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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2010

Char Booth and Michelle Jacobs

1867

Abstract

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 10 January 2020

Katherine Lynch and Shaunna Hunter

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that librarians’ traditional methods of source evaluation – guided by the “Authority is Constructed and Contextual Frame” of the Framework…

768

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that librarians’ traditional methods of source evaluation – guided by the “Authority is Constructed and Contextual Frame” of the Framework for Information Literacy – do not adequately address today’s post-truth reality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors will use the specific example of the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Climate Assessment report on November 23, 2018 and the subsequent Fact Check News Release published by EPA Headquarters on November 28 as a lens to explore the difficulty of teaching the Authority is Constructed and Contextual Frame in an era of alternative facts and fake news.

Findings

A brief analysis of human psychology, modern learning theories and Patrick Wilson’s work on cognitive authorities demonstrates that to provide effective information literacy instruction, librarians must do more to incorporate the social and emotional factors that individual students bring to the learning environment into current instruction practices.

Practical implications

This paper can be used as a resource for librarians seeking new strategies for information literacy instruction in the post-truth era.

Originality/value

Although a large body of literature exists to discuss the prevalence and implications of fake news in the post-truth era, few scholars have proposed solutions beyond a rededication to teaching critical source evaluation. This paper points to at least one new resource for source evaluation instruction which includes self-reflection among learners and points readers in a new direction to develop more.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 16 February 2010

Lizah Ismail

Many academic libraries are trying a variety of innovative services to meet net generation users “on their own turf” and “on their own terms”. This paper aims to address the need…

6120

Abstract

Purpose

Many academic libraries are trying a variety of innovative services to meet net generation users “on their own turf” and “on their own terms”. This paper aims to address the need for academic libraries to determine the wants and preferences of their institution's own net generation students before launching any new service that could be costly and ineffective, and to discuss a method for doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of undergraduates was conducted at Marywood University to investigate if the net generation profile – being technologically savvy and desiring the quick and easy – applies to help‐seeking preferences at the library. Students were asked to rate their preference for a variety of research assistance options such as e‐mail, IM, Facebook and librarian assistance outside the library.

Findings

Results of the study run counter to expectations, and show that certain research assistance options, namely assistance via chat, Facebook, and course management software, are not a favorite among 18‐22 year‐olds at Marywood.

Research limitations/implications

Because of a low response rate of about 10 percent, the library recognizes that it is not possible to generalize these results to all undergraduates at Marywood. However, findings do show an interesting trend that goes against the net generation profile. Another survey is planned in conjunction with focus groups.

Originality/value

The Marywood Library has discovered, through a survey, that one size does not necessarily fit all when catering to the net generation. Time, effort, and expense could be saved if academic libraries conducted a similar study to determine the preferences of their net generation students.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 26 February 2016

Peggy McEachreon

To explore the relationship between LGBTQIA+1

1
LGBTQIA+  =  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally, and others not defined within these terms.

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the relationship between LGBTQIA+1

1

LGBTQIA+  =  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally, and others not defined within these terms.

human rights and libraries.

LGBTQIA+  =  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally, and others not defined within these terms.

Methodology/approach

Framed around the Williams Institute report Public Attitudes toward Homosexuality and Gay Rights across Time and Countries (2014), and incorporating aspects of queer theory, this chapter will explore some of the literature discussing libraries and the LGBTQIA+  community. It will then detail some specific examples of activities libraries are engaging in to support LGBTQIA+  rights.

Findings

Many libraries around the globe appear to be offering special programs and services for LGBTQIA+  persons.

Research limitations/implications

This is not a systematic review of library services to the LGBTQIA+  community. The author relied on freely available information sources.

Originality/value

Highlights some of the excellent work libraries are doing in support of LGBTQIA+  human rights. The role of libraries are constantly changing, this chapter points to the potential for libraries to take a stronger role to enact social justice and support human rights.

Details

Perspectives on Libraries as Institutions of Human Rights and Social Justice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-057-2

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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2010

Sally Wilson and Graham McCarthy

The purpose of this paper is to review one library's experiences of creating mobile services and illustrate how, by developing expertise in emerging technologies, libraries can…

4501

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review one library's experiences of creating mobile services and illustrate how, by developing expertise in emerging technologies, libraries can foster partnerships with other groups on campus and play a leading role in providing relevant student‐centred services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a brief summary of mobile services offered by the Ryerson Library prior to the fall of 2008, discusses the results of a mobile device survey conducted that semester, and outlines the resulting mobile services that were developed by the Library which led to a campus‐wide collaboration to develop the framework for a student‐led mobile initiative. The technical framework and project management issues are also discussed.

Findings

A survey performed by the Ryerson University Library in the fall of 2008 indicated that smart phones were owned by approximately 20 percent of the student population but that within the next three years this figure could reach as much as 80 percent. To remain relevant, it is important that libraries adapt their services to this new environment.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how library services can be adapted to the mobile environment and how the library can play a role in broader campus mobile initiatives.

Originality/value

All libraries will be interested in exploring the library services that were developed and adapted for mobile devices and of particular interest to academic libraries will be the building of collaborative relationships with other academic departments to provide services to students.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2011

Heather Nicholson and Nicole Eva

The purpose of this paper is to describe how librarians at the University of Lethbridge Library recently undertook a pilot project to deliver information literacy to satellite…

1351

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how librarians at the University of Lethbridge Library recently undertook a pilot project to deliver information literacy to satellite campus students using Skype. Distance delivery of post‐secondary education is on the rise; this creates unique challenges for academic libraries who strive to meet the resource and instructional needs of students.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study outlines the literature review and environmental scan the authors took before deciding to teach their distance education students via Skype, and looks at the successes and challenges of their pilot.

Findings

Skype has some limitations as an instructional delivery tool; however, for the purpose of this pilot study proved fairly successful and a good “first step” for distance information literacy delivery.

Practical implications

Readers will learn from the authors' experience, getting ideas and tips on how to conduct information literacy classes for distance students.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those librarians who must teach distance students, providing them with ideas on low‐cost and low‐tech solutions.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 5 October 2012

Forrest E. Link

This paper seeks to determine the extent of e‐book availability and how existing e‐books might meet library needs as defined by monograph circulation.

875

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to determine the extent of e‐book availability and how existing e‐books might meet library needs as defined by monograph circulation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identified highly circulated print titles and searched for e‐book versions available from aggregators or publishers.

Findings

The results indicate inadequate coverage levels to allow for a discontinuance of print purchasing, but offer clues as to where e‐books might have the greatest impact in this library's collection plans.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a method whereby libraries may determine where e‐book collections best meets user needs.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

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Article
Publication date: 15 February 2013

Amy F. Fyn, Vera Lux and Robert J. Snyder

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypotheses that led to the selection and implementation of a number of customizable features in Serials Solutions' “Summon” discovery…

1284

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypotheses that led to the selection and implementation of a number of customizable features in Serials Solutions' “Summon” discovery layer tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduate students were surveyed to determine their preferences regarding certain customizable features in the Summon discovery layer tool.

Findings

The authors were most interested in asking students their preferences regarding the ability to add newspapers and outside resources into their search results, as well as their interest in the database recommendation feature. The default Summon settings were selected based on hypotheses grounded in the knowledge of information seeking behavior of undergraduate students. However, it was discovered that the student preferences uncovered through the use of the survey often ran counter to initial assumptions. The results of the case study indicate that this population of students is overwhelmingly interested in having Summon recommend databases in which students might continue their research. However, the results were not as clear regarding the inclusion of newspaper sources and sources from outside the institution in the search results.

Originality/value

The paper's findings demonstrate the importance of supplementing research‐driven hypotheses with specific data‐driven feedback from users when determining the customization and layout of library research tools and technology.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Laura DeLancey

In an effort to ensure vendor compliance with Section 508, some libraries have begun requesting Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) or other documentation of…

2070

Abstract

Purpose

In an effort to ensure vendor compliance with Section 508, some libraries have begun requesting Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) or other documentation of accessibility compliance. The purpose of this paper is to assess the accuracy of vendor-supplied compliance documentation, and to identify common accessibility issues highlighted by the VPATs. A detailed discussion of vendor responses to each Section 508 checkpoint is provided in the Appendix.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers compared 17 VPATs with the results of an automated accessibility scan to identify inconsistencies and common problems.

Findings

Vendors reported being fully compliant with 64 percent of the applicable VPAT items, and partially compliant with a further 24 percent. However, in 16 of 17 cases, there were discrepancies between the information on the VPAT and the results of the scan. Of the total 189 VPAT checkpoints the author scanned, 19.6 percent had errors (meaning the information on the VPAT was inaccurate 19.6 percent of the time).

Research limitations/implications

Several VPAT checkpoints could not be automatically verified by the scan. Instead they require manual/visual verification, which the author did not do. Because the author only scanned three pages of each resource, the author was not able to check all content.

Practical implications

Vendor-supplied accessibility documentation should not be taken at face value, but requires verification and follow up to ensure its accuracy. This study also identified some of the most common accessibility issues, which will help both librarians and vendors improve their products and services.

Originality/value

Other studies have analyzed the accessibility of library resources and specifically vendor databases, but none have assessed the accuracy of vendor-supplied Section 508 compliance documentation.

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Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

A. Gabriela Castro Gessner and Erin Eldermire

Information literacy (IL) is increasingly becoming an explicit learning outcome for college graduates, and some libraries are playing a role in planning and teaching IL…

1002

Abstract

Purpose

Information literacy (IL) is increasingly becoming an explicit learning outcome for college graduates, and some libraries are playing a role in planning and teaching IL instruction to students. Amidst the overall trend of shrinking budgets that libraries are experiencing, what strategies can be employed by libraries that support large universities to plan IL instruction? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by curriculum mapping, staff in the library assessment department created teaching maps which match the curriculum from seven colleges with the library’s teaching efforts. To create them, they combined information about: first, courses that librarians have instructed over the last three years with; second, required courses for majors within the colleges; and third, typical enrollment for each course.

Findings

Easily accessible information was combined to create the teaching maps, which enable the library to realign efforts to maximize IL instruction and best utilize library staff resources.

Practical implications

Teaching maps serve as a portal to quickly understand majors, courses and course enrollment, and provide baseline information on past library instruction activity to inform future IL instruction strategy. Library directors and teaching staff are utilizing them to realign instruction efforts.

Originality/value

Assessment strategies, such as curriculum mapping, serve not only the institution’s teaching mission, but also help strategize for effective and efficient stewardship of staff resources. These methods will be useful for library directors, assessment and instruction librarians at large research universities.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

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