Learning by doing: Highlighting the successful collaboration between an open access peer-reviewed journal, a scholarly communication class, and a supportive library

Abstract

As the “NASIG Core Competencies for Scholarly Communication Librarians” makes clear, the responsibilities associated with scholarly communication work in libraries are so “broad and amorphous” that the “full suite of competencies is beyond the reach of even the most accomplished librarian.” It is, therefore, increasingly important for all academic librarians to have not just a theoretical understanding of scholarly communication topics, but also the ability to actively engage in and manage related projects. The question then is how are master of library and information science (MLIS) programs preparing aspiring academic librarians for these roles?

The Enlightenment of Peer Review

“…In a library and information science (LIS) context, preparing students to work within the modern scholarly ecosystem is a valuable endeavour, yet one that is often overlooked. Seelye et al (2019) noted "very few ALA [American Library Association]-accredited MLIS [Master of Library and Information Science] programs regularly offer a course solely dedicated to scholarly communication" which leads to a "significant burden on early career librarians with scholarly communication responsibilities" (p. 502). In contrast, MLIS programs that offer experiential learning opportunities allow students to become better prepared for their future careers and research endeavours by effectively "situating this work within a critical library and information science framework" (Seelye et al 2019, p. 503).…”

Reimagining Scholarly Communication through Experiential Learning: Merging Theory and Practice for MLIS Students

“…In the fall of 2018, Western's FIMS Graduate Library launched an MLIS student-run journal to provide a publishing venue for students in the MLIS program. The journal, Emerging Library & Information Perspectives (ELIP), is fully open access and publishes one issue per year, with each publication cycle overseen by a part-time student managing editor employed by the library (Seelye et al, 2019). A team of advisors comprised of librarians, faculty, and publishing professionals provides additional continuity from year to year.…”