Holt Zaugg, Curtis Child, Dalton Bennett, Jace Brown, Melissa Alcaraz, Alexander Allred, Nathaniel Andrus, Drew Babcock, Maria Barriga, Madison Brown, Lindsey Bulloch, Todd Corbett, Michelle Curtin, Victoria Giossi, Samantha Hawkins, Sergio Hernandez, Kayia Jacobs, Jette Jones, David Kessler, Samuel Lee, Sara Mackay, Amy Marshall, Dallin Maxfield, Cory McFarland, Brennen Miller, Maia Roberson, Kristy Rogers, Devin Stoker, Manase Tonga, Abby Twitchell and Tinesha Zandamela
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate similar and different wayfinding strategies used by novice and expert patrons at an academic library.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate similar and different wayfinding strategies used by novice and expert patrons at an academic library.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a usability study approach. In total, 12 people, places, or things were identified as important for students to be able to locate within an academic library. Students from one of three groups (high school, freshmen, and seniors) were randomly assigned a scenario requiring them to find the indicated person, place, or thing. Student researchers video recorded participants and took field notes during the wayfinding activity and conducted an interview about participant’s experience following the exercise.
Findings
Total and average time needed to locate the person, place, or thing indicated in the scenario were determined for each group. In addition, wayfinding tools (signs, maps, help desks, technology, and experience) used by participants were identified.
Originality/value
The research compares novice and expert wayfinding strategies. It is unique in its use of student researchers as part of a sociology class project, to collect and analyze the data.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to inherent barriers to help-seeking, particularly those caused by increased globalization and diversification of our societies. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to inherent barriers to help-seeking, particularly those caused by increased globalization and diversification of our societies. It explores the underutilization of mental health resources by ethnic minority groups while highlighting some alternative treatment approaches with growing evidence bases.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a literature review and comparative analysis of relevant studies, the author makes a case for increased adoption of alternative therapies; citing the evidence base for the most promising treatments which include exercise therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, yoga for depression and spirituality-based therapies. It further compares the efficacy and advantages of these therapies with common mainstream therapies.
Findings
In comparison, some alternative treatment modules are just as effective, if not better than traditional, mainstream therapies for certain ailments. In conclusion, the paper calls for increased research on the efficacy of alternative therapies; and beckons service providers to explore the potential for these therapies to bridge the gap in treatment towards a more inclusive and client-centered mental health care.
Originality/value
The author provides a plethora of thought-provoking ideas in this article. For instance, he tendered a different outlook on barriers to treatment by differentiating between accessibility challenges versus underutilization. He also highlights the critical impact of Eurocentrism as a contributor to barriers to treatment utilization.