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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Karen Harker, Carol Hargis and Jennifer Rowe

The main purpose of this analysis was to demonstrate the value of predictive modeling of student success and identify the key groups of students for which library instruction…

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Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this analysis was to demonstrate the value of predictive modeling of student success and identify the key groups of students for which library instruction could provide the most impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Data regarding the attendance of library instruction associated with a first-year writing course were combined with student demographic and academic data over a four year period representing over 10,000 students. We applied supervised machine learning methods to determine the most accurate model for predicting student outcomes, including course outcome, persistence and graduation. We also assessed the impact of library instruction on these outcomes.

Findings

The gradient-boosted decision tree model provided the most accurate predictions. The impact of library instruction was modest but still was second only to the previous grade point average (GPA). The value of this metric, however, was greatest for students who were struggling, especially those who were first-generation students, regardless of ethnicity. More notably, the impact of library instruction was substantially greater for specific student demographics, including students with lower cumulative GPAs.

Research limitations/implications

Features of the models were limited to high-level academic metrics, some of which may not be very useful in predicting outcomes. Measures more closely related to learning styles, the course or course of study could provide for greater accuracy.

Practical implications

Prediction modeling could allow for a more selective approach to outreach and offers information that the librarian can use to customize instruction sessions and reference interactions.

Social implications

Targeting students who may be at risk of not succeeding in a course has ethical implications either way. If used to bias the subjective assessments, these predictions could produce self-fulfilling prophecies. Conversely, to ignore indicators of possible difficulties the student may have with the material is a disservice to the education of that student.

Originality/value

There are few studies that have incorporated library instruction into models of predicting student outcomes. Library resources and services can play a major role in the success of students, particularly those who have had less exposure to the resources and skills needed to use these resources.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

Janice M. Irvine

Charts the unfortunate events surrounding the 1974 wedding of a couple who later, on their honeymoon, discovered that they had both had sexual relations with the minister. Billy…

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Abstract

Charts the unfortunate events surrounding the 1974 wedding of a couple who later, on their honeymoon, discovered that they had both had sexual relations with the minister. Billy James Hargis. Contents the revelations forced his resignation as he also admitted 3 further liaisons with male students at the American Christian College. Mentions Laud Humphreys and his work to classify the meeting of men for homosexual acts in the “tearoom”, a place where up to 20 men go for oral sex, without commitment, as some are heterosexual.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 24 no. 3/4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Carol A. Phillips and Paul Bates

The species Arcobacter is related to the well‐known human pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni, and has been linked to human illness, both by association and epidemiologically. In this…

403

Abstract

The species Arcobacter is related to the well‐known human pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni, and has been linked to human illness, both by association and epidemiologically. In this study the survival of Arcobacter butzleri in acidic conditions and in ethanol has been investigated. The organism is not able to remain viable in acids below pH4.0 but the actual inhibitory pH depends on acid, growth conditions and growth phase. A. butzleri is able to survive in 10 per cent ethanol in culture and, when attached to stainless steel surfaces, 22.7 per cent of the organisms remain viable and recoverable after swabbing with 5 per cent ethanol compared with a control swabbed with water. The fact that this organism is able to survive under these conditions may have an impact in the food processing industry.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

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