This paper seeks to document and provide detailed information about physical space, technology resources and the service model for the NCSU Libraries' Learning Commons (LC). The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to document and provide detailed information about physical space, technology resources and the service model for the NCSU Libraries' Learning Commons (LC). The LC was scheduled to open on March 12, 2007 and will be a state‐of‐the‐art facility. The objective is to share information and best practices with academic libraries developing their own Commons.
Design/methodology/approach
The article includes a brief overview of the East Wing Renovations Project at the D.H. Hill Library as well as a profile of and interview with Joe Williams, Director of the Learning Commons at the NCSU Libraries.
Findings
Creative design of space, technology resources and services makes academic libraries central to the learning and research process.
Research limitations/implications
The piece is representative of one library only.
Practical implications
The article will encourage academic libraries to rethink their role in the learning process. The piece also provides practical information about technology trends in academic libraries and will be of particular use to libraries that are planning renovations projects.
Originality/value
The piece documents the creation of an innovative Learning Commons by a leading academic research library.
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Allison Scripa and Mary Ellen Spencer
The authors discuss the challenges and successes in implementing a peer reference service model in a community college library.
Abstract
Purpose
The authors discuss the challenges and successes in implementing a peer reference service model in a community college library.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a case study about the development of a peer reference service at a community college library. The article includes a chronological overview of the program, a brief literature review, the authors’ own observations, interviews with student employees, comments from librarians working with the students and reference service data. They reviewed local reference service data, conducted a limited review of the literature, interviewed librarians at a university with a peer reference assistance program and incorporated their own observations to create the Pellissippi Ambassadors for Library Success program.
Findings
Findings suggest that peer reference services benefit student employees, student researchers and librarians.
Research limitations/implications
The article does not include a comprehensive literature review.
Originality/value
The study discusses peer reference services in a community college library setting and can be of use to librarians implementing peer reference services.
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The article aims to provide a historical context for the information commons model in college and university libraries, reviewing trends in reference services, user expectations…
Abstract
Purpose
The article aims to provide a historical context for the information commons model in college and university libraries, reviewing trends in reference services, user expectations, technology and facilities planning. It suggests future directions for expansion of the information commons model and provides URLs for academic libraries with information commons of note.
Design/methodology/approach
The article serves as a frame for three other articles in this issue on information commons.
Findings
In the 1990s, the move to “rethink reference” services intersected with the “library as place” movement. This collision, combined with changes in technology and users' expectations, resulted in the information commons model.
Research limitations/implications
The literature review is not exhaustive.
Practical implications
The article provides a succinct review of recent historical trends in academic libraries as well as an overview of recent technological changes that have affected our users.
Originality/value
The article is not a case study and does not focus on any one academic library. The value of the piece is its historical perspective and identification of future challenges and trends.
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Abstract
Details
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With the job market as it is for many college graduates, it is more important than ever that students choose those professional and graduate schools which will best meet their…
Abstract
With the job market as it is for many college graduates, it is more important than ever that students choose those professional and graduate schools which will best meet their individual needs and help them achieve their goals. The process of graduate school selection is often difficult, but libraries can facilitate the process with a good collection of specialized guides to graduate schools, frequently obtainable at little cost.
Life studies are a rich source for further research on the role of the Afro‐American woman in society. They are especially useful to gain a better understanding of the…
Abstract
Life studies are a rich source for further research on the role of the Afro‐American woman in society. They are especially useful to gain a better understanding of the Afro‐American experience and to show the joys, sorrows, needs, and ideals of the Afro‐American woman as she struggles from day to day.
Mohini P. Vidwans and Rosalind H. Whiting
The purpose of this study is to explore the struggle for entry and career success of the early pioneer women accountants in Great Britain and its former colonies the USA, Canada…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the struggle for entry and career success of the early pioneer women accountants in Great Britain and its former colonies the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Design/methodology/approach
A career crafting matrix guides the analysis of historical information available on five pioneer women accountants in order to understand their success in gaining entry into the profession and their subsequent careers.
Findings
Despite an exclusionary environment, career crafting efforts coupled with family and organizational support enabled these women to become one of the first female accountants in their respective countries. Their struggles were not personal but much broader—seeking social, political, economic and professional empowerment for women.
Originality/value
This is the first paper to utilize the career crafting matrix developed from current female accountants' careers to explore careers of pioneering female accountants. It adds to the limited literature on women actors in accounting and may provide insight into approaching current forms of difference and discrimination.