Understanding the document selection rationale of Library and Information Science students
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-01-2018-005 |
| Pages | 30-38 |
| Published date | 02 January 2018 |
| Date | 02 January 2018 |
| Author | Vinit Kumar,Rahul Pandey |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Collection building & management |
Understanding the document selection
rationale of Library and
Information Science students
Vinit Kumar
School of Library and Information Science, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India, and
Rahul Pandey
Dr SR Ranganthan Institute of Library and Information Science, Jhansi, India
Abstract
Purpose –The study aims to investigate the document selection rationale of library and information science students to satisfy their academi c
needs.
Design/methodology/approach –The descriptive survey design was used for the study using questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The
collected data are analysed by frequency distribution and presented using charts and tables.
Findings –The results of the study reveal the preferences of Library and Information Science (LIS) students and hints what they want from LIS
literature. A majority of students prefer books in comparison to journal articles as reading material. The survey revealed a high preference towards
books written by authors from national origin than international authors. Similarly, students prefer books published by the natio nalpu blishers than
the international publishers. The findings further suggest that the affiliation of the author is a major factor, as the students prefer books writ ten by
authors from central universities more than those written by authors belonging to state universities or authors from industry. Further, studen tsseem
to be more impressed with the books written by LIS academics than the books written by practising librarians.
Research limitations/implications –One limitation of the study is that it was conducted in India, taking the case of LIS students from only two
universities. To generalise the impact, similar studies should be replicated by taking a larger sample to gain a complete perspective of LIS students.
Practical implications –The findings of the study have both theoretical and practical implications. The theoretical understanding of the behaviour
of LIS students will help faculty members to understand the selection rationale of students. The practical aspect of this study is that the findings will
help the acquisition librarians to take informed decisions in collection building for LIS collection in their libraries.
Originality/value –Most of the studies available in LIS literature related to reading preferences, study the general aspects such as frequency of
library visit, the favourite place of reading, the purpose of library visit, gender-wise distribution of library visit, and time spent in the library. There
are very few studies investigating the document selection rationale of LIS students.
Keywords Collection development, Acquisition, Academic libraries, Book selection, Selection rationale, Reading preferences
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
A multitude of academic literature is available in the field of
library and information science (LIS) which may serve as
theoretical foundations for new intellectual paradigms and
helps the professionals in developing their knowledge base.
This knowledge base eventually helps in providing quality
services to the library users. Academicliterature is of great help
to the students of library and information science in grasping
the nuances of the profession to provide better and innovative
services. Having mentioned that, it becomes necessary to
analyse whether this literatureis of real help to thestudents.
Reading is considered crucial for gaining the necessary
information and insights, which prepares a person to face the
diverse challenges of modern times. Akandaet al. (2013) assert
that the ability to readis an important part of self-education and
lifelong learning, and this ability has the potential of
transforming life and society. With regular and organised
reading, the intellect sharpens, the emotion polishes,
sensitivities rise and a person eventually starts leading actively
involved social, religious, cultural and politically aware life. In
Satija’s point of view, the imagination is fired by reading and by
adding new insights and wisdom. Reading helps in loading
mind with new software (Satija, 2002). On the importance of
reading, Adigun and Oyelude(2003) opined that skill in
reading would not only assist students in organising their
thought and jotting down important facts while reading, but
also equip them to comprehendentire texts.
The issue of reading, especially book reading, has received
much attention from different quarters of society in recent
times because a decline in reading is experienced, in particular
among the youth (Clark and Foster, 2005, p. 2). The reasons
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on
Emerald Insight at: www.emeraldinsight.com/2514-9326.htm
Collection and Curation
37/1 (2018) 30–38
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2514-9326]
[DOI 10.1108/CC-01-2018-005]
Received 17 July 2017
Revised 8 September 2017
Accepted 11 September 2017
30
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