Library and Information Science Commons^™

Reflecting Deeply: Why A Philosophy Of Reference Services Should Direct Every Ri, Bethany Radcliffe, Garrett Trott

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article distinguishes between a philosophy and a theory of reference services. Philosophy explores why practitioners do something, whereas theory explores the actual practice without necessarily reflecting on the why behind it. The authors argue that a personal philosophy of reference services is needed, as librarians’ values ultimately drive the reference services they provide. Much of the current literature on this topic explores theories of reference services as opposed to the philosophies behind them. The authors first examine the gap in the LIS literature pertaining to a philosophy of reference services. They then define three premises upon which they base …

The Use Of Empiricism, Rationalism And Positivism In Library And Information Science Research, Nadia Abbas Shah, Amjid Khan, Pervaiz Ahmad, Muhammad Arshad

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper aims to study the significance/importance of “empiricism”, “rationalism” and “positivism” and their application in library and information science (LIS) research. The objectives of this paper covered in two parts. Part one describes the historical development of these epistemologies, explore its main characteristics and presents the criticism that has been nurtured against these views. In the second part, the importance and use of these epistemologies in the context of LIS research have been discussed. Since philosophy is the least touched subject in LIS, therefore, limited literature is available to review these epistemologies from the perspective of LIS.

Empiricism, rationalism …

System Branding In Three Public Libraries: Live Oak Public Libraries, Charlotte Mecklenberg Library, And Richland Library, Patrick Roughen

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research examines the development of the system brands of three public libraries: Live Oak Public Libraries, Richland Library, and Charlotte Mecklenberg Library. A system brand may be defined as the overall brand of a library system, as opposed to any of its sub-brands, such as those associated with individual library services, branches, departments, and events. Using a descriptive, case study approach, this research characterizes the efforts behind branding in these library systems.