The purpose of this article is to examine a new collaborative electronic platform available to libraries of all types.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to examine a new collaborative electronic platform available to libraries of all types.
Design/methodology/approach
Introduces potential application of wikis discussed by academics and librarians, along with personal viewpoint.
Findings
A wiki is a very good example of the best of democracy in which self‐organizing behavior enforces community norms. Typically, wikis are open to everyone and erroneous information could easily be entered, but they are monitored by dedicated members and information is corrected quickly. While viewed as a platform with many advantages for timely and efficient collaborative efforts, there is still a sense of lack of accountability and cumbersome technological hurdles.
Originality/value
Wikis offer the opportunity for wide project collaboration and the possibility of a better product in the end.
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The purpose of this paper is to report an academic library's efforts to introduce course-integrated assessment into its library instruction program. Applying a leadership change…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report an academic library's efforts to introduce course-integrated assessment into its library instruction program. Applying a leadership change model to the process allows for a step-by-step examination of both organizational change and the creation of cultures of assessment.
Design/methodology/approach
Over a period of three years, course-integrated assessment was introduced into an academic library's instruction program. Rather than implementing rapid, superficial change, the process focused on transforming librarians' thoughts and feelings about their teaching and student learning. Dr John P. Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change is applied to explain the methodology.
Findings
Kotter's leadership change model provides a suitable framework for organizing and implementing organizational change within an academic library. However, the use of his method to create and sustain cultures of assessment proves questionable. This may not be fault of his method, but a combination of a less than perfect application of his process and unrealistic expectations of how cultures of assessment develop and function.
Research limitations/implications
The paper focuses on one unit within an academic library, rather than an academic library as a whole.
Practical implications
Changing organizational culture, creating cultures of assessment, and/or implementing course-integrated assessment exemplify some of the challenging tasks academic libraries face in their mission to prove value. This case study provides a candid discussion of both successes and obstacles encountered in using a change leadership model to address each of these. It may also inspire other possible uses of such a model within academic libraries.
Originality/value
According to Meredith Farkas, investigations into the application of leadership change models to build and sustain cultures of assessment within academic libraries do not exist in the literature.
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This paper addresses a gap in the analysis of the dynamic and challenging relationship between libraries, Web 2.0 and young adults, suggesting the relevance of a critical approach.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses a gap in the analysis of the dynamic and challenging relationship between libraries, Web 2.0 and young adults, suggesting the relevance of a critical approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper represents an exploratory literature review with the objective of identifying a possible gap in the way the library and information science (LIS) community is addressing the concept of Web 2.0.
Findings
Findings indicate that the research produced in other fields, such as communication or computer science; the way young adults interrelate with new technologies; and the need for collaboration between practitioners and researchers justify and support the use of a critical perspective to analyze the suggested topic.
Originality/value
The call for a critical approach to technology is certainly not a novel suggestion in the LIS scholarship; however, its resurgence is extremely relevant for the LIS field because of the significant role that technology is playing in the daily life of the library and its users.
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This paper seeks to explore the impact participatory technologies have had on education and the information environment in which students operate. It seeks to define a pedagogical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to explore the impact participatory technologies have had on education and the information environment in which students operate. It seeks to define a pedagogical approach that will capitalize on the benefits of participatory technologies in the classroom and applies this “pedagogy 2.0” to information literacy instruction.
Design/methodology/approach
A thorough literature review was conducted on the use of participatory technologies in education as well as theories related to collaborative learning. This review formed the basis of the proposed pedagogy 2.0 model.
Findings
Web 2.0 and the growth in use of participatory technologies has had a tremendous impact on the information environment. Instructors seeking to take advantage of participatory technologies in the classroom should also consider altering the classroom learning environment to one that embraces social constructivist and connectivist pedagogies. Changes in the information environment also require a corresponding shift in the way information literacy is conceptualized and taught.
Practical implications
This paper suggests an approach to teaching that instructors can adopt to capitalize on participatory technologies in the classroom and improve student learning.
Originality/value
This article seeks to bridge the gap between educational research on 2.0 pedagogies and the use of participatory technologies, and the library literature about the impact of Web 2.0 on information literacy. It suggests ways to make the conceptualization and teaching of information literacy more relevant to the current information environment.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea of using Kotter's eight‐step model for change leadership to create a culture of assessment that is embedded in the organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea of using Kotter's eight‐step model for change leadership to create a culture of assessment that is embedded in the organizational culture of an academic library.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that examines the potential application of a business change model to an academic library change context. Each step of Kotter's model is described within the context of building a culture of assessment, supported by examples and suggestions from the literature of libraries, higher education, organizational behavior and change leadership.
Findings
While building a culture of assessment is critical for libraries in the current environment, it is a difficult and complex process that requires grassroots initiative, top‐down support and strong leadership. Kotter's model for change management provides a pragmatic structure for culture change through behavioral change and change leadership regardless of positional authority.
Practical implications
This paper includes best practices for facilitating a culture of assessment, including necessary resources and possible approaches.
Originality/value
While the literature contains articles about building a culture of assessment, no studies have applied models of change leadership from the management literature to this unique cultural process. This is the first paper that suggests concrete steps for libraries towards building a culture of assessment, even in the absence of an ideal organizational culture. The focus is also on enabling change leadership regardless of whether the change agents have positional authority.
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Andrea Dickson and Robert P. Holley
The goal of this paper is to examine the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this paper is to examine the use of the major social networking tools in academic libraries in the USA. As college students are heavy users of social networking, such efforts provide academic libraries with outreach possibilities to students who do not use the physical library. The paper also seeks to examine the concerns about their use both from students and within the academic library.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper summarizes findings from articles published since 2006 found in the Library Literature and Information Full Text database. The first author also examined librarian blogs and library accounts in various social networking sites.
Findings
Social networking can be an effective method of student outreach in academic libraries if libraries take care to respect student privacy and to provide equal coverage for all subject areas.
Research limitations/implications
Most information about social networking is anecdotal with very little statistical analysis of its effectiveness. The popularity of the various social networking sites can change quickly.
Practical implications
Academic libraries should consider using social networking as an outreach effort but take care to avoid the potential negative consequences.
Originality/value
This paper provides a snapshot on the use of social networking in academic libraries through a thorough review of the available literature and an examination of the libraries' presence on the most popular social networking sites. It also provides help for academic libraries wishing to implement social networking.
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Abstract
Details
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This paper aims to provide an overview of the published literature and current use of social software by libraries primarily in the UK and USA.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an overview of the published literature and current use of social software by libraries primarily in the UK and USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper's approach is a literature review and desk research.
Findings
Libraries are experimenting considerably in this area and many Web 2.0 applications have been developed by libraries and librarians over the past few years. These tools offer the potential to enhance library services.
Research limitations/implications
The area is one of rapid change, so the findings will date quickly.
Practical implications
An overview of which technologies are being used most widely and might offer the most potential for library staff considering experimenting in this area.
Originality/value of paper
Web 2.0 is an area with which many library staff need to become familiar quickly. This paper provides a useful overview of the topic.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of libraries using Netflix to supplement their own audiovisual collections.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of libraries using Netflix to supplement their own audiovisual collections.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the current discussion regarding breaking terms of service is presented along with several complications that arise from libraries disregarding the Netflix terms of service agreement.
Findings
The problem of providing patrons with access to materials that the library cannot afford to purchase and which cannot be acquired via interlibrary loan has no simple answer. Librarians may be in a unique position to encourage changes to terms of service that may be more friendly to lending institutions, but only if they do not squander their legitimacy by disregarding current terms.
Research limitations/implications
Most of the conversation is based on anecdote and recent practice. Very little has been written on how to fix this problem.
Practical implications
This paper brings this issue to the forefront in an effort to engage librarians in a discussion about the ethical, practical and legal implications of breaking terms of service in the pursuit of serving patrons.
Social implications
The culture of library practice could be affected by this issue, and may have wider ramifications in terms of future copyright, licensing, and terms of service agreements.
Originality/value
The paper is timely, addressing a current question and debate within their field. It proposes that librarians should find solutions only after seriously considering the legal, ethical, and economic implications of their actions.
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To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference…
Abstract
Purpose
To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides a brief review of the conference program on technology issues in libraries.
Findings
This summary of LITA section Top Technology Trends program with presentations and information. The presentations focus is on new technologies and their applications in a variety of library environments. The program offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.
Originality/value
Provides descriptions of opinions on technological trends in library and information services from industry professionals.