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“‘Scholarship of discovery’ refers to traditional scholarship, or the research into one's discipline and discovery of original ideas and presentation of papers on these ideas at conferences or publication in journals. This scholarship usually advances knowledge in one's discipline, and Boyer asserts that his study broadening scholarship does not mean to diminish traditional kinds of research, but rather to strengthen its importance” (17).
Academic librarians engage in the scholarship of discovery by applying quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in advancing the discipline’s knowledge base.
a. Contribute to knowledge base by publishing in professional publications
b. Make presentations at professional conferences
c. Write grants or seek external funding for library programs
d. Progress toward and/or award of advanced degrees
e. Receive training or certification with documentation
f. Conducting citation studies and preparing analytical bibliographies
g. Construct means for organizing bodies of data and information, and design methods for precise and efficient information retrieval. This includes the creation of digital collections through the generation of metadata that facilitates and supports resource discovery
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“Scholarship of synthesis or integration”is a scholarship that synthesizes and interprets the original ideas of the scholarship of discovery, and adds new insights, often making scholarship more public and useful as a result. Boyer states that it is “making connections across disciplines, placing specialties in larger context, illuminating data in a revealing way, often educating non-specialists, too… through connectedness research is ultimately made authentic” (18-19).
Academic librarians integrate knowledge from other fields making the profession highly interdisciplinary.
a. Draw on learning theory to design effective instruction
b. Use communication theory to improve the reference interview and establish sound communication throughout the library organization
c. Design LibGuides to support information literacy efforts and to highlight subject- and course-specific library resources, both print and digital
d. Apply the findings of ergonomic studies to design of library space for library users and personnel that will be conducive to work/study and comfort
e. Protect library collections from environmental and usage-imposed dangers by means of preservation techniques
f. Use knowledge of multiple disciplines to assist users by interpreting and analyzing their information needs and by helping them construct efficient and comprehensive research strategies
g. Integrate administrative and management techniques into the operation of a complex service organization
h. Advise Faculty about issues involving copyright and educational fair use of copyrighted materials in print and multimedia formats
i. Select and deselect subject-specific library resources to maintain a current and vibrant collection
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“Scholarship of engagement or application”is service to the outside world -- applying the knowledge of the disciplines to the real world, as well as allowing the world of social needs to define areas of investigation … “particularly needed in a world in which huge, almost intractable problems call for the skills and insights only the academy can provide” (23).
Academic librarians apply theory and knowledge gained through inquiry, integration, and pedagogical experimentation to meet research and learning needs of academic community.
a. Research, develop, and implement new or improved services to users
b. Design and implement information literacy instruction that both reflects the most current practices in the field and directs users to the ever-changing variety of resources available
c. Implement innovative pedagogy, new media, and technology into information literacy instruction and training
d. Write training guides for students and Faculty
e. Provide in-service training
f. Write articles on best practices for benchmarking library services and initiatives
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is defined originally by Boyer as a careful planning and continuous examination of pedagogical procedures. He cautions however, that “teaching begins with what the teacher knows” (23). In other words, for Boyer, most important is content knowledge, since good pedagogy, with nothing to present, is not good for much.scholarship of teaching and learning”The term “
Academic librarians develop, test, and/or improve pedagogical techniques for meeting library instruction objectives so users become independent scholars.
a. Develop new delivery methods of instruction
b. Teach users how to both plan and carry out search strategies appropriate to their needs, as well as how to evaluate the extent to which various texts and databases may be considered authoritative and up to date
c. Deliver library instruction in the classroom or at the reference desk in one-on-one conferences with users
d. Engage in research consultations requiring librarian to make judgments about users’ educational backgrounds and the most appropriate/relevant library resources
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