Just got a note that my fellow IMLS cohort colleague Brian Kenney is defending his dissertation next week. Go Brian! Looks like a great research project.
Brian Kenney - Dissertation Defense
“The Transformative Library: A Narrative Inquiry into the Outcomes of Information Use”
My Dissertation Bound, originally uploaded by mstephens7.
I just received three bound copies of my dissertation from ProQuest.
For those who might be interested, you can download a PDF version here:
TTW Contributor Lee LeBlanc provided these links:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6355946/Stephens-Mfinal
http://pdfmenot.com/view/http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/stephens-mfinal.pdf
From the conclusion:
While Gorman (2005) defined a blog as “a species of interactive electronic diary by means of which the unpublishable, untrammeled by editors or the rules of grammar, can communicate their thoughts via the web,” I believe the biblioblogger’s potential role is one of bibliography. Wilson (1979) wrote: “… a complete bibliographical job involves all four elements. Search, selection, description, organization: these are the four most general components, of bibliographical work….The librarian is concerned with the presentation not only of information about sources of information, but with the sources themselves. The librarian is concerned both with the discovery of information sources and with the delivery of those sources to the library’s users.” Constantly scanning via the tools of continuous computing, the pragmatic biblioblogger seeks to redesign library services in an era of enhanced technology. These librarians open comments and engage with other bloggers to discuss and examine events, new technologies, and the LIS profession within a community they have created with a common goal: improving libraries.
Haven’t had a reinvention post in a while. I was tickled to read about Karen Schneider’s new position with Equinox.
As of June 23 (just in time for ALA!), I’m the Community Librarian at Equinox, the support and development company for Evergreen, the premier, industrial-strength open-source integrated library system software.
What, you ask, is a Community Librarian? It’s a chief blogger, presenter, evangelist, community liaison, birds-of-a-feather organizer, strategist, branding specialist, user-experience person, project management advisor, and whatever else happens to need doing. (I wrote the job description, and I think that hits the high notes.)
After sixteen years in LibraryLand (more, if you count college and high-school jobs), I want to be working on the future of libraries. It’s time. For nearly two decades I’ve watched libraries struggle with closed legacy software, and the advantages of open source — particularly in a highly-scalable system — are obvious to me.
Making the advantages of open source obvious to YOU will be part of my job.
Congrats, Karen!
It does my heart good to see folks take on opportunities and challenges. Karen was instrumental in helping me decide to dive back into school for the doctorate. Now, I’m so excited to see Karen embark on this new path AND evangelize the advantages of OSS to libraryland.
A post that is long overdue. I want to extend public thanks to Jennifer Graham and Scott Smith for the invaluable assistance they provided me as I finished my dissertation. In a way, it’s also an acknowledgement of how powerful these informal blogging connections can be. In the space of a few months Jennifer and I both suffered losses. I could hardly breathe some days as the summer slipped away. Requests for formatting and clarification came from the University Reader at UNT when I least expected it. Jennifer and Scott were there for me — to assist and offer support that was much needed. I thank them for the help. I could not have finished without them.
This speaks to me as well about how we can help each other - how we can and should get along. It doesn’t have to be as a result of loss — remember you can reach out and share anytime. These tools — just tools — enable connections that I am still trying to understand. Is it ephemeral? Is it strong?
It’s also a reminder to reach out not only across the blogosphere but across the hall to that department that you’ve been feuding with. An offer of support, an offer to help, an attitude of “share the work” seems to me to go a lot farther than a locked door or sign on that same door that reads “Is Your Visit Business Related”?
So, thanks to Jennifer and Scott. Be well.
Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennx/1092979431/in/set-72157594556817439
Measuring a phenomenon requires attention to reliability and validity. I used John Creswell’s Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd Edition) as a valuable guide to the process. Creswell noted the need for validating qualitative research and describes several primary strategies of doing so, including triangulation, member-checking, use of rich, thick description, clarification of the bias of the researcher, presentation of negative or discrepant information, peer debriefing, use of an external auditor, and prolonged time in the field of study (p. 196).
For my study, I chose to clarify my own biases, detail my prolonged participation in the “field” of the biblioblogosphere, and to present “negative or discrepant information” (Creswell, p. 196) from the study to demonstrate the breadth of responses. My favorite bit was describing my own blogging journey as my prolonged time in the field. I wanted to share it with you here - and ask anyone reading to share as well.
Statement of Bias
Because of the nature of this study, it is important to also self-evaluate. I have been a blogger since 2003, have spoken at library events “evangelizing” the use of blogs by libraries and librarians, and have written extensively in the professional literature on the topic. Connections exist between myself and many of the survey participants. However, the survey was conducted anonymously and only once did a participant identify himself in the response section – with a statement that he knew I would recognize as well as an emoticon smile ?.
Throughout the coding process I reminded myself to be open to all opinions stated by respondents. I am reporting the results fairly and without bias.
Prolonged Participant in the Biblioblogosphere
I recently spoke on a panel at the Massachusetts Library Association meeting in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The panel, entitled “Blog’s Eye View,” consisted of Jessa Crispin of BookSlut.com, Jenny Levine of the Shifted Librarian, and me. We were asked to discuss our blogging history and reflect on the practice and our participation. This was a useful experience to prepare for this statement.
After learning about blogs and blogging in 2002, I was inspired to begin blogging in April 2003. I learned as I went along, creating posts, adding links, and sharing my thoughts. Once in awhile, I would get a link from another blogger, pointing traffic my way. It was a thrilling time.
In 2004, I attended the Public Library Association meeting in Seattle and was surprised at the lack of any mention of blogging in the technology sessions. I also applied to an IMLS-funded distance independent doctoral program at the University of North Texas, discussing in my application essay my blog and research interests centered on blogging. Once accepted, I created a new category to blog my experiences in the PhD program. At this time I was also presenting workshops in Indiana libraries about blogging.
I realized Tame the Web was a useful tool, first and foremost as a way to keep track of the links and bits of knowledge I encountered reading LIS blogs. Using categories to organize posts as well as the built-in archive feature made sense for me. 2005 was the year of the Michael Gorman editorial discussed in Chapter 1 and marked my second year in the UNT program. I taught blog workshops at Purdue University Libraries, at the Internet Librarian International conference in London, and at various other conferences that year. Tame the Web continued to generate traffic and response from other blogging librarians as well as multiple comments from readers. I started teaching as an adjunct at Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) and introduced my students to blogging in LIS753, Internet Fundamentals and Design.
In 2006, I applied for a full-time tenure track position at Dominican GSLIS. My presentation for the interview was an overview of library blogging and what it means for the profession. I was offered the position and started teaching full-time in August 2006. That summer I taught blogging workshops in New Jersey, in Connecticut (with Jenny Levine), and via Web conference to a library meeting in New Zealand. I also participated in the opening session of the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County’s Learning 2.0 program, keynoting a session on social tools with Michael Casey, author of the Library Crunch blog.
I continued blogging and working on this study in 2007. After my proposal defense in April, I put my own blog writing on hiatus until after my dissertation writing was complete. A series of guest authors provided content for me. It was interesting to note that the day I wrote the post I felt sadness, as though I was losing touch with something important. It amazed me how ingrained in my life the act of blogging had become.
Negative or Discrepant Information
While performing the content analysis, negative responses were encountered and noted. Some instances even became part of the coding categories. Respondents pointed out that people could be mean in the biblioblogosphere. Another, when noting what had been learned stated: “While the blogging community is large, it seems too frequently to function as a group of small and ince$tuous cliques.” Another respondent in the same question category stated: “LIS blogosphere is a giant cluster—-.”
Those were the methods I chose to prove the validity and reliability of my phenomenological study. What might your own blogging journey be?
Some folks have asked about my dissertation. Last I heard it’s number 85 in line for the university reader. So I thought I’d share one of the sections here. This is the analysis of the question “Why do you blog?”
To share information or insight
Sharing is important to the blogging librarians who responded. For this category, 76 respondents had this response, which is 40% of the total. A prevalent word in this answer set was sharing. Respondents used phrases such as “to contribute to the profession,” “to serve the profession,” and “to inspire.” Two types of information seemed to get shared. One was of a personal nature: “my research” or my “point of view.” A respondent wanted to make sure his or her ideas were “a matter of public record.”
The other type of sharing was done to help or inform others. Many respondents used words such as trends, technologies, resources, articles, sites, bookmarks, announcements, new tools, “cool” stuff, and news combined with the word share or sharing. One respondent noted: “To transmit information to the local LIS community.” Another stated: “To share thoughts and points of view with the LIS community.”
A subset of this category included a few respondents who blogged to show others how it works, with responses such as “to model blogging,” “demonstrate what it can do,” and noting blogging was serving as a role model for other rural libraries.
To participate in a conversation or community
There is a wide discussion playing out online. For this category, 53 respondents had this response, which is 28% of the total. Respondents used words and phrases such as connect, create conversation, “keeping in touch” and finding community. Examples included finding other “techies,” going outside the workplace for academic discussions, and finding others to talk to about issues in LIS.
Other words or phrases derived from responses in this category included getting feedback, bouncing ideas and collaborating with others, looking for a “sounding board,” getting differing opinions, and “inviting the outside in.”
Respondents noted that they participated in a discussion, a dialogue, an exchange, or interaction, and created community through shared discussions. Respondents published blogs because they could participate in issues and take an active stand. Other keywords and descriptors included: engaging, “communicating back and forth with readers,” and keeping conversations going. Respondents noted they were participating in a bigger community.
To archive information or experience
An archive stores information for later use. For this category, 47 respondents had this response, which is 25% of the total. These respondents used descriptors such as collect, organize, track, and preserve to archive information such as links, bookmarks, issues, ideas, thoughts, prospective writing topics, and notes. There was also a thread of descriptors about rediscovery: blogging allowed “refinding and remembering information already encountered.” A respondent noted their blog was “my private online post-it note file.” To others, blogging served as a comprehensive “knowledge management tool.”
These bibliobloggers chronicle or record their experiences. Events, projects, courses, and plans were recorded for processing, development and learning. Bibliobloggers tended to reflect on experiences, including successes and failures. One respondent stated blogging created a “cross directional document for my experience.”
To enhance my professional development
Professional development involves keeping current, learning, and improving skills. For this category, 45 respondents had this response, which is 24% of the total. These bibliobloggers found blogging to be a way to stay up on current news, issues, trends, and technologies. Blogging is a way to stay informed, or to “stay tuned in.” Others noted that it kept their skills up because of their teaching responsibilities. Another respondent reported blogging helped to keep workshop content current. Respondents blog as a motivation to stay in the know. One respondent stated blogging is a way to “force myself” to stay current. Another noted blogging is an “educational exercise to motivate me to keep up to date with LIS news and technology.”
Other threads of this category were to practice and improve writing skills, to explore, to experiment, to use new tools, and to “explore the field beyond my current experience/institution.”
To express my perspective or identity
Bibliobloggers found blogging to be a mechanism that allows them to comment or state opinions on issues. For this category, 44 respondents had this response, which is 23% of the total. It’s a way “to express feelings” or “to have an outlet.” One respondent noted: “I can’t shut up.” Others publish their blogs to focus thoughts or to develop a voice.
In addition to general commenting, others identified as having “something different to say” and being “the only ones” engaged in a certain kind of activity. One reported: “It’s a way to tell my story.” Some noted that it was also a way to vent frustrations with jobs or the profession.
To promote myself or the profession
Blogging can be a promotional tool. For this category, 22 respondents had this response, which is 12% of the total. Respondents used descriptors such as “to promote myself,” to build a reputation, and to create a “live resume.” One respondent noted that blogging was “better than any resume.” Other descriptors included: raise my profile, promote myself as someone who cares about libraries, promote my workshops, build credentials, and “create a name for myself.”
Other respondents stated they were concerned with promoting librarianship, including “promote our field, provide publicity, and “help people understand what librarians do” such as explanations of “invisible activities.” One stated blogging “let the public hear what it’s like to be on this side.”
To have fun
Blogging is fun to some. For this category, 16 respondents had this response, which is 8% of the total. Respondents used descriptors “have fun,” enjoy, or entertain to describe why they blogged. One respondent stated: “Because I enjoy it. I do it for myself. I don’t care if no one reads it or not, I just like having the space to put my thoughts.”
Summary Categories by Library Type
Almost half of academic librarians surveyed noted sharing as a reason they blog, while public librarians chose conversation and community before sharing. The most prevalent response for school librarians was “to express my perspective or identity,” while special librarians stated archiving as their most popular reason for blogging. LIS students noted professional development first, while those not working in a library reported sharing as their reason to blog.
The category “to have fun” had the most respondents in the academic and public library groups. No school or special librarians noted fun in their responses.
Note. Percentage for each category is based on total of 189 valid responses. 20 of 239 responses were not applicable to the study, and 30 of 239 responses were left blank.
Thanks to Stephen Abram for kicking staring me to get this post up (and for a stern talking to in Toronto last February: “Get it done!”) - and to Leslie T. Crang who posted his Masters Dissertation in full: http://librarytwopointzero.blogspot.com/2007/09/dissertation-is-now-freely-available-at.html
Stephens, Michael, Modeling the role of blogging in librarianship. Doctor of Philosophy (Information Science), August 2007, 187 pp., 47 tables, 6 figures, 134 references.
This phenomenological study examines the motivations and experiences of librarians who author professionally-focused Weblogs. The researcher constructed a model of librarianship based on Wilson and Buckland. The results show a close fit between librarian bloggers and the ideals of the field as expressed by two primary library and information science philosophers. A Web survey generated 239 responses to demographic and open-ended questions. Using the results of the survey, the researcher analyzed demographic data and performed a phenomenological analysis of the open-ended questions. A list of category responses was generated from each set of answers via the coding of descriptive words and phrases.
Results indicated the motivations of librarian bloggers are based around themes of sharing, participation in community, and enhanced professional development. Respondents reported feeling more connected to the profession and to colleagues across the world because of blogging. Respondents perceived the librarian blogosphere as a community with both positive aspects – feedback, discussion, and support – and negative aspects – insular voices, divides between technologists and librarians, and generational rifts. Respondents also reported an increased ability to keep current, improved writing skills, and opportunities to speak and contribute to professional journals.
Ideally the study’s findings will contribute to the ongoing investigation of how people are using newer Web technologies. The researcher hopes the study will illustrate the beliefs, motivations, and professional benefits that blogging provides for other librarians and library administrators.
Hey all! I am in the final week of writing. I can’t say enough about the roster of TTW guests. Thanks to all who wrote. There is more to come!
Good Morning! I didn’t realize how hard it would be to write this little post.
After the successful defense of my proposal, I am taking a few weeks off to focus exclusively on writing the last two chapters of my dissertation. I want to defend it in June before the cutoff date for August graduation. This is a lofty goal — a handful of weeks. My data is collected and ready for ananylysis. The demographics and stats are done. My next step is a content analysis of over 1600 replies to the “Why do you blog?” survey!
I need to turn in a defendable copy of my dissertation by early June! I have the support and encouragment of my chair, Dr. Brian O’Connor, and my committee as well as my graduate assistant Brian Want(who rocks). They and my trusted colleagues all advised me to take a step back from other duties and responsibilities. Classes end this week. I will be on the road a bit, writing in my hotel room and in airports! But my energies will be focused mainly on the writing. So with that, I am pulling back from TTW. I’ll be back after June 4th and look forward to more blogging as I finish the PhD process and graduate and move into Assistant Professorship (wow just typing that gives me the tingles… can it be that close?)
BUT..I’ve arranged for some guest authors to provide some content in the coming weeks. I look forward to their writing and promoting their voices via this venue.
See you soon! Wish me luck!
It went well! I got some wonderful feedback, suggestions and ideas about moving forward into the dissertation. Thanks to all of my committee members - Dr. O’Connor (Chair), Drs. Lewandowski, Marek and Scahmber — and to my grad assistant, Brian Want, who took copious notes of the discussion.
I am taking a 5 minute break from prepping for my proposal defense to destress with a bit of Photobooth and Flickr fun. Just a shout out to all in the DC area attending CIL. I wish you a great conference experience!
http://www.techsource.ala.org/blog/2007/03/the-pragmatic-biblioblogger.html
This post at ALA techSource a few weeks ago illustrates what will probably become the model for my dissertation. I was trying it out there and since then it’s been cooking in my brain.
Try this on for size, as will I, by putting it out here:
The Pragmatic Biblioblogger Model describes multiple types of librarians who share similar desires: to comment, to connect, to create community. The pragmatic biblioblogger model describes a librarian who authors a professionally-focused blog beyond the scope of their job to constantly find, share and offer advice to others in the LIS profession. Constantly scanning via the tools of continuous computing, the pragmatic biblioblogger seeks to redesign library services in an era of enhanced technology. The pragmatic biblioblogger opens comments and engages with other bloggers to discuss and examine events, new technologies and the LIS profession with a common goal: improving libraries.
Here we go. This email just went out to the folks at UNT.
Michael Stephens - Dissertation proposal defense
“Who are the Blog People? Librarians and their Motivations for Authoring Weblogs”
Monday, April 16, 2007
10 a.m.
ISB 218
First, I defend. If successful, I will then write the data analysis of the “Blog People” qualitative data — 238 responses fron the Biblioblogosphere. Wish me luck. 
Update: Sorry folks, I didn’t make it very clear. I will be defending the proposal via teleconference. I will be in a conference room at Dominican with my notes, proposal, bottles of water, tea and other realted items. Joining me there will be Dr. Kate Marek, one of my outside UNT committee members and my faculty member at Dom and my grad assistant Brian Want. My other outside committe member, Dr. Jude Lewandowski, will be in Indiana. Finally my UNT Chair, Dr. Brian O’Connor and my other UNT member, Dr. Linda Schamber, will be in the room noted above on the UNT campus.
I will blog about it on Monday afternoon!
I’m submitting the first draft of my research proposal this week… here are the research questions:
Research Questions
To what extent have library and information science Weblog authors adopted the medium to further their goals and objectives for their writing/information sharing? Why?
Sub Questions:
To what degree are these blog authors utilizing other social tools to further their endeavors.
What have librarian bloggers learned from blogging?
What are the benefits of blogging within the LIS community?
Has blogging had an effect on librarian bloggers’ jobs?
What role does blogging play in their professional life?
How has blogging affected your relationships with other professionals?
What do librarian bloggers feel is the impact of blogging on the professional library community?
First of the original ten cohort members to finish the degree! Well done!
A couple of days ago I posted about my dissertation chair’s new blog, and last night I get an email note from the non-UNT member of my committee, Dr. Jude Lewandowski at Indiana University South Bend. She has started a blog as well! I guess I’ll have to be on my toes now that my committee members are bloggers and will be evaluating my blogger research.
Jude teaches instructional technology in the education program at IUSB. Take a look at her fledgling blog. There’s a nice link post to a “lifelong learning” vido here.
Dr. O’Connor, my dissertation chair and professor at UNT, and I have had some cool talks about blogs (of course), flickr and tags over the lst couple of years. I was pleased to see he has launched a blog called “Hypotheses non fingo” where you’ll find discussions of visual representations, photocutionary acts, and ultra high resolution images.
http://memestate.typepad.com/hypothesis_non_fingo/
I did have to look up what the title means! “Hypotheses non fingo” : “I feign no hypotheses” — Isaac Newton
Just storing this link:
http://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2006/08/19/research_on_soc.html
If you are interested in scholarly research on social networking, take a look.
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