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Descriptors:
Evaluation; Research Libraries; Information Literacy; Interdisciplinary Approach; Feedback (Response); Research Methodology; Communication Research; Research Skills; Case Studies; Outcomes of Education; Scores; Partnerships in Education; Cooperation; Higher Education; Librarians

Abstract:
This report offers an interdisciplinary approach for conducting assessment on learning outcomes in undergraduate communication research skills where information literacy is embedded in the expected outcome. A Communication Studies department and the University Library piloted a two-year program to develop strategies for coordinated assessment that give feedback to both the Department and the Library. This collaborative model could be applied to any type of communication learning outcome that is related to information literacy. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Higher Education; Teaching Methods; Educational Change; Academic Achievement; Foreign Countries; Librarians; Cooperation; Information Literacy

Abstract:
Internationally, changes to academic work are a response to the massification of higher education and a changed and changing higher education context. The majority of these adjustments involve a casualisation of academic work, widely characterised as being of a de-skilling nature, alongside the emergence of new, as well as changing, roles that typically function across traditional boundaries and frequently involve elements of up-skilling. The paper points to the value of the latter group of adaptations, characterising them as "direct-response" changes to new environmental conditions. In contrast, de-skilling adaptations, classed as "indirect-response" changes, are viewed as impacting negatively on key aspects of higher education. Inter-professional teaching practices are advocated as an alternative to the casualisation strategy, based on the belief that it would empower large numbers of existing groups of higher education workers to make a fuller and richer contribution to student learning and help prepare them for an uncertain future. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Reference Services; Information Science Education; Librarians; Library Schools; Library Services; Electronic Libraries; Computer Literacy; Internship Programs; Volunteers; Computer Mediated Communication

Abstract:
The ability to navigate the vast ocean of available information and perform reference services in digital environments is an essential component of the job for most of today's reference librarians, especially those working in academic libraries. Reference librarians face a challenge: they must be highly skilled at searching for, locating, and interpreting information in a constantly changing landscape of online databases, catalogs, and free Web technologies while also possessing the skills to be competent instructors and being personable enough to interact face-to-face. Library schools contribute to some foundational skills that a librarian builds, but digital competency is built through longer term on-the-job or internship training. That is why to be competent at their jobs, today's librarians must seek out opportunities to foster and build upon the skills learned in their library programs. One way to build these skills early in a librarian's career is to intern or volunteer at a reference desk. New York University, which partners with Long Island University's Palmer School of Library and Information Science, takes the experience of the physical reference desk and brings it into the digital realm with guided mentoring in their virtual "chat" reference program. In this article, the author discusses her experience with the program and the ways in which it improved her competency as a reference and instruction librarian. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Foreign Countries; Internet; Library Personnel; Social Networks; Educational Technology; Library Services; Librarians; Student Participation

Abstract:
This is an exploratory study investigating the use of social networking tools in academic libraries, examining the extent of their use, library staff's perceptions of their usefulness and challenges, and factors influencing decisions to use or not to use such tools. Invitations to participate in a web-based survey were sent to 140 university libraries from Asia, North America and Europe. Responses were received from 38 libraries (response rate: 27.1%). Twenty-seven libraries (71.1%) used social networking tools, five (13.1%) were potential users and six (15.8%) did not plan to use them at all. Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly adopted tools in university libraries. Most library staff had positive perceptions on the usefulness of social networking tools, but hesitancy among library staff and limited participation of users (i.e. students) were perceived to be hindrances. This study offers insights for academic librarians to make informed decisions in applying social networking tools. (Contains 5 figures and 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Theory Practice Relationship; Cooperation; Foreign Countries; Research Design; Research and Development; Case Studies; Interviews; Information Science; Libraries; Library Science; Librarians; Information Technology; Technology Uses in Education

Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to suggest commons-based peer production as a form of work that can help bridge the gap between research and practice in LIS. The research design is based on two in-depth and longitudinal qualitative case studies of collaborative projects involving LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. Analysis of interviews and texts was conducted to study the interplay between sociotechnical aspects of work organization and the activities of the actors. The results suggest similarities between the collaborative projects analysed and peer-production activities. This study relies on two cases which cannot be considered either typical or representative of collaboration between LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. The paper offers the opportunity to stimulate a discussion on collaboration between researchers and practitioners in LIS, and on the potential applicability of peer production to support new forms of collaboration in small-scale, distributed, and unfunded or underfunded projects. (Contains 2 tables and 7 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Electronic Libraries; Library Services; Focus Groups; Librarians; Libraries; Surveys; Error Patterns; Web Sites; Access to Information; Information Seeking; Information Technology; Information Needs

Abstract:
This report explores the changing world of library services by exploring the activities at libraries that are already in transition and the kinds of services citizens would like to see if they could redesign libraries themselves. It is part of a larger research effort by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project that is exploring the role libraries play in people's lives and in their communities. The research is underwritten by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This report contains findings from a survey of 2,252 Americans ages 16 and above between October 15 and November 10, 2012. The surveys were administered on half on landline phones and half on cellphones and were conducted in English and Spanish. The margin of error for the full survey is plus or minus 2.3 percentage points. There were several long lists of activities and services in the phone survey. In many cases, the authors asked half the respondents about one set of activities and the other half of the respondents were asked about a different set of activities. These findings are representative of the population ages 16 and above, but it is important to note that the margin of error rises when only a portion of respondents is asked a question. There are also findings in this report that come from an online panel canvassing of librarians who have volunteered to participate in Pew Internet surveys. Some 2,067 library staff members participated in the online canvassing that took place between December 17 and December 27, 2012. No statistical results from that canvassing are reported here because it was an opt-in opportunity meant to draw out comments from patrons and librarians, and the findings are not part of a representative, probability sample. Instead, the authors highlight librarians' written answers to open-ended questions that illustrate how they are thinking about and implementing new library services. In addition, the authors quote librarians and library patrons who participated in focus groups in-person and online that were devoted to discussions about library services and the future of libraries. One batch of in-person focus groups was conducted in Chicago on September 19-20. Other focus groups were conducted in Denver on October 3-4 and in Charlotte, N.C. on December 11-12. Some 2,067 library staff members participated in the online panel. (Contains 2 tables and 10 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Libraries; Librarians; Networks; Communication (Thought Transfer); Scholarship

Abstract:
The biblioblogosphere is comprised of the institutional publication of blogs of libraries and the personal, professionally-oriented publication of blogs by librarians. Since introduction of this neologism in 2004, a number of researchers have examined this particular class of bloggers and blogging. However, there is limited investigation into the structure and connectivity of blogs within the biblioblogosphere. This article reports a study of interlinkage patterns within a sample of 1,604 biblioblogs. Findings suggest the biblioblogosphere conforms to the locally dense, globally sparse structure of blog networks established by previous studies of other blog types. The majority of blogs within the sample did not link to any other sampled blog. Those that did tended to cluster according to library type, blog subject, or geographical proximity. About one-third of the interlinked blogs were located within a single, massive component (that is, a networked group of blogs), while the rest were in smaller networks of two or three nodes. Personal biblioblogs, characterized as blogs published by individuals independently of an institution, are more likely to be located within a more densely populated network than institutional blogs. These findings indicate that "personal-professional" bibliobloggers are actively shaping the structure of the library blogosphere, while institutional blogs demonstrate much less overall connectivity. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Art Education; Library Services; Public Libraries; Artists; Library Materials; Community Programs; Youth Programs; Art Activities; Adolescents; Library Role; Librarians; Surveys

Abstract:
One of the hottest terms among public librarians today is "content creation," which involves stuff that library patrons make instead of simply use in a library context. Videos, music, fiction, paintings, 3D printed materials, websites--all these are made in public libraries, and will increase in popularity as more libraries shift from purveyors of content to facilitators of creation. Libraries are becoming "incubators" of art, ideas, economic benefits, and community benefits. A library seething with creative energy can shock some traditionalists, who still see the library as a quiet place to read a book. Yet the mission of many public libraries is not only to inform via printed or multimedia materials but also to connect ideas and people, to build communities, and to offer transformative experiences to all by bridging opportunity divides. In light of the "library=transformation" model, art programs are a natural fit. And art programs require teaching artists to lead them. In this article the author looks at the librarians' perspective on hiring teaching artists, running successful art programs, and ways in which librarians and artists can build mutually beneficial partnerships. This article focuses on teen art programs, because few libraries currently have as comprehensive an adult art focus as they do for teens. The phenomenon of adult or all-ages art programming in libraries still appears sporadic or centered in large urban libraries. Teaching artists can use the data and discussion of this research to focus their practice in a public library setting. The author offers recommendations for getting in on the library program action, suggests ways to support the public library's goals and mission, and describes how libraries are supporting teaching artists in particular, and the arts in general. (Contains 10 images and 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Best Practices; Librarians; Management Systems; Information Systems; Computer Software; Compliance (Legal); Higher Education

Abstract:
In this article, the author discusses the future potential of electronic resources management (ERM) organization, within the development of the next-generation integrated library systems (ILS), as a very promising strategy. This also presents enormous challenges to ERM librarians though, especially on how to determine standards and workflows. The author's premise is to look beyond the way librarians might manage locally at their libraries or the ways they feel most comfortable to the larger landscape for more effective solutions. She discusses expanded approaches to ERM work when planning for these solutions. Ultimately, understanding historical pitfalls and pushing to develop prevailing system standards based on workflow best practices may lead to more effective solutions. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Foreign Countries; Reference Services; Librarians; Minimum Competencies; Skill Analysis; Librarian Attitudes; Knowledge Level; Library Research; Professional Education; Online Surveys; Educational Needs; Needs Assessment; Job Skills

Abstract:
A survey of New Zealand academic subject/reference librarians was conducted in mid-2011 to identify the most highly valued knowledge, skills and competencies of reference librarians working in libraries in the tertiary sector. The project was part of an international collaborative project involving 13 countries. The results from New Zealand show that serving academic library customers requires not only traditional "reference" skills, but also skills in customer service, technology support, and training. Good communication skills were also rated highly by respondents, and the high value placed on adaptability/flexibility shows that most respondents expect their roles to continue to change in the next decade. Software troubleshooting skills were also considered important. The results also suggest that traditional paper-based reference sources are expected to become much less important than online ones. There is also a shift towards using social media to interact with customers, and a focus on building sustainable relationships. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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