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1 – 10 of over 2000Louise Mort Feldmann, Allison V. Level and Shu Liu
The aim of this paper is to describe a process undertaken by Colorado State University Libraries' (CSUL) faculty to address concerns regarding their leadership training and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to describe a process undertaken by Colorado State University Libraries' (CSUL) faculty to address concerns regarding their leadership training and development opportunities within the Libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A Task Force (TF) under the direction of the Libraries Faculty Council (LFC) collected and examined feedback from the faculty librarians, reviewed professional literature, and made recommendations to the Libraries' administration and the Council.
Findings
Recommendations by the TF include: possible training initiatives, leadership role development, and improvement of organizational communication. The work of the TF heightened awareness of the issue within the Libraries. An LFC standing committee is now exploring and offering leadership training opportunities on an ongoing basis. An organizational climate survey has been completed and its results shared among the library faculty to address the issue of communication. In addition, the Libraries' administration has launched a number of strategic initiatives that were open to faculty and staff for leadership and participation. A number of faculty librarians are now leading these initiatives based on their professional strengths and interests.
Originality/value
This article has value to academic librarians and library administrators as they consider improving leadership training and development opportunities in their libraries. As middle management positions in academic libraries diminish, consideration must be given to how academic librarians gain experience or are trained in order to be well‐prepared for future leadership positions. Additionally, library administration should be instrumental in providing such opportunities to their librarians to ensure professional growth.
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Constance J. Britton, Allison V. Level and Melanie A. Gardner
The Agriculture Network Information Collaborative (AgNIC) is a voluntary alliance of members working to provide access to agricultural information over the internet. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The Agriculture Network Information Collaborative (AgNIC) is a voluntary alliance of members working to provide access to agricultural information over the internet. This paper aims to report on a group effort by AgNIC partners to identify institutional repositories with desirable content for metadata harvesting. Once identified, the metadata is captured through an automated harvest and added to a searchable resource database.
Design/methodology/approach
The project utilized a crowdsourced approach to the repository review. Partners were invited to participate in a harvest to identify sites with desirable content. A Google Docs accessible spreadsheet containing names and URLs for the target repositories was shared by participants and used to record results.
Findings
Crowdsourcing the review of institutional repositories by AgNIC partners was an effective method to complete a web‐resources project. Success was achieved by having a clear goal, defined steps, a shared document for recording results, and a limited time period to execute the project.
Originality/value
While AgNIC is a highly collaborative group, this crowdsourcing project demonstrated another approach to shared effort.
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Allison V. Level and Michelle Mach
Aims to describe a peer‐mentoring program in one academic library and to provide suggestions and recommendations for setting up a similar program in other libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to describe a peer‐mentoring program in one academic library and to provide suggestions and recommendations for setting up a similar program in other libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
Formal one‐on‐one mentoring for tenure‐track librarians is a standard component of many professional development programs. This qualitative article describes the development of a newer method, the peer‐mentoring group.
Findings
Information about several peer‐mentoring programs and the importance of mentoring as a component of professional development in libraries is provided.
Originality/value
A list of recent articles on peer‐mentoring programs is provided along with selected articles about mentoring in libraries and higher education. The focus is for academic libraries, but public libraries may still be interested in this newer model of mentoring.
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Joanna Blair and Allison V. Level
This paper seeks to outline the creation of a subject‐based blog and to suggest unique evaluation techniques for library blogs.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to outline the creation of a subject‐based blog and to suggest unique evaluation techniques for library blogs.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology involved an online survey, web tracking software, RSS feed tracking, and the use of blog search engines.
Findings
A successful blog was launched and statistics show a marked increase in visitors in the second semester when it was available.
Research limitations/implications
This article reports on a survey which is not statistically valid. The results, however, provide some insight into users of the blog.
Practical implications
The paper outlines several methods of evaluating library blogs and outlines successful planning for a library subject‐area blog.
Originality/value
The paper provides information about setting up a relevant information service, and using web tools to evaluate the success of the service.
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Douglas J. Ernest, Allison V. Level and Michael Culbertson
Seeks to prove that studies conducted over the past several decades repeatedly indicate that information‐seeking behavior by members of the general public involves consultation of…
Abstract
Purpose
Seeks to prove that studies conducted over the past several decades repeatedly indicate that information‐seeking behavior by members of the general public involves consultation of a variety of potential information sources, including libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This article focuses on information seeking with regard to recreation activities in wilderness areas including, but not limited to, hiking.
Findings
The study results indicate that respondents do turn to the internet for some of their information needs. Web sites providing information on three hiking areas were also analyzed to determine their accuracy and access to information. The study concludes that information‐seeking behavior on the internet represents investigation of sources that existed in the pre‐internet era but that access has altered from earlier mechanisms, such as paper mail, telephone, or on‐site visits, to electronic investigation.
Originality/value
Libraries continue to represent a potential information source, provided that they take advantage of electronic access.
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To describe the process through which Colorado State University Libraries investigated concerns about leadership and development opportunities available to its librarians.…
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the process through which Colorado State University Libraries investigated concerns about leadership and development opportunities available to its librarians.
Design/methodology/approach
Presents a case study outlining challenges currently facing many academic libraries, the way the CSUL task force identified issues and its recommendations for improvements in leadership development opportunities.
Findings
It is not easy for any organization to maintain focus, performance and morale in difficult times. And when you have to deal with reorganization, budget cuts and a drop in staff numbers, the people who are still in place understandably become concerned about the future. Colorado State University Libraries (CSUL) support the curriculum research and outreach mission for a land-grant institution and Carnegie Research University with around 28,000 students. Like many academic libraries, they faced a challenging situation involving - reduced funding because of university-wide budget cuts; - a reduction of over 20% in librarian and support staff numbers; - and increased demands because of rapid technological change.
Practical implications
Highlights the role of leadership development in helping academic libraries to meet the challenges associated with a rapidly changing technological environment.
Originality/value
Points out the value of a culture of leadership development in enabling a library to use faculty talent to its best advantage.
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Females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display superficial social skills which may mask their ASD symptomology impacting on the identification of the disorder – known as…
Abstract
Purpose
Females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display superficial social skills which may mask their ASD symptomology impacting on the identification of the disorder – known as the “camouflage” hypothesis. Compared to males with ASD, it is increasingly recognised that females with ASD have a stronger ability to imitate behaviour which is socially acceptable, particularly those females who have higher cognitive abilities (i.e. intelligence considered to be within the normal range) (Ehlers and Gillberg, 1993). The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper will explore the literature on camouflaging or masking behaviour in females with ASD. A systematic PRISMA review was conducted.
Findings
The capacity to “camouflage” social difficulties in social situations is considered to be one of the main features of the female phenotype of ASD (e.g. Kenyon, 2014). Social imitation or camouflaging enables some level of success and coping, which results in some females never receiving a diagnosis of ASD. They typically may not exhibit any observable functional impairments. However, under the surface of the camouflage, females may experience high levels of subjective stress, anxiety and exhaustion and a need to re-charge or recuperate by withdrawing from any social interaction.
Research limitations/implications
There is relatively little understanding and knowledge of the female phenotype of ASD. This lack of understanding and knowledge impacts significantly on the ability to identify females with ASD (Lai et al., 2015; Bargiela et al., 2016), which can have a number of negative consequence (Adamou et al., 2018; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK), 2012).
Practical implications
There is a need for the development of a camouflaging measure.
Originality/value
There is a real need for further research exploring the positive and negative impact of the phenomenon of “camouflaging”, or “pretending to be normal” in females with ASD.
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Develops an original 12‐step management of technology protocol and applies it to 51 applications which range from Du Pont’s failure in Nylon to the Single Online Trade Exchange…
Abstract
Develops an original 12‐step management of technology protocol and applies it to 51 applications which range from Du Pont’s failure in Nylon to the Single Online Trade Exchange for Auto Parts procurement by GM, Ford, Daimler‐Chrysler and Renault‐Nissan. Provides many case studies with regards to the adoption of technology and describes seven chief technology officer characteristics. Discusses common errors when companies invest in technology and considers the probabilities of success. Provides 175 questions and answers to reinforce the concepts introduced. States that this substantial journal is aimed primarily at the present and potential chief technology officer to assist their survival and success in national and international markets.
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