Jos van Helvoort, Saskia Brand-Gruwel, Frank Huysmans and Ellen Sjoer
The purpose of this paper is to measure reliability and validity of the Scoring Rubric for Information Literacy (Van Helvoort, 2010).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to measure reliability and validity of the Scoring Rubric for Information Literacy (Van Helvoort, 2010).
Design/methodology/approach
Percentages of agreement and Intraclass Correlation were used to describe interrater reliability. For the determination of construct validity factor analysis and reliability analysis were used. Criterion validity was calculated with Pearson correlations.
Findings
In the described case, the Scoring Rubric for Information Literacy appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of information literate performance.
Originality/value
Reliability and validity are prerequisites to recommend a rubric for application. The results confirm that this Scoring Rubric for Information Literacy can be used in courses in higher education, not only for assessment purposes but also to foster learning.
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Pertti Vakkari, Svanhild Aabø, Ragnar Audunson, Frank Huysmans and Marjolein Oomes
– The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceived benefits of public libraries and their structure in the major areas of life between Finland, Norway and the Netherlands.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceived benefits of public libraries and their structure in the major areas of life between Finland, Norway and the Netherlands.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were based on representative samples of Finnish, Norwegian and Dutch adult library users. In Finland a mail survey was used and in Norway and the Netherlands web surveys were used for data collection. The distribution of the proportion of those benefiting from the library in various areas of life at least sometimes was compared across countries. The structure of benefits was compared across countries by factor analysis.
Findings
The results showed that the level of the nineteen benefits observed was considerably higher, and the range of benefits remarkably broader in Finland compared to Norway and the Netherlands. It is likely that the greater supply of library services in Finland compared to the other two countries explains the differences in benefits derived from the public library. The study validated the measurement instrument for the perceived overall outcomes of public libraries.
Research limitations/implications
Comparing only three countries is too limited for producing valid results on the relations between the supply of library services and their use and the benefits derived from that use. Analyzing these associations in a larger sample of countries would create reliable results also for policy making.
Practical implications
The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Originality/value
This is the first across-country comparison observing perceived benefits of public libraries across major areas of life.
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Frank Huysmans, Ellen Kleijnen, Kees Broekhof and Thomas van Dalen
This paper aims to describe the effects of the Dutch policy program the Library at School on primary school pupils’ leisure book reading and attitude towards reading books, in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the effects of the Dutch policy program the Library at School on primary school pupils’ leisure book reading and attitude towards reading books, in the first year of the nationwide implementation of the program.Design/methodology/approach – In monitoring the effectiveness of the Library at School, online questionnaires were administered to students (grades 2‐6), teachers and reading‐media consultants. The study is based on data collected in the school year 2011‐2012 from a sample of 4,682 students from 229 classes, with 284 teachers of 68 schools.
Findings
Multilevel regression analyses show that effects of the Library at School on reading attitude and leisure reading cannot yet be discerned in 2011‐2012, although slightly positive univariate effects are found.
Research limitations/implications
As yet, the number of participating schools is limited, hence statistical power is low on that level. Whether the sample can be considered representative for all Dutch primary schools is not certain.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that a school library in itself is not sufficient to promote book reading in leisure time. The role of the reading‐media consultant in facilitating both teachers and learners might have to be strengthened.
Originality/value
This study gives a first glimpse at the effects of the program the Library at School on the reading attitude and leisure reading of primary school students in The Netherlands. The continuous monitoring approach employed is new and can be helpful for similar policy programs in other countries.
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Pertti Vakkari, Svanhild Aabø, Ragnar Audunson, Frank Huysmans, Nahyun Kwon, Marjolein Oomes and Sei-Ching Joanna Sin
The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceived benefits of public libraries between five culturally different countries: Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, South Korea and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceived benefits of public libraries between five culturally different countries: Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, South Korea and the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were based on representative samples of Finnish, Norwegian, Dutch, Korean and American adult library users. In Finland a mail survey was used and in other countries web surveys were used for data collection. The distribution of the proportion of those benefiting from the library in various areas of life at least sometimes was compared across countries. The pattern of benefits was compared across countries by forming four outcome indexes from the 19 benefit areas. The differences in the outcomes between the countries were explained by demographics and library use variables.
Findings
The intensity of perceived benefits differ considerably, with the Finns and Americans reporting a higher level of benefits than the South Koreans, who in turn derive more profit than the Norwegians and the Dutch. The large difference in library supply between Finland and other countries may explain the differences in the perceived benefits in part of other countries but the USA.
Research limitations/implications
The study covered only some socio-economic and library usage factors as independent variables explaining the variation of benefit patterns. A more thorough analysis of library supply between the countries may explain some differences in perceived benefits.
Practical implications
The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Originality/value
This is the first across-country study comparing and explaining the patterns of perceived benefits between culturally different countries.
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Abstract
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M.E. Bitter‐Rijpkema, S. Verjans and R. Bruijnzeels
Dramatic changes in the role and position of public libraries require a fundamental reconsideration of professional development programs for library professionals. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Dramatic changes in the role and position of public libraries require a fundamental reconsideration of professional development programs for library professionals. This paper seeks to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This Dutch case study describes an innovative academic professional learning programme and its development through a process of intensive stakeholder consultation and co‐creation.
Findings
Market analysis and stakeholder consultation revealed that traditional professional development programs are not sufficient, and that an innovative learning approach is needed to accommodate professionals in the current disruptive context. Through intensive co‐creation between academics and library stakeholders, a learning approach was developed that combines workplace learning, networked learning and distance learning with intensive inspirational face‐to‐face sessions, merging formal and informal learning. A first batch of professionals has just started the programme that centres around four main themes that deal with the current challenges for public libraries: changes in society, culture, organisation and technology. Each theme is integrated into the main learning stream of collectively developing new librarianship.
Practical implications
The Library School learning approach is expected to be suitable for many sectors that deal with continuous professional development.
Social implications
Society in the twenty‐first century requires innovative approaches to continuous professional development. Close collaboration between universities and professional stakeholders can lead to sector‐wide commitment and thus create added value for all parties involved and for society as a whole.
Originality/value
A co‐creative development process has led to an innovative learning approach for continuous professional development. This paper is of value to professional development departments, learning providers and human resource managers.