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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 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 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]

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.

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]

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]

The concept of neutrality has long been central to debates on and within librarianship. In the fall of 2021, the online symposium Post-neutrality Librarianship gathered library professionals from research and practice to discuss the concept of post-neutrality and how it manifests regionally, contextually, in societies, and communities. The papers and presentations represented international perspectives on neutrality and post-neutrality in relation to academic, university, and public libraries. From the perspectives of two participating researchers, this paper offers a reflexive summary of the symposium. Although post-neutrality librarianship was the theme of the symposium, a central part of the discussions centered on the questions of neutrality or post-neutrality and whether being neutral is, in fact, possible. Such questions impose a binary reading of neutrality and post-neutrality, which echoes historical debates about library neutrality. This paper problematizes such binary readings of neutrality and post-neutrality. By introducing examples of historical neutrality debates through a discourse analysis framework, the paper seeks to exemplify how the concept of post-neutrality bears with it certain narratives and discourses about neutrality, which co-exist within librarianship today. Acknowledging the interrelation between these concepts allows for reflexive readings and nuanced discussions of librarianship in the era of post-neutrality. The paper, then, summarizes central discussions from the symposium under three dominating themes: the role of libraries, the role of librarians, and the role of LIS education, all relating to how and why LIS professionals, librarians, and researchers should navigate in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of librarians in e- learning programs, as a consequence of post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. Through a review of the relevant literature and of current practice in existing e-learning programs in Nigerian universities, a discussion is developed around the significant roles librarians can play. The embedded librarianship model was identified as the best practice to adopt in order to secure a place for librarians and libraries in Nigeria in the face of the current change in teaching approaches in the post Covid-19 environment. Furthermore, the paper describes the perceived challenges librarians and libraries may be confronted with in executing the embedded librarianship model with regard to online teaching and learning. The paper advocates that the identified challenges be addressed for the library to play a role in the evolving post-covid adaptations in Nigerian universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analysis of Fulbright Scholars in library science from Uzbekistan and the United States on the state of development of academic libraries in Uzbekistan, describing problems and prospects. Recently there has been progress in government support; access to scholarly resources has improved' and there are national and international conferences and seminars to support researchers and librarians. As universities and institutes in Uzbekistan move toward expanding research and publication activity into the wider international realm, academic libraries will need to implement new services and provide resources required by this system. [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]

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]

Project management as a discipline has been around for decades within such fields as business and manufacturing, however, the library profession has seen slower adoption, along with apparent gaps in training support. In 2018, an American Library Association project team surveyed library professionals regarding their experiences with project management in their organizations and LIS programs. The results highlighted a number of gaps in project management practices in libraries and preparation among library professionals for managing projects. Recommendations are given for ALA Core and for library administrators to address gaps in training and support of project management in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural Medicines is a prominent resource for topics in complementary and alternative medicine. The database offers several unique features including an evidence-based focus on complementary and alternative medicine, and rating products using a proprietary NMBR system. This column reviews the database, both content and design, and discusses the usefulness of the product for librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As electronic resources routinely account for a sizable portion of library budgets, electronic resources librarians are under increasing pressure to ensure constant access to these resources. Therefore, developing troubleshooting skills and resources is critical for maintaining electronic access for patrons. This article emphasizes the significance of troubleshooting in electronic resources librarianship by highlighting articles on troubleshooting, the NASIG Core Competencies, and the subsequent need for troubleshooting systems that integrate with email. Therefore, this article details how to create an Outlook-Based Troubleshooting System to assist electronic resources librarians in efficiently resolving access issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Murlin Lee Croucher (1941–2010) served as the third Slavic librarian of Indiana University (IU) from 1980 to 2005 during which he built one of North America's premier Slavic collections at IU's Bloomington campus. There have been a few biographical accounts of Croucher that highlight his achievements as a professional area studies librarian in the United States and his contributions to Slavic and East European studies and librarianship. Drawing on unpublished documents provided by the Indiana University Archives as well as published sources, this essay expands existing accounts dedicated to Croucher by providing more details on his personal background and career experiences prior to his tenure at IU. It also incorporates the story of IU's emergence as a stronghold of Slavic studies in the Midwest, the rise of its Slavic collection before Croucher, and brief biographical sketches of his two predecessors, Dr. Fritz T. Epstein (1898–1979) and Dr. Andrew (Andrij) Turchyn (1912–2004). These sketches serve as background that place Croucher's work in a broader context and illuminate his achievements as a professional Slavic area studies librarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the trend of library and information technology (IT) mergers in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the United States. It highlights the challenges and failures of these mergers, including the negative impact on librarians and the dissolution of merged departments after the departure of the chief information officer (CIO). The article questions the reasons behind these mergers and criticizes the negative portrayal of librarians in a 1996 article that influenced the perception of the profession. It emphasizes the advancements and contributions of librarians in managing technology, promoting diversity and inclusion, and defending intellectual freedom. The article concludes with a call to support and defend libraries and librarians in the face of current threats and challenges. [Extracted from the article]

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has presented a paradigm shift in a paradigm in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The profession necessitates digital scholarship knowledge, skills, and competencies. Academic and special research council libraries have introduced numerous functions and activities related to digital scholarship, to accommodate the demands of the 4IR. Thus, librarians who practice in these types of libraries and others are called on to revisit their related knowledge, skills and competencies. Most librarians who have been trained by LIS schools received their qualifications before the advent of the digital scholarship activities which now form part of their profession. This has created some uncertainty as far as digital scholarship job requirements are concerned. This paper forms part of a doctoral study that aimed to explore the education and training of South Africa's LIS professionals in digital scholarship, specifically those now serving in academic and special research council libraries. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative approach. A multiple case study design was used, employing semi-structured interviews as data-collection tool to interview ten digital scholarship librarians and their directors from six libraries in South Africa. The researcher sought to determine to what extent digital knowledge, skills and competences, and digital scholarship units and activities were part of their job requirements. The study concluded that LIS digital scholarship librarians should acquire digital scholarship knowledge, skills and competencies through formal education, training courses, workshops and on-the-job training. LIS schools should develop short learning courses to assist librarians in gaining the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies, while parent organizations should establish the relevant infrastructure and provide funding for training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares health science librarian job postings in the MEDLIB-L listserv from 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 to assess whether there was an increase in remote or hybrid schedule arrangements listed in job advertisements after the pandemic's onset. Results indicated a notable increase in advertising remote/hybrid work arrangements rising from 1.2% of listings in 2018–2019 to 16% of listings in 2021–2022. Data from a 2022 survey of library directors, however, indicated that approximately 70% of respondents expressed confidence in the continuance of remote/hybrid work. Additionally, from a very limited sample size, salaries for remote/hybrid positions did not appear to be less than in-person postings. While current employees at many institutions may benefit from flexible scheduling, this study examines whether job postings, which are often the primary information available to applicants, included information about remote and hybrid work options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library science programs must be responsive to the wide variety of workplace needs to ensure that graduating students are prepared with appropriate knowledge and skills regardless of where their career path brings them, and to do so they must understand the various needs and expectations of the field. Through a nationwide study of over 2,000 current professionals and LIS faculty, this study examines the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified as core for special and corporate librarians. The results help establish a baseline of skills for corporate and special librarians, which will be of interest to current and emerging professionals interested in a career in these settings and could have implications for LIS education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference, liaison, subject librarianship: all of these terms traditionally describe a combination of research assistance, instruction, and collection management. This study used structured interviews with 15 librarians at 14 geographically dispersed, medium to large academic institutions to investigate the current state of reference and liaison librarianship. Library administrators' views are important to understanding the future of this work since they advocate for resources if they see the necessity. Findings included agreement on the goals of the work and the urgent need to communicate its value in the current higher education landscape; however, the specific means of communication and the types of work that being a partner could include varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians experience a significant amount of job-related stress, which can lead to the psychological condition of burnout. This article explores existing literature on the subject and also details a new study undertaken by the authors. The study explored stressors, coping mechanisms, and the relationship between burnout predictors and reported stressors. Subjects of the study indicated that patron issues were the most prevalent stressor, while exercising, meditation, and breathing were the most common coping mechanisms. Workload was the most reported predictor of burnout. One of the other major findings was that stress on the job had no relationship to the demographic variables of age, years of librarianship experience, or gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr Maxine Rochester made an extraordinary contribution to librarianship in Australia and internationally. She was also an active contributor to the Library Association of Australia (LAA), continuing as the LAA changed its name to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in 1989. Maxine has generously shared her insights into life, librarianship and many librarians who played a major role in Australian librarianship over the past five decades. [Extracted from the article]

The study examines the possible predatory journals in Library and Information Science research in India, including the affiliation status of the authors publishing in those predatory journals, frequency of returning authors, and country-wise distribution of authors. The paper used Beall's list to find out the predatory journals in LIS published from India. Publication trends, affiliations of authors, and the status of the 22 LIS journals under the study were critically analyzed. The result shows that the predatory journals were diminishing slowly; in 2016, there were eight active journals, while in 2021, it was reduced to four journals. Similarly, the publication trends show that the highest number of articles (398) was published in the year 2015, and it was only 66 articles in 2020. It is revealed that academics hailing from state universities (42.88%) are the highest contributors to the predatory journals, followed by professionals from government colleges (16.76%). The results indicate that predatory publishing was rampant in the early years but declined gradually. Researchers from India have published the most articles, totaling 1760 (93%), followed by those from Nigeria (64, 3.3%), Bangladesh (10), and Saudi Arabia (eight articles). It is also revealed that 21.66% (n = 438) are returning authors who have published more than one article in the sample journals. The paper discusses the role of the government and especially the University Grants Commission (UGC) in curbing the menace of predatory publishing. The authors also discuss the possible role of library professionals in stopping the plague of predatory publishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an update to a previous article on the online embedded librarian program at Athens State University. It examines the nature of embedded librarianship at Athens State University and how it has grown and evolved over the past fifteen years. The authors review the literature and provide definitions and best practices associated with embedded librarianship as well as various levels of embedded librarian involvement. They also provide suggestions for those involved in embedded librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how librarians serving, or considering serving, as undergraduate academic advisors can enhance their advising practice by applying professional competencies in academic advising in conjunction with standards in librarianship. It situates the current study in the context of the existing literature, highlights alignments between the standards for academic advising and librarianship, and provides a narrative of the librarian as academic advisor. It elucidates the mutually beneficial nature of standards for librarianship and advising and examines how librarian-advisors can use them to inform their professional development, enhance their advising skills, and better facilitate student success in both the librarian and advisor role. The study offers recommendations for future research into how librarian-advisors can leverage professional standards from both fields to improve advising practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carol Tenopir et al. published a landmark study of research data services librarians in 2013. The object of this study is to determine if and how librarians' attitudes about RDS and their perceptions of their own preparedness to provide RDS have changed as the apparent need for and importance of RDS has continued to grow since the publication of Tenopir's research. This research project was completed by surveying academic librarians in ARL libraries. The survey was distributed to the deans & directors of ARL libraries, to be disseminated to the librarians there most directly involved in RDS. After analyzing the data, I was able to determine that there has been a measurable increase in the perceived importance of RDS among librarians working with data. There has also been a significant increase in the proportion of librarians working with RDS who feel that they have the skills and support needed to do their work. It is my conclusion that RDS seems to be gaining traction within academic libraries, but it is unclear if this is due to libraries placing additional importance on these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As data services gain momentum in academic libraries, liaison librarians are expected to be part of the education force for data literacy. Nonetheless, due to the broad scope of data literacy, training librarians to improve data-related skills can be challenging. This article used consultation statistics to identify tools and resources employed to solve users’ data questions. The results offered insights into users’ data needs and provided librarians with a clear direction to further develop data skills in their assigned disciplines. The methodology used in this study can be replicated at other institutions to identify needs and to direct professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a biobibliographic index titled "Ukrainian Studies of the American Bibliographer and Librarian Edward Kasinec" that honors the scholarly contributions of Edward Kasinec to Ukrainian studies bibliography and librarianship. The index was compiled by Lyudmila Shpileva and Halyna Kovalchuk and aims to expand knowledge of Kasinec's scholarship in Ukraine. It includes a biographical section, as well as four bibliographic sections that list Kasinec's published works, exhibitions curated by him, notable works that cite his research, and works about him. The publication is recommended for library science libraries, scholars of Ukrainian studies, and current and future Ukrainian studies bibliographers and librarians. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on performance of clinical informationists in clinical teams leading clinical professionals for accessing quality information and making better decisions. Topics include core competencies along with sub-competencies being discussed in the focus group for determining curriculum goals and strategies; and competency-based curriculum being used as a resource guiding hospital librarians in acquiring the competencies and skills required by informationists.

This article describes and discusses the Biblionetwork peer mentoring program. This initiative was created with the aim of helping those who work in libraries to develop professional networks and expand their knowledge in librarianship, through mutual and collaborative learning. The methodology consisted of a round of long-distance conversation between professionals who were paired by affinity, bridging the gap and favoring openness to new realities and opportunities. This dynamic allowed, through peer mentoring, the development of professional relationships outside their own context without the costs of travel and less time constrains. The requirements included to have an Internet connection and the willingness to participate in the process with an open mind. This experience was based in part on the format of the International Librarians Network (ILN) and in this first stage it was carried out at the national level, for Spanish speakers, between the months of May and August 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentorship is not a novel concept to professional institutions of which libraries are a part. Programs have been either formal or informal based on institutional needs. Globally in libraries mentorship programs are seemingly commonplace. It is seen as important in succession planning and equipping the next generation of librarians with the tools necessary to ensure the survival of the profession. It is the view that knowledge gained from classroom study is insufficient for early career librarians to function effectively in the workplace. It is believed therefore that there are particular skill sets that can only be learned from practical experience. Hence the need for a mentor to pass on this knowledge. There is little information on mentorship among Caribbean Library professionals, and even less is known about the practice of mentorship in Trinidad and Tobago. How prevalent is mentorship in Caribbean Libraries and more specifically among Trinidad and Tobago library professionals? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on how one university library embarked on a journey to provide information literacy instruction when a change in curriculum altered the library's role in a first-term research methods course. Enter the Scholarly Skills Community: a virtual learning landscape, consisting of more than 20 modules designed to fill gaps in information literacy and research skills. Embedded into the university's learning management system, the Scholarly Skills Community is an interactive, asynchronous destination for users to cultivate new knowledge and earn micro-credentials on topics related to information literacy and scholarly writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces and applies the concept of "physical-equivalent privacy" to evaluate the appropriateness of data collection about library patrons' use of library-provided e-resources. It posits that as a matter of service equity, any data collection practice that causes e-resource users to enjoy less information privacy than users of an information-equivalent print resource is to be avoided. Analysis is grounded in real-world e-resource-related phenomena: secure (HTTPS) library websites and catalogs, the Adobe Digital Editions data-leak incident of 2014, and use of web trackers on e-resource websites. Implications of physical-equivalent privacy for the SeamlessAccess single-sign-on proposal will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column investigates the emerging role of the product owner (PO) – an individual tasked with ensuring that a specific service meets the needs of users – in academic libraries. It explores the PO role at the intersections of functional specialization, public services, and technical services, as well as from critical perspectives on gendered labor in librarianship. By examining how our library used the PO model to address pressing problems with our library's institutional repository (IR), we demonstrate the value that the PO approach can bring to improving library products, especially when the PO is appropriately positioned to advocate for user needs. We also interrogate the overlap in responsibilities between the PO and liaison librarian and argue that the role of the product owner is a rebranding of the liaison librarianship model in an effort to make the emotional and relationship labor more masculinized. By emphasizing traditionally masculine work such as technology and innovation, the PO model allows libraries to market these specialized liaison librarian roles in ways that are more prestigious and aligned with corporate culture, while also downplaying traditionally feminized library work, such as service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faculty status and tenure are goals for many academic librarians in the Southeast. However, the adoption of tenure differs between institutions. In an effort to discover how much adherence there is to the ACRL Standards for Faculty Status for Academic Librarians, librarians at the University of South Alabama sent a survey to 148 public universities in this region. The results illustrated the significant areas of consensus and where consensus was lacking. The outcome suggested the standards were not fully applied, showed the need for further study, and suggested a reassessment of the ACRL Standards. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Libraries play an important role in promoting cultural and language diversity, preserving knowledge and supporting educational goals. This paper discusses the ni-Vanuatu Librarians cultural competencies and examines the current programs and prospective initiatives that can contribute to a vibrant cultural identity of the nation. To have a baseline data, the inquiry started with a survey based on the American Library Association Diversity Standards: Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries. This standard was found appropriate as similar concepts are useful in Vanuatu, although some modification for context was required. Overall, the respondents are aware of their competence but recognise that cultural competence has not been integrated into work. Limitations, such as lack of funding, lack of resources making cultural competence not priority were reasons why they have not developed or applied these concepts. The results of this study provides insights on the applicability of this standard for libraries in the Pacific to develop the cultural competence of their staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is librarianship in the UK a true profession, a semi-profession or a mere occupation ? Professional reviews Widening the reflective theme of this piece yet further, I have often been struck as a UK practitioner how little critical appraisal there seems to be of the various components that form the essence of academic librarianship as a discipline and profession. Taking advantage of the additional personal reading time afforded by the second English COVID-19 lockdown of November 2020, I came across a rare example of a professional UK library colleague being cited by name in a national, non-librarianship periodical and, rarer still, that said librarian being publicly criticised in a I negative i fashion (Liddle, [4]). [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on basic data literacy skills defined as data collection, calculation, analysis and interpretation, and communication correlating with the ability for assessing library performance and the MTAM being a useful assessment tool.

Gray literature is considered an important source of factual and up-to-date information however it is often neglected doing empirical research. It is first study in context of Pakistan that explores gray literature, its access, usage, management and issues faced by academic libraries. A self-developed questionnaire was employed to collect data from a total of 74 respondents (one respondent from each university preferably serial librarian or in charge) working in university libraries of Punjab Province and Islamabad (the capital city) Pakistan. Only one and concerned library and information science (LIS) professional involved in collection development process/department was approached. The findings of the study revealed that three major types of gray literature accessed by academic libraries were theses/dissertations, annual reports and catalogues. The theses/dissertations are accessed by libraries as a follow-up of parent organizational policy. The gray literature is shelved separately and prominently in the libraries; however, non-availability of proper collection development policy for gray literature emerged as major issue in academic libraries followed by budgetary constraints and lack of awareness. The t-test result revealed the need of various types of gray literature in libraries and also highlights creating awareness of various types of gray literature among the library community. The finding of the study is the helpful for university authorities, academic libraries and working library professionals to manage gray literature in a better way and increase the usage of gray literature in academic writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the students' reactions, trainers recognize the changing technological, social, and economic context of library and information science (LIS) and the students' competence expectations. They incorporate these experiences when updating the training program, and draw important conclusions therefrom regarding the future of libraries and LIS. This is crucial to providing students with a credible vision: where is LIS headed; what is the future library like; what roles will libraries have in the era of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data science? It is not enough to deny stereotyped predictions, for example, that robotics may take their jobs. In our study we rely on our experiences from courses on digital collections to refute incorrect assumptions and to introduce the four futureproof attributes of LIS: (1) human creativity remains essential; (2) the professional use of social media is crucial in accessing community knowledge; (3) collaboration competences have lasting value; (4) research-oriented attitude is increasingly important in the librarian profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedded librarianship can give librarians direct impact on student success in a clinical setting, but there is not a prescribed method for training new librarians to work in this environment. The first of its kind Clinical Medical Librarian program at the University of Missouri Kansas City has embedded librarians into clinical instruction for decades, and has created a set of materials, protocol and templates that can be used to integrate a new hire into the position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educating authors and clinicians about predatory publishing and its consequences is vital to protect scholarship and evidence-based practice and is particularly important for those early in their health care careers. Librarians at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN have incorporated this important topic into ongoing literature searching training for internal medicine residents. This article summarizes the level of existing awareness of predatory publishing and the effectiveness of discussing it in small group educational sessions. It is crucial for all health care professionals to be informed about the serious threat to the integrity of scientific literature and the potential adverse impact on patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on law library services and operations using commonly recognized thinking concepts and intellectual models developed in different disciplines.

This study sought to establish the effectiveness of the current curriculum and methodologies used in Schools of information Sciences as a tool to train Systems Librarians in Kenya. It examined the current curricula used by selected Library and Information Schools (LIS) in Kenya, established the content of Information Communication Technology (ICT) courses that are offered in LIS curricula in Kenya, and its relevance to needs. It used a case study of four universities in Kenya that offer LIS education. The study used descriptive case study design to collect data on issues related to LIS curricula as they are at present in the selected universities in Kenya through analysis and comparison curriculum used. In the study, the dependent variable is Systems Librarians while the independent variables include schools of information Sciences in Kenya and LIS curriculum. The study was carried out in selected Universities that teach Library and Information Sciences in Kenya. The study used purposive sampling technique to show accurate, reliable, and valid information from a more representative of all the population who are involved in the developing and implementing the curriculum as well as those who employ the Systems Librarians. The findings show that curricula used by LIS schools in Kenya do not have adequate Information Communication Technology courses to equip those aspiring to be Systems Librarians with adequate skills to carry out their mandate effectively. It shows that there are more general courses that are covered that are not helpful to the students. The study recommends that LIS curricula be reviewed to address the shortcomings noted by increasing the number of ICT courses, benchmarking with universities in developed countries, establish a model LIS for Systems Librarians and standardize curricula for LIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians searching for gray literature often turn to Google®; however, other options exist that complement Google® searches. Two search engines, Million Short and Carrot2 Search, offer alternative places to search and locate gray literature. This review examines the search engines' features, returned results, and possibilities for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ways in which a technology is invented, owned, and approved are strongly influenced by the same oppressive and exclusionary structures that critical librarianship interrogates. Patents, limited-term grants of rights to inventions, are issued to inventors in exchange for detailed specifications of the invention. This paper examines current practices used by business librarians in teaching students how find patents and how these practices could be critically informed given the nature of the United States patent system as it exists today. An output of this work is a suggested lesson plan with recommended resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19, a novel respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, was first recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Health science librarians continue to navigate the global health crisis while providing critical information services to their institutions. An informal survey was conducted to obtain some general information on the types of responses by health science librarians to this event. Among the findings is an opportunity for librarians to strengthen interdepartmental relationships and disaster response plans in preparation for future pandemics and disaster events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including methodological approach derived from expressions of librarian professional identity; evidence-based practice adopted by the health sciences librarians.

The Access Services Department at the University of California Berkeley's Main Library recently implemented a social justice-focused reading group for library employees. Inspired by the UCSB Critlib project, the group was developed as a pilot to be replicated by other departments and libraries interested in incorporating a social justice mindset into their daily operations. This article details the preparation, implementation, and evaluation processes of the group's first meeting. Recommendations and best practices for starting a social justice-focused reading group in a library setting are included in the discussion. This project was designed during a graduate-level course at the University of Washington iSchool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]