Partridge, Helen, Given, Lisa M., Abdi, Elham Sayyad, Buchanan, George, Bunker, Kate, Luca, Edward, McKay, Dana, and Narayan, Bhuva
Subjects
INFORMATION science, LIBRARY science, INFORMATION dissemination, PUBLIC libraries
Abstract
The panel will explore the challenges and opportunities for bridging the library and information science (LIS) research practice gap in Australia. The panel brings together participants from the Research Assistance and Development for Australian Researchers (RADAR) Grant, an initiative of the Library and Information Science Research Australia (LISRA) project. The LISRA project is a three‐year project aimed at encouraging and enabling research culture and practice within the Australian LIS sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
CONFERENCES & conventions, RIVERS, RIVER life, ENVIRONMENTAL degradation
Abstract
Information about several papers discussed at the International Riversymposium and Environmental Flow Conference in Brisbane, Australia on September 3 to 6, 2007 is presented. It was attended by more than 800 delegates from 57 countries to discuss the challenges of protecting the world's rivers. It also featured more than 150 presentations that explores the ongoing degradation of rivers and the socioeconomic effects to the livelihood of people who depended on rivers.
INFORMATION science, ACADEMIC libraries, GROUNDED theory, INFORMATION-seeking behavior, NATIONAL security, QUALITY of life, BIBLIOMETRICS
Abstract
Academics are increasingly being asked to demonstrate the impact of their research beyond the walls of the academy. Societal impact measures were introduced as part of the Research Excellence Framework exercise in the UK in 2014 with a number of other countries, including Australia, considering similar assessments. As societal impact measures continue to proliferate there will be significant implications for academics, institutions, and academic libraries to document and support these activities. Information science is well-placed not only to guide practical supports within our institutions, but also to develop metrics and qualitative approaches to assess this type of research impact. This exploratory qualitative study -- situated in a constructivist grounded theory methodology -- investigated academics' experiences and perceptions of the concept of societal research impact and the supports needed to facilitate this work. The definition of impact varied greatly among participants, but regardless of the participant's conception, interviewees felt that they were not prepared, trained, or had access to the needed supports to adequately document non-academic types of impact. The data point to a number of emergent themes including a lack of relevant methodologies for tracking societal impact, the shortcomings of metrics approaches to document impact outside of academe, and the need for academic libraries to extend current reference and training supports to provide researchers with the tools and skills needed in this new impact landscape. Implications for research and development in information science related to scholarly communication, researchers' information behaviors, and impact measures are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]