Swedish School of Library and Information Science receives top marks – highlighted as leading research environment in the Nordic region

Each year, one of the university’s six priority research areas undergoes an evaluation conducted by an external assessment panel.  The purpose is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of development. This spring, Library and Information Science had their turn. 

During the site visits of the assessment panel, they met with groups of researchers, programme coordinators, the management team, and doctoral students. Björn Hammarfelt, Professor of Library and Information Science and area representative for the research area of the same name, said, “Different perspectives emerged, but the overall assessment is that we have a good research environment and a good working environment – that was clear. We have a strong collegiality and have the advantage of being a department that also represents a field and a discipline. The Swedish School of Library and Information Science has a long history and a culture of togetherness and collaboration.”

High quality and relevance to society

The assessment panel describes the Swedish School of Library and Information Science as a strong brand nationally and internationally, with research of high quality and relevance to society. Furthermore, the assessment panel supports the Swedish School of Library and Information Science’s ambition to maintain and strengthen its position as the leading research environment in the Nordic region. The report confirms that the research environment has a unique position and responsibility to develop the field forward.   

The panel was immediately struck by SSLIS’ immense sense of collegiality, collaboration and deep respect for and interest in each other’s work. These values are clearly articulated and presented in the self-assessment report, and they were reinforced during the panel’s visit. The panel observes that such values are an important and strong foundation for a healthy and successful research environment. 

From the report Research Evaluation of the Swedish School of Library and Information Science at the University of Borås (Reg. no. 840-24)

What was it like to read the assessment panel's report?

“It was gratifying and I was a bit moved, especially to get confirmation of the sense of collegiality and collaboration that I experience. As a large and unique research environment, we also have a responsibility for the field as a whole and that is important to take seriously. Basically, we are a small field and we must collaborate within and without our university – that is an advantage.
The assessment panel made several recommendations to further clarify the direction and goals of the research as well as to consider a clearer organisation of the research groups.”

How has the evaluation been received?

“There have mostly been positive reactions. Those who have participated have also found the evaluation interesting and rewarding, which is gratifying. The challenge will be to take it forward in a good way based on the conditions we have. Much is about retaining what works well – like the seminars and the collegiality – and developing other things.” 

How do you proceed?

“We want to develop strong profile areas, but at the same time maintain the breadth that has characterised the Swedish School of Library and Information Science historically. It is also linked to our educational programmes, that we want to be a complete academic environment that has research linked to all our areas of education. We are reviewing our research focus and organisation and are starting a new research group.” 

Read more

The University of Borås’s systematic quality assurance work
The Swedish School of Library and Information Science 
The research area Library and Information Science