Browsing by Author "Hornung, Eva"

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    Impact of LIS professionals with doctorates on library services
    (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 2022-09-07) Hornung, Eva
    Encouraging patrons to engage in lifelong learning is a core function in many libraries. Librarians themselves also increasingly enrol in an ever greater spread of formal professional development opportunities, including doctoral study programmes. Generally, workplaces see having a PhD as a desirable qualification, but does it really make a difference to the service we provide in our respective organisations? And what is the role of the doctorate in the library? This paper reports on a small-scale investigation (part of a Master’s degree in Education) into the perceptions of library and information professionals in the Republic of Ireland regarding the usefulness of holding a doctorate. Ten librarians with doctorates and ten library managers were interviewed individually using semi-structured interviews. Additionally, a focus group was held with librarians who worked with PhD holders. Adhering to a Phenomenographic theoretical framework, data was analysed with the aid of Framework Analysis. A so-called outcome space was created for each group of respondents consisting of three ways of experiencing this phenomenon (conceptions) as well as a number of themes, which were discernible across these categories (dimensions of variations). Results show an overlap of two outcome spaces of the librarian and employer cohorts. This was complimented by data from the focus group. The perceived impact of a doctorate depended on the category. The discussion focuses on the likely implications for library services, the impact on the communities we serve, and what it means for the profession in Ireland. Unlike other countries, the number of librarians with a doctorate is very small and the paths for progression for these individuals are limited. Some recommendations will conclude the paper.
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    Small library, big ideas: supporting education on climate action
    (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 2023-11-23) Hornung, Eva
    City of Dublin Education and Training Board (City of Dublin ETB) is the biggest learning provider in Dublin, Ireland, with over 3,000 staff and over 48,000 learners. The Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) provides staff support services which includes a one-person library. In late 2021, the CDU librarian was approached by two individual teachers (based in different parts of the organisation) who were looking for teaching resources on sustainable development and the climate crisis. She introduced them to each other and suggested to create an online community of practice (CoP) for teachers to exchange ideas and create resources. In order to advertise this new professional network, a webinar was organised with an Irish expert as keynote speaker. The session was well attended and the new CoP now has 17 members from a range of centres and colleges. It was realised quickly that the organisation needed a comprehensive strategy. Having gained support from senior management, a working group was put together (which included the librarian) to conduct a survey (June to September 2023) to capture all initiatives currently underway. The librarian will actively help shape City of Dublin ETB’s leadership role in educating citizens on sustainable development and climate action. The organisation puts the learner’s voice central to its service provision. The aim of the proposed new charter is to enable learners to become community ambassadors for action on climate, especially in marginalised groups and communities. The poster shows this journey and the outputs so far: - City of Dublin ETB has been accredited for a new 5-credit level 4 award in Environmental Sustainability Awareness and a special purpose award in climate justice (for learners and staff); - The librarian has now become involved with developing an Environmental/Sustainability policy for the whole organisation. Senior management has made this an area of priority.