This document discusses the dilemma college librarians face with increasing pressure to publish research to advance their careers. While some view publishing requirements positively, others are alarmed. The document provides advice to librarians on how to engage in research and publishing, including taking advantage of the large amount of data libraries collect, collaborating with other researchers, and getting involved in professional networks to find publication opportunities. Librarians are encouraged not to view research as too difficult, but rather to view it as a fun way to contribute to the profession and advance their careers.

1. A DILEMMA OR OPPORTUNITY FOR
COLLEGE LIBRARIANS?
PUBLISH OR PERISH

2. Usually describes the
pressure to publish
academic work in order
to succeed in
an academic career.
Successful publications
bring attention to
scholars and their
sponsoring institution
Scholars who publish
infrequently may lose
ground for available
tenure-track positions.
PUBLISH
OR PERISH
(POP)

3.  I’m an academic librarian
and I haven’t published
anything. I haven’t been on
a conference panel, and I
have never given
presentation.
My just views me as a mere
librarian here’s no pressure
to publish or perish; but
conducting research,
presenting ideas, and
publishing papers is
something that I definitely
want to do!
CONFESSIONS
OF A COLINET
LIBRARIAN

4. The idea that librarians might be
required to meet research
requirements has been viewed
positively by some and with alarm
by others.
THE DILEMA

5.  Academic librarians facing the requirement to
publish for promotion and recognition sometimes
dwell on the negatives
 it is hard to think of good ideas
 time to design and conduct original
research
not have had formal training in research skills
supervisors and co-workers may not support
their efforts
THE DILEMA

6. THE PLAIN
TRUTH
Librarians are
one of the largest
generators and
aggregators of
ready data for
publication!

7. Benefits of
engaging in
research and
publishing
 Earning recognition, respect,
promotion, résumé building
Sharing innovations, best
practices
Contributing to the
knowledge base of the
profession
Staying current on new
research innovations
Gaining intellectual
stimulation

8. THOU SHALT
NOT PERISH –
TAKE
ADVANTAGE
 Complexities of managing
an effective college library -
likely addressed through
discoveries made from
systematic evidences
Research promotes
advancement and
recognition for librarians.
Librarians who regularly do
research are seen as
receptive to change
Staying current on new
research innovations

9. GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE
The research paper starts with an intuition, a gut
feeling that something original is worth
investigating
 Intuition needs to be formalized, a research
design needs to be developed and the hypotheses
need to be spelled out

10. Basic library surveys can
be transformed/
published
 Collection data and usage
statistics by
student/faculty are
valuable building for
publishing
 Experiences with
collaborative COLINET/
CCCJ consortium can be
easily tracked
TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF BASIC LIBRARY
DATA

11. IT IS NOT
ROCKET
SCIENCE!
The College Librarian
Can Take advantage
of:
MA thesis findings
 Do a critical
review of literature
on topic
Position papers

12. NETWORK
INVOLVEMENT
HELPS
Become a member of
professional
organisations/network
Stand for election of executive
committees
Accept invitations to become
member of editorial boards of
journals (after regular
reviewing)

13. Co-authored or single publications?
• Depends on area/type of data
• Co-authoring with experienced
researchers can be great experience
• Combination of specific skills of authors

14. Final
recommen
dations
Research is fun!
Publish and flourish! (
NOT PERISH)
Requires patience &
perseverance: it is
worth the effort!