Research Guides: * Library & Information Science: Background Information

Developing Search Terms

When you have a topic in mind, it's a good idea to start thinking about search terms. The video and tips below provide more information.

Search terms can be found by scanning:

Your initial topic ideas,
Encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research,
Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles,

You can also use a thesaurus to identify synonyms or brainstorm keywords with a friend, instructor, or librarian.

Selected Books

Below are some print materials that might be helpful for background information.

ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science by Michael Levine-Clark
Publication Date: 2012

This title presents a thorough yet concise guide to the specific words that describe the materials, processes and systems relevant to the field of librarianship. Written by a panel of experts from across the LIS world, this book will become an essential part of every library's and librarian's reference collection.
The Atlas of New Librarianship by R. David Lankes
Publication Date: 2011

Libraries have existed for millennia, but today the library field is searching for solid footing in an increasingly fragmented information environment. What is librarianship when it is unmoored from cataloging, books, buildings, and committees? In The Atlas of New Librarianship, R. David Lankes offers a guide to this new landscape for practitioners. He describes a new librarianship based not on books and artifacts but on knowledge and learning; and he suggests a new mission for librarians: to improve society through facilitating knowledge creation in their communities. New librarians approach their work as facilitators of conversation; they seek to enrich, capture, store, and disseminate the conversations of their communities. Although it touches on theory as well as practice, the Atlas is meant to be a tool: textbook, conversation guide, platform for social networking, and call to action.
Academic Librarianship by G. Edward Evans; Camila A. Alire
Publication Date: 2010

Highly-respected authors G. Edward Evans, a long-time academic library director, and Fulbright Scholar, and past ALA and ACRL president, Camila Alire, who also served as dean of two ARL libraries, draw from their combined professional, educational, and authorship experience of over seventy-five years to provide a comprehensive examination of academic librarianship. This authoritative new source, ideal for practitioners looking to advance their careers and for use as text in LIS programs, explores the unique nature of academic librarianship and guides readers to understand what is required to have a successful career in academic librarianship. Evans and Alire explain the important ways in which the higher education environment distinguishes academic libraries from other types of libraries, and readers will gain practical insight into their distinct political and operational characteristics. They fully explore the core issues in contemporary academic librarianship, readers will be prepared to tackle all aspects of their jobs and ascend the organizational ladder.
Databrarianship by Lynda M. Kellam; Kristi Thompson
Publication Date: 2016

With the appearance of big data, open data, and research data curation on many libraries' radar screens, data service has become a critically important topic for academic libraries. Drawing on the expertise of a diverse community of practitioners, this collection of case studies, original research, survey chapters, and theoretical explorations presents a wide-ranging look at the field of academic data librarianship.
Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship by M. Sandra Wood (Editor)
Publication Date: 2008

Get the foundational knowledge about health sciences librarianship. The general term "health sciences libraries" covers a wide range of areas beyond medical libraries, such as biomedical, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, and others. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship provides a sound foundation to all aspects of these types of libraries to students and librarians new to the field. This helpful guide provides a helpful overview of the health care environment, technical services, public services, management issues, academic health sciences, hospital libraries, health informatics, evidence-based practice, and more. This text provides crucial information every beginning and practicing health sciences librarian needs--all in one volume. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship presents some of the most respected librarians and educators in the field, each discussing important aspects of librarianship, including technical services, public services, administration, special services, and special collections. This comprehensive volume provides all types of librarians with helpful general, practical, and theoretical knowledge about this profession.
Introduction to Public Librarianship by McCook; Kathleen de la Peña McCook
Publication Date: 2011

Here is the much anticipated second edition of author Kathleen de la Pe a McCook's groundbreaking one-of-a-kind resource that is used in libraries and universities across the nation and definitively sets the standard for public librarianship literature. Cited as one of the top twenty researchers in library science, de la Pe a McCook, a distinguished university professor and renowned public library scholar, has thoroughly revised and updated every one of the book's chapters to provide both professionals and LIS students with the most current and comprehensive introduction to public librarianship. McCook covers every aspect of the public library, from its earliest history to its current incarnation in the 21st century information environment.
Rare Book Librarianship by Geoffrey D. Smith; Steven K. Galbraith; Joel B. Silver
Publication Date: 2012

Successfully managing rare book collections requires very specific knowledge and skills. This handbook provides that essential information in a single volume. Provides a bibliography of reference resources for rare book librarians. Includes sidebars with examples drawn from real-life experience.

Research Overview

Has it been awhile since you've had to develop a research question and a search strategy? Not sure how to navigate UK Libraries' resources?

Consider enrolling in Online Information Literacy, a free, self-paced course in UK's Canvas which was co-developed by your librarian. The course takes around 40 minutes to complete.

APA Style

Many of your projects will require the use of APA style. Use the 6th edition online or browse Frequently Asked Questions.

EndNote

As you get started with your research, it's a great idea to manage your citations carefully. You might consider using citation management software to do this, especially if you are working on a literature review or other major project. UK subscribes to EndNote. There are other free tools as well, such as Zotero.

This guide provides information on accessing EndNote as well as some frequently asked questions related to its use.

Looking for Something Good to Read?

You may not have much time as a busy graduate student, but when you do, check out NoveList for book recommendations.

NoveList is a fiction database with reviews of over 125,000 fiction titles. Also includes Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Annotated Book Lists.

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* Library & Information Science: Background Information

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