The usefulness of personality traits in the explanation and prediction of entrepreneurship is critically evaluated, and both contemporary theory and existing empirical findings are reviewed, emphasizing the need for conceptual clarity and methodological reform. Detailed recommendations for future research are outlined, and this critique is complemented by a detailed case study of a practical research design drawn from an ongoing project. Taken together, these provide a powerful illustration of how abstract principles can be used to inform research practices, and the underlying message emanating from this evolving body of knowledge can be used to enrich teaching materials and educational activities.

This paper discusses the effects of operational convergence, and the subsequent growth of the hybrid library model, upon the professional selfidentity of academic library staff. The role of professionalism as a concept and motivational driver within contemporary academic librarianship is examined. Main themes of investigation include the extent of work assimilation between the traditional library and computing disciplines and between professional/para-professional staff groupings. Following a review of the literature, case study research involving Learning and Information Services (LIS) departments at four British universities was undertaken, including interview and focus group work with LIS staff from across the organizational structure. Predominant challenges to professional identity include employer (rather than professional) allegiance, the growing status of the para-professional and the growth of a generic skills base as recognized by para-professional sectors such as business, finance and media.

Purpose -This paper presents a review of the literature within the fields of public librarianship, social exclusion and empathy. Approach -The cross-disciplinary review involved the consultation of material from disciplines including library and information management, politics, social policy and social sciences, cultural studies, psychology, management and organizational theory. It was structured according to the following themes: exclusion, inclusion and social policy, social inclusion in public services and the cultural sector, the role of public libraries in social inclusion, and professional empathy and the public library service. Findings -The concept of social inclusion remains at the core of public library policy and strategy, and is embedded in contemporary social theory. Conflicting views have emerged as to the perceived and actual role of the public library in combating social exclusion, with a need expressed for research to be conducted that bridges the gap between the 'philosophical' interpretations of community librarianship and the more practical, 'real world' studies, in order to fully understand the concept of community librarianship. A critical link is made between social inclusion and public librarianship to professional empathy. Research limitations/(practical) implications -The paper provides an edited version of the overall literature review, yet it is felt that it would be of theoretical and practical relevance and value to the professional and academic communities. Originality/value of paper -Empathy is a relatively new concept in librarianship research, and prior to the study of which this review forms a part (Wilson and Birdi, 2008)

This paper considers the role of the public library in ameliorating relations between communities, and the appropriateness of a multicultural or assimilationist approach via which to deliver socially inclusive services.Qualitative findings from two inductive studies, each of which focused on different aspects of the capacity of public library staff to deliver culturally inclusive services, are analyzed in relation to concepts such as social capital, cultural and ethnic diversity, institutional racism and cultural awareness. The paper focuses on staffing issues and on . It is concluded that recruitment strategies are slow to address the homogeneity of the current library workforce, and that a revised approach to recruitment and subsequent training should be made. Furthermore, it is suggested that a community-wide exposure to materials about other ethnic cultures can contribute to the reduction of existing social fragmentation.

Presents two recent studies, an AHRC-funded exploration of the role of empathy in community librarianship (Study 1), and an investigation of the role of empathy in service to minority ethnic users (Study 2). Qualitative elements of each methodology are presented, namely a series of focus groups with frontline staff, interviews with senior managers and a research workshop (Study 1), and a case study investigation of a public library in the heart of a Chinese community (Study 2). Synthesizing the data of both studies, an analysis is conducted of the relationship between the cultural identities of library staff, and their ability to empathize with the public. It is concluded that empathy plays a role in facilitating effective communication between staff and users, but that a distinction should be made between intuitive and cognitive empathy, in considering the potential of staff training to develop appropriate levels of emotional response to members of all communities.