find that Biblioteksentralen tends to use more abstract terms in their descriptions, while Bokbasen tends to use more general terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional discussions regarding bias in classification are occurring internationally. Libraries are investigating ways to address these issues in manageable steps as we push for broader changes. This case study details one library's process for adopting the Dewey Decimal Classification optional arrangement for religion (220-299), following the work done by Emily McDonald. This arrangement reduces the Christian bias of the standard schedule. The reclassification project is a step to improve the inclusivity and browsability of the collection while maintaining the library's current classification scheme. In addition to process, the paper highlights the advantages and potential concerns for adopting this arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers various approaches to the practice of copy-specific descriptive cataloging in rare books and special collections and seeks to identify how practice can be improved to ensure greater discoverability. Through applying a survey method, it identifies some of the core requirements of library professionals and researchers working with these materials and proposes solutions toward the standardization of this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of female employees regarding workplace empowerment. The study also emphasized the alleged advantages of employee empowerment in the workplace and pinpointed the barriers to empowerment. This paper is based on qualitative data collected, through the semi-structured interview with female library professionals working in the higher education commission's recognized universities of Punjab- Pakistan, as a part of doctoral studies. According to the study, respondents most frequently defined "workplace empowerment" as having the freedom to do duties as they see fit. They also emphasized the benefits of workplace empowerment on both the personal and professional levels. Three categories—managerial, organizational, and individual factors—are used to categorize the obstacles cited by the participants. Although there is no study of this kind on the topic of workplace empowerment of female employees in the local context of Pakistan, this work adds significantly to the paucity of literature on the subject. This study is extracted from the Ph.D. thesis of the researcher. This study is limited in terms of its population as the data was collected from female library professionals in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The results may aid stakeholders and higher authorities in eradicating workplace empowerment concerns and in formulating evidence-based strategies or policies to enable women to execute their jobs more effectively. This qualitative study adds value to the literature by showing the actual situation of female employee empowerment in a developing country like Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has examined librarians' possession of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge that are requisite to practicing embedded librarianship in Tanzanian academic libraries. An exploratory cross-sectional design and qualitative and quantitative approaches have been employed by the study to collect data from 166 librarians and 6 library directors. While the data collected using a questionnaire have been analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21, those collected using interviews have been analyzed thematically. The study reveals that librarians have inadequate ICT skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement embedded librarianship. More specifically, the librarians lack the skills and knowledge needed to deploy sophisticated ICT tools, software, and online platforms. Regarding the ways through which librarians acquired the ICT skills and knowledge they had, the study reveals diverse sources. To effectively practice embedded librarianship, the study recommends both long-term and short-term ICT training for library professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on how Third Iron's LibKey enhances access to library resources through browsers and discovery tools. Topics include the value LibKey provides to libraries by improving enterprise discovery solutions, its integration with library platforms to simplify access, and the features of LibKey Nomad, such as its availability on major browsers and its ability to provide one-click access to articles and ebooks.

The article offers information on exploring generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, and its potential applications in information literacy instruction. Topics include the impact of generative AI on teaching and learning, the development and features of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, and the need for thoughtful integration of AI in education.

The article offers information on working in the electronic resources realm in libraries, which involves duties related to the integrated library system, electronic resources management (ERM) system, and the e-resources themselves. Topics include the multifaceted nature of e-resource librarianship, the dissension among librarians regarding the uniqueness of different library types' experiences with e-resources, and the benefits of sharing experiences across library types.

Food systems are the sum of actors and interactions along the food chain. A growing number of public libraries are partnering in the food system, but little research has sought to understand what that looks like. To understand this topic, in Spring 2022 the researchers circulated a survey to members of the American public library profession. Survey results (n = 401) found a majority had displays related to food, and food programs offered through partnerships. Respondents showed an interest in learning more about this topic. After presenting and discussing results, the article concludes with a call to more deeply understand this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deselection and removal of materials (a.k.a. weeding) and gift acquisition of materials (a.k.a. gift books) are two essential practices for librarianship, yet may not be as routine as other aspects of collection development. These practices often become special projects that require more effort and time than routine practices. In June of 2022, the Christopher Center Library Technical Services Department opted to transition from special project weeding and sporadic gift acquisition to an alternating schedule of deselection and gift acquisition. Due to personnel changes and a smaller workforce within the library, creating a routine practice for collection management was not only best practice, but also was necessary to prevent burnout and bottlenecks within workflows. This article will reflect the first 12 months of the newly developed and implemented policy and explore the successes, obstacles and best practices for libraries interested in routine collection management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly affected the online presence of every institution as in-person interactions abruptly came to a halt. Libraries had to make both significant adjustments and minor tweaks to their websites to accommodate new remote work and scholarship modalities. In some cases, entire web pages, which would typically require weeks of planning, research, and testing before being launched, were hastily published. In this article, the author explores how web committees can make on-the-fly changes that continue to yield positive results beyond the unique circumstances of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. They argue that by encouraging the use of design thinking principles, administrators and web committees can effectively showcase remote library services to students, faculty, and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about discovery layer strengths and weaknesses in academic libraries. Many academic libraries have a discovery layer, using products, such as those from OCLC, EBSCO, ExLibris, Summon, or open-source products, such as VuFind. But after over 10 years of academic libraries adopting discovery layers as part of their discovery ecosystem, it may be time to take a step back and revisit the question posed by the speakers at the American Libraries Live "Making the Discovery Decision" January 2014 online discussion, namely: What is a discovery layer and its purpose? Are discovery layers accomplishing what they purport to accomplish for the end user? Through examining three particular discovery layers—OCLC WorldCat Discovery, ExLibris Primo VE, and EBSCO EDS—in regards to their conformance to the National Information Standards Organization (NISO)'s Open Discovery Initiative (ODI) "Checklist for Discovery Service Providers," relevancy ranking algorithms, and mapping tables with facets, this article argues that the goals of discovery layers need to be reconsidered. Specifically, rather than the discovery layers' goal to be Google-like and provide a self-sufficient user experience, discovery layers might be better promoted by libraries as a tool to be used most effectively with assistance from librarians. Discovery Layer vendors could focus their design efforts more on accurate faceted searching, citation tools, and saved search features, and less on esthetics and patron self-sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to evaluate the research trends in the discipline of library and information science (LIS) originating from the group of nations known as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The Web of Science core collection database (WoSCC) has been used to extract the published data during the period 1989–2020. Furthermore, VoSviewer and Bibliometrix R package software have been employed for bibliometric analysis of data and data visualization. Results from data analysis indicate that China has the highest number of publications. There is a positive upward trend in scientific publications and citation patterns. Scientometrics is the most influential journal with the highest number of publications. Wuhan University is the most productive institution. Fourie I (n = 233) attains the first rank as the most prolific author based on the highest number of research publications. The overall collaboration rate of LIS publications among BRICS countries is moderate. Deep learning, machine learning, sentiment analysis, altmetrics, and artificial intelligence are the leading topics in LIS research among BRICS nations. The study will be of interest or helpful for researchers and professionals in the LIS research field who are interested in learning more about research trends in LIS in the BRICS nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although emotional labor—defined as the process(es) by which a worker manages their feelings in order to produce the desired emotional response in a customer—has been studied in various fields and specific domains of librarianship, this topic has yet to be examined in school librarianship. In this exploratory article, I perform a close reading of school librarian job postings to surface expectations of emotional labor and explicate connections to the feminized history of librarianship. The article closes with a call to action, outlining steps for administrators and researchers to prevent the potential harms of emotional labor in school librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library and Information Science (LIS) literature on employee engagement is scarce, with most publications focusing on a related concept of job satisfaction. This article, however, contributes to an understanding of engagement experiences as manifested by public librarians in the context of working with immigrant communities. The study, guided by hermeneutic phenomenology and conducted through qualitative interviews, relies on William Kahn's classical theory of employee engagement and investigates the expression of three components—meaningfulness, safety, and availability—in the work of these individuals. The sample is recruited from library staff serving immigrant populations in large metropolitan libraries in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and New York City, USA. The study concludes that the most important component of engagement in this research population is the meaningfulness of one's work which, in itself, is a composite and complex concept, elucidated in great detail in the study. Meaningfulness is followed by the availability of energies invested in librarians' workplace roles, with safety as the least significant factor. The study observes that librarians' approach to working with immigrants is akin to following a calling, not simply performing work-related duties. It also notes that the phenomenon of vocational awe influences and accounts for librarians' dedicated and committed service to immigrant communities even when the workplace safety net is tentative and uncertain. These findings provide food for thought to public library managers who wish to support and retain their talented, dedicated, and culturally competent staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column highlights the work of Georgia school librarian Cicely Lewis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant research has been done on morale within libraries focusing on librarians as teachers, administrators, staff, and faculty members. This review is the second in a series of two with the purpose of providing suggestions on ways to improve morale in librarians and library staff. The first part of this review discusses contributors to low morale in these populations. Searches were conducted between Spring 2020 and 2021 across six databases and by hand (Medline via PubMed, Library and Information Science Collection via ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts via ProQuest, PsycInfo via EBSCO, Library Literature and Information Science Full Text via EBSCO, and ERIC via EBSCO). Broad and narrow searches were performed utilizing keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to morale and librarians or library staff. Results were reviewed by authors in three stages according to inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the article. The initial search resulted in 735 articles for review. After completion of a three-stage review process and hand search, 52 articles remained. The search and hand search update resulted in 13 additional articles for a total of 65 articles for inclusion in the initial review. These articles were then split into two main groups: articles that address contributors to low morale and those that provide suggestions for improving morale. This article will address 28/65 articles retrieved that provided suggestions for improving morale within libraries. There is currently a large body of research on morale related to librarians and library staff; however, it is worth reexamining morale as librarianship and the world around it continues to change. Researchers confirmed that libraries have unique cultures based upon their region, overarching institution, type of library, customer or patron base, and other factors. As such, supervisors must be creative in terms of encouraging their staff and must adapt morale improvement efforts to their individual institution as material resources are not always available as rewards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the general consensus that field experience during library school is important for applying theory to practical situations, there is a lack of understanding about what students want from, and the barriers they face to acquire, graduate employment. A survey was sent to ALA accredited Master of Library Science programs in the United States, asking students about their library employment status and to rank factors that influenced their decision to accept their positions. Patterns emerged when results were grouped by various life factors. The results of this study show what students are looking for from employment, which could help employers recruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As society emerges from an unprecedented pandemic that saw the closure of libraries, schools, and universities worldwide, the potential lasting impacts on institutions, professions, and communities can begin to be assessed. Through a bibliometric study of COVID-19-related library publishing, combined with thematic coding of article abstracts, this paper provides an initial glimpse into the impacts of the pandemic on library operations, services, collections, and the workforce. Two hundred thirty-seven journal articles published in 2020 about libraries and the pandemic were identified and analyzed. These articles indicate broad cross-sectoral, global impacts on libraries and librarianship. This analysis provides a baseline for future research on the lasting effects of the pandemic on the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant research has been done on morale within libraries, focusing on librarians as teachers, administrators, staff, and faculty members. This review is the first in a series of two with the intention to provide perspective on contributors to low morale in librarians and library staff. The second part of this review will be forthcoming and will discuss ways to improve morale in these populations. Searches were conducted between Spring 2020 and 2021 across six databases (Medline via PubMed, Library and Information Science Collection via ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts via ProQuest, PsycInfo via EBSCO, Library Literature and Information Science Full Text via EBSCO, and ERIC via EBSCO). A hand search was added in Spring 2021 in the interest of completeness. Broad and narrow searches were performed utilizing keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to morale and librarians or library staff. Results were reviewed by authors in three stages according to inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the article. The initial search resulted in 735 articles for review. After completion of a three-stage review process and initial hand search, 52 articles remained. The search update and hand search update resulted in 13 additional articles for a total of 65 articles for inclusion in the initial review. These articles were then split into two main groups: articles that address contributors to low morale and those that provide suggestions for improving morale. This article will address 40/65 articles retrieved that discuss contributors to low moral within libraries. Remaining articles and articles that discuss both contributors to low morale and ways in which to improve morale will be discussed in the second half of this review series. There is currently a large body of research on morale related to librarians and library staff; however, it is worth reexamining morale as this profession and the world around it continues to change. Researchers confirmed that libraries have unique cultures based upon their region, overarching institution, type of library, customer or patron base, and other factors. As such, supervisors and managerial staff indicate the importance of examining the culture of one's own library including the motivations of staff/faculty and barriers that they encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This unique study of subject specialists in the academic libraries of the Pac-12 conference universities may be long overdue. The strength of the investigation is a focused sample size and unique inferential statistical analysis of a survey of subject specialists. Pac-12 libraries vary widely with respect to the system's combination of public and private universities, and those who hire candidates with only the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and an additional advanced subject degree. This investigation has the possibility of promoting greater awareness for future roles in which subject specialists may participate and create innovative solutions within academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]