Journal‐ranking lists and the academic librarian

Abstract

Purpose

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

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

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

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

Social implications

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

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

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