Below are a few articles and websites to support the library and information science writing community.
More publications, plus calls for proposals
For more lists of publications and potential venues for your writing, see the collection of resources tagged “Opportunities” at LibraryWriting. For news about calls for proposals (CFPs) and other writing opportunities in the library and information science world, we suggest:
- A Library Writer’s Blog, a resource to “help librarians identify publishing and presentation opportunities in library and information science as well as other related fields.” Managed by Corey Seeman of the University of Michigan.
- Academic Writing Librarians, a blog by Helen Fallon of the library of the National University of Ireland Maynooth. Says Fallon: “I developed this blog to support library staff who wish to write for publication. I’ve created links to resources I have used in my own writing and in the workshops I run. I also post calls for papers, books chapters, etc.”
- Dolores’ List of CFPs, a blog that “shares calls for papers and presentations in the disciplines of library science, information science, instructional design and technology, education (including adult education), and women’s and gender studies.” Run by Pennsylvania State University librarian Dolores Fidishun.
Publication selection tips
If you’re looking for a scholarly journal, the Journal Evaluation Tool from Loyola Marymount University offers a rubric and scoring sheet for evaluating journal credibility. While the focus is on open access publications, many of the criteria can be applied to other journals as well.
Writing and editing communities
The Librarian Parlor “is a space for conversing, sharing expertise, and asking questions about the process of developing, pursuing, and publishing library research.” The focus is on early-career researchers, but all are welcome. “We feature interesting research methodologies, common challenges, in progress work, setbacks and successes. In providing this space, LibParlor aspires to support the development of a welcoming community of new researchers.”
Library and Information Science Editors is a website for editors working in the LIS field. Library and Information Science Editors “seeks to provide a collegial and supportive space for editors to engage in frank discussions of their concerns.” Established in 2008, the group “advances its work by a discussion list, this website, and periodic face-to-face meetings.”
More general (not LIS focused) groups can be located through the Writing Communities and Editing Communities bookmark collections.
More resources on writing and publishing
For still more resources on writing, editing, and publishing, we suggest:
- LibraryWriting, an annotated collection of bookmarks on writing, editing, and publishing. Hundreds of resources are linked here. Check the tags for bundles of links to resources on better writing, scholarly communications, writing for lay readers, the writing and editing process, and more.
- “Professional writing and publishing: Resources for librarians” by Laurie Putnam (2009). College & Research Libraries News, 70(4), 222–225.
- “Writing for publication: Tips and tools to jumpstart your professional writing plan” by Laurie Putnam (2012). 2012 Faculty Institute, San Jose State University School of Information.
- “Thirteen things you can do to help students improve their writing” (presentation and handout by Laurie Putnam). 2010 Faculty Institute, San Jose State University School of Information.