This article provides a case study on changes to an academic library's public services policies in order to support a community undergoing the ramifications of a natural disaster.
Abstract
Purpose
This article provides a case study on changes to an academic library's public services policies in order to support a community undergoing the ramifications of a natural disaster.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes a case study on how the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico responded to the 2018 Camp Fire by making changes to public services policies. A literature review of disaster response and planning materials is included.
Findings
This case study demonstrates the need for flexibility in public services policies when experiencing natural disasters, and provides examples of how academic libraries can respond to natural disasters in order to support surrounding communities. Many library disaster response plans and literature do not include information on continuity of public services, or how public services policies can/should be temporarily altered in response to a disaster.
Practical implications
This article provides practical examples of how an academic library can implement changes to support a local community experiencing a disaster.
Originality/value
The public services response by Meriam Library offers lessons in supporting a community in the wake of a natural disaster. While articles detailing library responses to natural disasters are fairly ubiquitous, these primarily focus on salvaging collections. Few resources exist on how an academic library can ensure continuity of public services to support communities experiencing the aftermath of natural disasters, and this article is a contribution to that area of research.
Details
Keywords
Irene Korber and Jodi Shepherd
The purpose of this paper is to outline the concept and creation of choose-your-own-adventure flip-books for use in teaching information literacy in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the concept and creation of choose-your-own-adventure flip-books for use in teaching information literacy in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that examines how to use choose-your-own-adventure style flip-books to teach knowledge practices from the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Using constructivist theory and active learning methods, the authors discuss how flip-books offer a hands-on learning strategy to build on students’ knowledge and experiences while promoting learner-centered interactions.
Findings
As academic libraries evolve from teaching bibliographic instruction via lecture to information literacy through student-centered learning, activities such as the one discussed in this paper provide a way for librarians to better engage with students. Creating curriculum based on educational theory and learner-centered approaches is necessary for librarians to use to optimize classroom time.
Practical implications
This paper provides a practical and pragmatic evaluation of how to incorporate narrative flip-books into information literacy instruction, providing an additional instructional tool for information literacy practitioners.
Originality/value
The choose-your-own-adventure story narrative has been used as a learning tool through all levels of education, including in university settings, but there is a lack of research on their use in information literacy instruction. This paper provides insight on how this teaching method and teaching tool can be used by librarians in the information literacy classroom.