ALA Core Competency Number 6: Research
6A. The fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
6B. The central research findings and research literature of the field.
6C. The principles and methods used to assess the actual and potential value of new
research.
1) INFO 5405: Collection Development Policy
April 21, 2022
A collection development policy is a critical tool in library operations, guiding the selection, acquisition, maintenance, and weeding of library collections. The Collection Development Policy I created for my school (Canadian Academy, a K-12 international school in Kobe, Japan) includes the following sections: Statement of Purpose, Mission Statement, Collection Development and Materials Selection, Selection Criteria, Resource Maintenance, Gifts, Intellectual Freedom, Confidentiality of Records, Reconsideration of Resources, Policy Review, Appendix A and the Resources I consulted in the creation of this policy. It has been reviewed (and approved!) by our Head of School and will be put to use effectively immediately in both the elementary and secondary libraries. This work product addresses competencies 6A, 6B and 6C as above. The practice of crafting a collection development policy reflects most all of the ALA's Research Core Competency. The principles and methods of research involve critical evaluation, community engagement, and a commitment to professional and ethical standards. A collection development policy is predicated on the same standards. Likewise, research involves the critical evaluation of information and a collection development policy demands the critical evaluation of potential acquisitions to determine their relevance, quality, and suitability for the collection.
Request for Reconsideration of Materials (Section VIII of Collection Development Policy above)
2) INFO 5200: Concept Briefing
March 10, 2021
The concept briefing below synthesizes diverse information sources to present a clear and comprehensive overview of the topic (6B). This work mirrors the research competency's emphasis on the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. One of the hallmarks of successful research is not just gathering information, but communicating findings effectively. A concept briefing asks for clear, concise, and coherent communication – the characteristics that are all crucial in research dissemination. Even though a concept briefing is concise, it requires a systematic approach to information gathering, which is very similar to the research process (6C). This might involve literature reviews, data analysis, or other research methodologies, reflecting the ALA's focus on understanding and applying research methodologies.