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Article
Threshold concepts and core competences in the library and information science (LIS) domain: Methodologies for discovery
Library and Information Research (2017)
  • Virginia M Tucker, San Jose State University
Abstract
Researchers have used a variety of methodologies for investigating threshold concepts, and this paper considers these approaches for library and information science (LIS) domains. The focus is on specific benefits of constructivist grounded theory for eliciting evidence of core knowledge, and elements of research design for this purpose are discussed, including the importance of collecting experiences from the learners themselves as well as effective protocols for data gathering and analysis through the use of active tasks and semi-structured interviews. The discussion extends to implications of the research design for how it may be applied to thematic analysis more broadly and to discovering critical knowledge that does not have the characteristics of threshold concepts but which may indicate attributes of core competences in the LIS discipline.
Keywords
  • threshold concepts,
  • competences,
  • grounded theory,
  • information professionals,
  • LIS educators,
  • LIS researchers
Publication Date
2017
DOI
10.29173/lirg750
Publisher Statement
This article was published in Library and Information Research, volume 41, issue 125, 2017, and can also be found online at this link.
Citation Information
Virginia M Tucker. "Threshold concepts and core competences in the library and information science (LIS) domain: Methodologies for discovery" Library and Information Research Vol. 41 Iss. 125 (2017) p. 61 - 80 ISSN: 1756-1086
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/virginia-tucker/46/
Creative Commons license
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY International License.