[MNASIS-L] library trends articles

[Janet M. Arth]

Hi All,
   The recent Library Trends has some articles that might be of interest.

fyi, Janet


>Authors
>   Lynch MJ.
>Title
>   Research questions for the twenty-first century - Introduction
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):499-502, 2003 Spr.
>
>
>Authors
>   Bertot JC.  McClure CR.
>Title
>   Outcomes assessment in the networked environment: Research questions,
>   issues, considerations, and moving forward
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):590-613, 2003 Spr.
>Abstract
>   THIS ARTICLE IDENTIFIES A NUMBER OF RESEARCH TOPICS related broadly to
>   outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues
>   affecting these research topics. It also proposes a framework to relate
>   traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked
>   environment and identifies a number of factors in the networked
>   environment that affect outcomes and other assessment methods. The article
>   suggests that outcomes assessment has the potential to complement other
>   assessment techniques to better assist libraries and related information
>   organizations enhance their decisions in the provision of information
>   services and resources. Given the increased rate at which libraries are
>   using the networked environment to provide services and resources,
>   however, much work remains before most libraries can implement outcomes
>   assessment efforts successfully. [References: 29]
>
>
>Authors
>   Tenopir C.
>Title
>   Electronic publishing: Research issues for academic librarians and users
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):614-635, 2003 Spr.
>Abstract
>   INCREASED RELIANCE ON ELECTRONIC RESOURCES requires examination of the
>   roles of librarians in several key ways. This paper addresses the need for
>   further research into three important areas of electronic publishing. How
>   is the change to digital information sources affecting the scholarly work
>   of college and university students? Previous research shows that students
>   rely on Web and online resources and ask for less help from librarians. We
>   do not know, however, how these changes will affect the learning and
>   scholarly work of college and university students. Research is also needed
>   to determine how the differences between separate article and full journal
>   databases affect the way research is done. What are the implications for
>   scholarship of decisions being made about what publishers publish and what
>   librarians purchase? Finally, are librarians-as intermediaries to the
>   search process-still necessary in a digital age? Online systems are
>   designed to be used independently but that may not always yield the best
>   results. [References: 74]
>
>
>Authors
>   Marcum DB.
>Title
>   Research questions for the digital era library
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):636-651, 2003 Spr.
>Abstract
>   THE CHANGING INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT and the changing expectations and
>   demands of library users are forcing libraries to reassess their role in
>   the digital age. Amidst this change there is a fundamental constant-the
>   need for access to high-quality research materials. Success in the new
>   environment will require learning much more than we now know about the use
>   of digital resources, their preservation, and the training needed for
>   operating the library of the future. This article examines three essential
>   questions and suggests areas for research in each:
>
>   1. How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they
>   want? How will they want to use them? And, what services will most enhance
>   use?
>
>   2. What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy
>   covering resources both digital and traditional?
>
>   3. What kinds of education will "librarians" of the future need?
>   [References: 12]
>
><9>
>Authors
>   Borgman CL.
>Title
>   The invisible library: Paradox of the global information infrastructure
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):652-674, 2003 Spr.
>Abstract
>   LIBRARIES ARE AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of a nation's information
>   infrastructure, yet often they are invisible to their users and other
>   stakeholders. In the context of this special issue, the paper presents
>   four challenges faced by libraries and proposes research designs to
>   address each of them. The four challenges involve: 1. invisible
>   infrastructure, 2. content and collections, 3. preservation and access,
>   and 4. institutional boundaries. I propose a mixture of research methods
>   that includes surveys, case studies, documentary analyses, and policy
>   analyses. Only with a better understanding of these challenges can
>   libraries find their best fit in the information infrastructure of our
>   networked world. [References: 36]
>
><10>
>Authors
>   Buckland MK.
>Title
>   Five grand challenges for library research
>Source
>   Library Trends. 51(4):675-686, 2003 Spr.
>Abstract
>   LIBRARIANS HAVE MANY AND VARIED DIFFICULTIES. For some library problems
>   research is not the best remedy. Improved coordination, clarification of
>   values, or drawing on existing research results may suffice. When research
>   is indicated, it pays to be selective. Investing in research, like any
>   other kind of investment, should be judged in terms of the probability of
>   success, the likely delay before results are achieved, and the impact on
>   the population of competent researchers, as well as the perceived
>   importance of the problem. New technology permits new forms of service,
>   generates new data for analysis, and supports new tools for researchers.
>   Normal research is repetitious and progresses incrementally. A bolder
>   strategy is to seek significant advances in library service by challenging
>   researchers to achieve a deeper understanding of important, but
>   inadequately understood, library phenomena. Five Grand Challenges are
>   proposed: 1. Library service: Could library services be made more
>   meaningful? 2. Library theory: Who knew what when? 3. Library design: Have
>   digital libraries been designed backwards? 4. Library values: How neutral
>   can libraries be? and 5. Library communities: How do communities differ?
>   [References: 27]