The latest issue of Library and Information Research is now available online at http://www.lirg.org.uk/lir/ojs/index.php/lir/issue/current.

 There are several items of interest from a project point of view including for school librarians:

Christina Sacco Ritchie asks “Would evidence-based school librarianship work in the UK?”

Other articles include:

• ‘the important question “Do we need the information professions?”
• “An evaluation of the National Year of Reading in Yorkshire”
• A survey of e-book usage at UWE – LIRG prize-winning research from Jackie Chelin and colleagues
• Janet Clapton’s practical checklist for establishing the context of a new research project.

They (the journal editors) welcome submissions of research articles, reports and book reviews from both practitioners and academic researchers.

With this in mind you may be interested in a recent email from Janet Clapton:

As a LIS practitioner researcher (i.e. in my spare time!) I am exploring the views of those of us who would like to write for publication but experience barriers.

Pilot testing showed, not surprisingly, that time was a major constraint, although lack of support was also a problem. However we are all experts in what we do every day, and therefore have important knowledge to share.

 While the views of all LIS practitioners are of interest, those who work outside academic settings are particularly encouraged to take part.

Please carry out the short survey below (before the end of 9th October).

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=budG_2bTzSM3ayB8XwIf07BA_3d_3d

Writing an article can be daunting but I’ve found that co writing with someone more experienced can help you pick up tips and techniques plus gain confidence. Also writing a short piece about attending an event is a good way to start.  So why not give it a go.

1st october 2009 update

The above survey by Janet Clapton is now closed due to the sheer response size. Janet apologies to those who wanted to contribute but were unable to: but says please contact her Janet.Clapton@SCIE.ORG.UK if you have something burning to say about writing for publication.

She is looking forwards to sharing the published findings when available.