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Journal‐ranking lists and the academic librarian

Stephen Bales (Texas A&M University Libraries, College Station, Texas, USA)
Laura Sare (Texas A&M University Libraries, College Station, Texas, USA)
Catherine Coker (Texas A&M University Libraries, College Station, Texas, USA)
Wyoma vanDuinkerken (Texas A&M University Libraries, College Station, Texas, USA)

Library Review

ISSN: 0024-2535

Article publication date: 1 March 2011

1000

Abstract

Purpose

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The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of journal‐ranking lists for academic librarian promotion and tenure (P&T) decision.

Design/methodology/approach

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Using a case study, the researchers analyzed a proposed journal‐ranking list created for P&T decisions. A quantitative analysis of peer‐reviewed journal articles was performed to support this analysis.

Findings

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The paper shows that the use of journal‐ranking lists for P&T decisions inadequately conflates academic librarians with teaching faculty members.

Research limitations/implications

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The study relied primarily on a single case study, so it may not be scientifically generalized.

Social implications

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This study identifies journal‐ranking lists as an inadequate tool for the evaluation of academic librarians and encourages action to divorce the valuation of intellectual achievement from quantitative structures.

Originality/value

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The analysis of the quantitative/metric underpinnings of intellectual labor in higher education is necessary for academic freedom.

Keywords

Citation

Bales, S., Sare, L., Coker, C. and vanDuinkerken, W. (2011), "Journal‐ranking lists and the academic librarian", Library Review, Vol. 60 No. 2, pp. 142-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531111113087

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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