Tööalasest uudishimust doktoritööni: refleksiooniartikkel doktoritöö protsessist 2019–2024

Abstract

From professional curiosity to doctoral thesis: A reflection article on the process of writing doctoral thesis 2019–2024

Liisi Lembinen describes the development of her doctoral thesis in 2019–2024 as an unexpected, twisty and discovery-filled journey that began with professional curiosity. The initial impulse arose already in 2013–2016, when she worked as the
acting director of the University of Tartu Library and asked her LIBER colleagues how strategic decisions are made. She published an article on the subject, but at the time, she did not yet think about starting doctoral studies.

In 2018, she decided to try to get a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Economics, because the University of Tartu did not teach library science at the doctoral level. At the beginning, it seemed reasonable to write a monograph, but as the work developed, this became impossible – her interviews and research gave birth to three independent articles. A course on innovation had a great impact, which led her to the study of open innovation in libraries and inspired the first article.

However, the COVID-19 crisis changed the focus of the entire doctoral thesis. Until that time, crisis situations had been hypothetical, but then the opportunity suddenly arose to study decision-making during a real crisis. Libraries had to adapt quickly and change their services and digital solutions, and their role in the university was growing. This provided Lembinen with valuable empirical material for the second article.

The journey was also spiced up by personal trials – a mandatory course in microeconometrics almost caused her to interrupt her doctoral studies. In the end, she still passed the subject, although more through perseverance than deep understanding.

All the articles were ultimately related to one common subject: decision-making in different situations. Finding and matching a suitable theory was a challenge, but the necessary frameworks were found in decision theory. Lembinen emphasises that practical work in the library and scientific writing supported each other – every subject and research are applicable in real life.

Looking back, she believes that gaining experience, self-development, and the knowledge that difficult things can be done were the greatest victories to achieve. The only question that still haunts her is, wherever did she find the time for it?

The online version of her doctoral thesis is available in the UT digital archive ADA.