Abstract

The Information Schools (iSchools) are a prominent international academic network of information schools. Since its creation in 2005, about 80 universities have joined the network, through the respective faculties or departments thematically involved. The faculties or academic departments that are part of the iSchools study information, in close relationship with people and technology. We present a general overview of the iSchools that includes: the history of its origins and evolution, an updated review of its academic activity, and future trends. This overview is done through a critical review of a selection of existing literature on this academic movement. The review includes opinion and academic debate documents, scientific studies based on the collection and analysis of data from all the universities in the network or representative samples of them, and a look at the iConference, an annual world congress organized by this academic network.

Abstract

This contribution examines the visibility and accessibility of the doctoral dissertations in Library and Information Science in Spanish universities. The analysis shows the inadequacies of available resources that locate the theses in this discipline and calculate the percentage available as full text. Finally, a reflection about the use of classifications in the document databases is included.

Abstract

The popularity of social networks like Twitter, Facebook or YouTube has reached the area of libraries and documentation, where professionals are using them for contact with patrons and to communicate among themselves. On the one hand, by building a presence on social networks, professionals become more accessible, strengthen their relationships and improve communications. On the other hand, social networks are questioned because of privacy and data control.

Abstract

The evolution of training and education in information and documentation is reviewed, starting with the first systematic professional education initiatives in the 19th century. Some of the current key challenges and future action lines are discussed: clarifying the mission, the ecological niche and strategic objectives of the discipline; taking care of the disciplinary core and addressing the peripheries; building and looking after the brand and main stakeholders, relocating the student as a prime client; negotiating a permanent observation point to allow the design of curricula based on the labour-market and student needs; programming the educational levels within the framework of life long education; rebuilding and pursuing the interdisciplinary dimension of information studies; modulating technological training according to social changes and student profiles; and ensuring operational quality and addressing the continuous evidence-based improvement of the pedagogical methods. The reflection focuses on the Spanish case, but incorporates an international perspective.

Abstract

In April of 2005 the Alonso Quijano Foundation published the first number of the magazine Mi biblioteca. With an international circulation, quarterly periodicity and printed format, the contents of this magazine pretend to be affordable to any type of non-specialized reader with an interest in the world of libraries. From the experience of the Alonso Quijano Foundation team, the production process of the magazine is presented in this article. The process begins with reflection on the kind of contributions that should appear in each issue, based on the editorial team’s own criteria; continues with the selection, search for and localization of the potential authors of these articles; receipt and review of originals; and concludes with the layout, printing and distribution of Mi biblioteca.