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Descriptors:
Information Literacy; Research Skills; Asians; Foreign Students; Undergraduate Students; Student Behavior; Information Needs; Information Seeking; Information Utilization; Guidelines; Peer Influence; Prior Learning; Student Interests; Time Management; Academic Libraries; Library Services; Foreign Countries; Portfolios (Background Materials); Semi Structured Interviews; Flow Charts

Abstract:
Academic librarians are striving to better serve international students as this emerging population grows on university campuses. Past studies of international students generally focus on linguistic and cultural differences in relation to information literacy skills development. However, it is necessary to go beyond these factors to better serve the population. By using a framework based in information behavior research, the present study investigates the factors that mediate students' behavior and information literacy skills. Practical recommendations based on the findings of an in-depth qualitative study of students' research process are provided. (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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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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Government Libraries; Medical Libraries; Exhibits; Academic Libraries; Library Services; Selection; Planning; Institutional Cooperation; Marketing; Program Budgeting

Abstract:
Libraries are constantly challenged to find ways to demonstrate their value to their institutions. Can hosting a National Library of Medicine (NLM) exhibition increase a library's impact? In 2012 the University of Toledo engaged their constituents by hosting and developing programming for the NLM exhibit Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine. The process is synthesized into five stages: choosing, visioning, finding allies, budgeting, and marketing. Recommended practices for each stage are presented. Measures of impact (attendance, views, tweets, feedback) are discussed. Author concludes that hosting NLM exhibitions can be cost effective ways to advance a library's mission, improve visibility and user's perceptions. (Contains 6 figures.) 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; Workplace Learning; Intervention; Organizational Change; Library Services; Usability; Learning Theories; Researchers; Transcripts (Written Records); Instructional Effectiveness; Learning Processes; Program Implementation; Program Effectiveness; Library Personnel; Users (Information)

Abstract:
The theory of expansive learning has been applied in a large number of studies on workplace learning and organizational change. However, detailed comprehensive analyses of entire developmental interventions based on the theory of expansive learning do not exist. Such a study is needed to examine the empirical usability and methodological rigor afforded by the theory of expansive learning. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of learning in a entire Change Laboratory intervention in which the workers of an academic library, together with their clients, redefined the services the library offers to research groups and the ways of organizing work in the library. We identified expansive learning and non-expansive actions in the transcripts of the intervention sessions. We examined cyclicity of expansive learning at three levels, namely the level of the entire Change Laboratory process, the level of each Change Laboratory session, and the level of cross-session object-bound cycles. Finally we analyzed deviations between the instructional intentions of the interventionists and the actually accomplished learning process. The analysis shows that in a real-life formative intervention expansive learning actions emerged in the midst of a fairly large number and diversity of non-expansive learning actions. Our analysis of cyclicity revealed an iterative loop within the overall cycle of the Change Laboratory. Our analysis of deviations from instructional intentions and plans demonstrates that expansive learning is indeed more than mere replication or imposition of the interventionists' plans. The very process is punctuated by deviations which open up space for learner agency and creation of truly new solutions and concepts. 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:
Colleges; Library Services; Public Libraries; Electronic Learning; Online Courses; Higher Education; School Community Relationship; Interpersonal Relationship; Virtual Universities; Virtual Classrooms

Abstract:
In late December, a set of articles and essays in "The New York Times" focused on the public library as a place, and on the changing meaning of that place with the rise of electronic books and the demise of brick-and-mortar bookstores like Borders. As librarians "struggle with the task of redefining their roles and responsibilities in a digital age," their libraries are "reinventing themselves as vibrant town squares, showcasing the latest best sellers, lending Kindles loaded with e-books, and offering grass-roots technology-training centers." The conversation about place versus the Internet continues, but now it has grown to encompass the fate of the college campus itself. Online learning and MOOCs (massive open online courses) have arrived, the argument goes, so place does not matter. The campus will become a relic, bound for desertion, like the ruins of Ozymandias. Within the next 50 years, half of American colleges will succumb to mounting financial pressures and shut down. The problem is not student debt or a flaccid hiring market. Big changes are coming because "the college classroom is about to go virtual." Just as with libraries, campuses that are dismal, disconnected, and underutilized as places will suffer, while the ones that are vital will have a shot at succeeding. Colleges will need to find ways--preferably creative and inexpensive--to make their places relevant: Link to local communities. Use those communities as places where students can apply their education to fix problems or enhance strengths. Find the unique characteristics of the local geography, and incorporate them into lessons. Provide spaces where students can connect both intellectually and physically with one another, and with their college work. People who predicted the death of the library made the mistake of thinking that libraries were merely useful for information distribution--an understandable error, given that libraries' central role involved passing around books and journals. But pundits now make the same mistake when thinking about the college campus. If college were merely about the "sale of information," the enterprise would have gone the way of Borders a long time ago. 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:
Public Libraries; Library Services; Computer Use; Internet; Use Studies; Demography; Barriers; Motivation; Surveys; Users (Information)

Abstract:
Public libraries play an important part in the development of a community. Today, they are seen as more than store houses of books; they are also responsible for the dissemination of online, and offline information. Public access computers are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people understand the need for internet access. Using a series of surveys conducted in 12 libraries across the state of Michigan, the current study is a step towards understanding why the computing facilities are widely used, and what are the motivations behind their use. In addition, barriers and other factors that hinder usage are also discussed. The findings from this study will help policy makers and library administrators evaluate the current allocation of scarce resources, help them promote greater use of the library's resources, and guide their future course of action. The study is conducted as part of a federally funded public computing center grant. (Contains 6 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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State Universities; Academic Libraries; Government Publications; Library Services; Online Catalogs

Abstract:
Colorado State University Libraries (CSUL) purchased the digitized "United States Congressional Serial Set," 1817-1994 and "American State Papers" (1789-1838) from the Readex Division of NewsBank, Inc. and, once funds and records were available, the accompanying MARC records. The breadth of information found in the "Serial Set" is described, along with the difficulties in using the print version (incorporated in the literature review, which includes citations of announcements of the digital collections and reviews of the software). The digital version of the "Serial Set" has its advantages, but there are additional rewards (much greater discovery opportunities) when items in the digital collection are directly accessible from the library catalog. The purchased MARC records, while overall excellent, had problems that needed to be corrected before they were loaded into CSUL's Innovative Interfaces library catalog. Patron access impact was used as a criterion when determining which of the records would be fixed before loading. High impact problems were identified and solutions derived for: multiple 245 (title) fields; 245 s indicator zero with titles beginning with a, an, or the; dollar sign used in text; fixed field date; languages; subject headings; creating proxy URLs; classification numbers; and author authority control (e.g. corporate entries and presidential entry errors). (Contains 6 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:
Disabilities; Social Justice; Ethnography; Discourse Analysis; Inclusion; Visual Impairments; Library Services; Reading Programs; Educational Practices; Accessibility (for Disabled); Phenomenology; Disability Discrimination; Library Policy; Longitudinal Studies; Program Attitudes; Discussion Groups; Group Dynamics; Observation; Semi Structured Interviews; Library Role

Abstract:
Inclusive practice is well embedded across society and has developed over time. However, although policy and public view have moved forward, the way organisations address the agenda for inclusion often represents a superficial interpretation of this concept. Qualitative data were gathered using new ethnography to explore the experiences of a library-based reading group for visually impaired readers. The voices of the individuals shed light on the individual and collective experience of reading. These insights challenge the traditional views of distinct provision that are designed to address targets for inclusion of individuals with disabilities. We argue for a clearer focus on the unintentional consequences of practice in the name of inclusion that leave individuals feeling marginalised. This paper suggests the alternative focus on social justice as offering a discourse that focuses on society and away from the individual. (Contains 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:
Academic Libraries; Research Libraries; Library Materials; Storage; Library Services

Abstract:
This article presents an analysis of the feasibility of a bookless library in a research setting. As spaces for collections are being converted for increased study and community spaces, many libraries have been moving low-use collections to off-site storage. Issues regarding the types of storage spaces available are addressed. Concerns and solutions addressed include electronic availability, virtual browsing, and efficient interlibrary loan services. The article concludes that although moving all materials off site could be adequate for research needs on a short-term basis, the permanent removal of all materials would be undesirable due to a loss of discovery by browsing. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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