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Dissertation Information for Rebecca Knuth

NAME:
- Rebecca Knuth

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Indiana University (USA) (1995)

ADVISORS:
- Daniel Callison

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- David Kaser
- George Whitbeck
- B. Edward McClellan

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Convergence and global ethics: The International Association of School Librarianship and the worldwide promotion of school libraries

Abstract: The International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) is a small, voluntary, professional association, whose mission is the worldwide promotion of school-based libraries. This case study scrutinized the organization in four main areas: IASL's fulfillment of its mission, IASL's meaning to its members, IASL's function as a special kind of voluntary, professional and international association, and IASL's role in the international spread of school librarianship. The case study design incorporated historical methods, document analysis, observation, interviews, and a questionnaire. In an "embedded unit," the impact of IASL's activities and programs in one Third World Country--Jamaica--was investigated.

Findings indicate that the organization's uniqueness derives from its integration of traditional professional aspects with an international "ethos." While IASL is an instrument of convergence, where the world's educational institutions tend to become standardized and more alike, it is also part of a social movement that which has broad educational goals, such as universal literacy. While essentially a professional association, IASL is value-based and reflects "global ethics." IASL has an especially intensified impact on school librarianship in Third World Countries.

Findings also indicate that the organization struggles with problems of membership, visibility, and goal attainment, but is most successful in its role as a clearing-house, forum, and disseminator of information. Over its 24 year existence, the organization has undergone a process of formalization, and greater emphasis is being placed on its function as a professional organization.

MPACT Scores for Rebecca Knuth

A = 1
C = 3
A+C = 4
T = 1
G = 1
W = 1
TD = 1
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:08:01

Advisors and Advisees Graph