Academic librarians can and should play a leadership role in faculty development efforts on their campuses. In this article, Iannuzzi addresses the connections between faculty…
Abstract
Academic librarians can and should play a leadership role in faculty development efforts on their campuses. In this article, Iannuzzi addresses the connections between faculty development and information literacy and presents strategies for establishing campus partnerships. Specifically, she addresses five related topics: information literacy and campus culture, campus initiatives, strategies for partnerships, a faculty development model, and the Florida International University Model for Information Literacy.
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Brittany Paloma Fiedler, Rosan Mitola and James Cheng
The purpose of this paper is to describe how an academic library at one of the most diverse universities in the country responded to the 2016 election through the newly formed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe how an academic library at one of the most diverse universities in the country responded to the 2016 election through the newly formed Inclusion and Equity Committee and through student outreach.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper details the context of the 2016 election and the role of social justice in librarianship. It offers ideas for how library diversity committees can address professional development, recruitment and retention efforts and cultural humility. It highlights student outreach efforts to support marginalized students, educate communities and promote student activism. Finally, it offers considerations and suggestions for librarians who want to engage in this work.
Findings
This paper shows that incorporating social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion requires individuals taking action. If institutions want to focus on any of these issues, they need to formally include them in their mission, vision and values as well as in department goals and individual job descriptions. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries fully supports this work, but most of the labor is done by a small number of people. Unsustainable practices can cause employee burnout and turnover resulting in less internal and external efforts to support diversity.
Originality/value
Most of the previous literature focuses either on internal activities, such as professional development and committees, or on student-focused activities, such as outreach events, displays and instruction. This paper is one comprehensive review of both kinds of activities.
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Priscilla Finley, Margy MacMillan and Susie Skarl
The purpose of this guest editorial is to provide an overview of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2008 Conference.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this guest editorial is to provide an overview of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2008 Conference.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a review the conference, which was hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and held from June 4‐6 on the UNLV campus.
Findings
The conference provided a forum for learning and thinking about gaming as it applies to information literacy instruction and for sharing ideas, techniques and concerns.
Originality/value
The paper gives an overview of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2008 Conference, and the issues raised there.
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Reports on papers presented at the 11th Ticer Summer School, 27‐31 August 2007 at the University of Tilbury, The Netherlands.
Abstract
Purpose
Reports on papers presented at the 11th Ticer Summer School, 27‐31 August 2007 at the University of Tilbury, The Netherlands.
Design/methodology/approach
Reports from the viewpoint of a participant on the modular course; and gives insight into the themes covered.
Findings
Found the modular format worked well, especially the end of lecture question‐and‐answer sessions and the opportunity for discussion with the lecturers. Summarises the content of several of the lectures and finds them to be relevant and thought‐provoking on current library issues and themes in a digital age.
Originality/value
Of interest as a summary of the content of the Ticer Summer School and of current themes.
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– The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of faculty autonomy in sustaining a successful information literacy program.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of faculty autonomy in sustaining a successful information literacy program.
Design/methodology/approach
Faculty members were given the opportunity to create courses that integrated and assessed information literacy as part of a course grant program associated with an institutional assessment mandate. This case study analyzes course grant proposals, course assessment methods and results. It also presents results of a follow-up survey of faculty participants to see if they continued to integrate information literacy in other courses. Results are situated in the context of self-determination theory to better understand the role of autonomy in faculty motivation and participation in an assessment program.
Findings
Defining and integrating information literacy themselves allowed faculty to align information literacy with their own course goals. Supporting faculty in choosing their own assessment methods for these integrations also provided program administrators with new information about faculty members’ teaching and learning practices and values. Results of a follow-up study confirmed that faculty continued to integrate information literacy in their courses of their own accord, underscoring the importance of an autonomy-supportive program structure.
Originality/value
This paper provides evidence for information literacy advocates that faculty autonomy can be a strength, not an obstacle. It demonstrates ways to incorporate and allow for autonomy within program constraints and introduces librarians to self-determination theory, a way of thinking about motivation that can help librarians pursue more effective collaborations with faculty.
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Purpose – The article aims to report on the current development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), explore the strengths and weaknesses of MOOCs, and reflect on the possible…
Abstract
Purpose – The article aims to report on the current development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), explore the strengths and weaknesses of MOOCs, and reflect on the possible relationships between academic libraries and MOOCs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a mix of literature review (mostly current news) and personal observations. The author discusses the unique characteristics of MOOCs, speculates on the benefits of MOOCs on higher education, and explores the impact of MOOCs on academic libraries and how librarians can respond to it. Findings – MOOCs create global learning communities that benefit both students and universities, and generate unique challenges and opportunities for academic libraries. It is recommended that librarians stay informed of the latest developments and get involved in the MOOC movement on an institutional as well as personal level. Research limitations/implications – Further research needs to be done to evaluate the efficacy of MOOCs (especially in the non‐STEM areas), to explore best practices in instruction design and pedagogy, and to rethink on strategic positioning of traditional universities vis‐à‐vis MOOCs. Practical implications – The author speculates on a possible “iTunization of information” and how that might impact academic libraries as well as the open access movement. The author also calls for academic libraries to be fully engaged in the discussion and action on their own campus related to MOOCs, and to support individual librarians' exploration of MOOCs. Originality/value – This article is based on the author's personal experience as a MOOC student and her opinions and speculations on issues related to MOOCs. The article also explores the relationship between MOOCs and academic libraries, which has not been extensively discussed in the library literature.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the LILAC Conference held in Cardiff, UK, in March 2009.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the LILAC Conference held in Cardiff, UK, in March 2009.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides an outline of the issues, content, keynote speakers and delegates of the LILAC Conference.
Findings
This conference held a series of themed parallel sessions and covered the themes of inquiry based learning, emerging technologies, information literacy for life and supporting research. There was evidence of strong demand for pre‐conference events.
Originality/value
A conference report of value to library and information professionals regarding various information literacy themes.
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Rachel Wexelbaum and Mark A. Kille
This chapter examines how selected accrediting bodies and academic librarians define collection strength and its relationship to student achievement. Standards adopted by…
Abstract
This chapter examines how selected accrediting bodies and academic librarians define collection strength and its relationship to student achievement. Standards adopted by accreditation bodies and library associations, such as the Association of Research Libraries, are reviewed to determine the most common ones which are used to assess library collections. Librarians’ efforts to define and demonstrate the adequacy of library resources are also examined in light of increased focus on institutional accountability, and requirements to provide planned and documented evidence of student success. Also reviewed are the challenges faced by academic librarians in a shift as they shift from traditional collection-centered philosophies and practices to those which focus on client-centered collection development such as circulation analysis, citation analysis, interlibrary loans, and student satisfaction surveys to determine collection use and relevance. The findings from a review of standards and existing library literature indicated that student use of library collections depends on faculty perceptions of the library and whether they require students to use library resources and services for their research papers. Through marketing strategies, improvement of student awareness of collections and library services, the chapter concludes that multiple collection-related factors influence the academic success of students, not just the size and importance of library collections per se. The significance of the chapter lies in its identification of halting and difficult adjustments in measuring both collection “adequacy” and student achievements.
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To relate challenges associated with maintaining the technology involved in a modern, major academic research library.
Abstract
Purpose
To relate challenges associated with maintaining the technology involved in a modern, major academic research library.
Design/methodology/approach
Experiences from the past four years are categorized and discussed as they relate to information technology maintenance, enhancement, and future development. The narrative includes specific detailed examples, while maintaining a wide overall view, given the vast scope of what constitutes “information technology”.
Findings
Looking back at knowledge gained from four years of operating a new academic library, one can understand that technology is constantly evolving, creating numerous challenges. Such challenges include maintaining and enhancing existing systems and services, as well as introducing new systems and services. Associated with all such activities are a myriad challenges such as technology, funding, security, and overall resource management.
Practical implications
The findings serve to remind practitioners and administrators of the varied, complex, and expensive nature of maintaining a comprehensive information technology environment. Several concrete examples offer ideas that may aid with topics such as facility design planning and major project management.
Originality/value
This paper serves as a current case study useful for institutions considering a major library expansion or planning construction of a new major library, and also serves as a useful executive summary (with supporting specific examples) detailing the complex tasks associated with maintaining and enhancing information technology resources.
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In 1994, the author presented the inaugural LOEX‐of‐the‐West keynote entitled “Glacier or avalanche? Shifts in the electronic, educational, and library landscape”. She outlined…
Abstract
In 1994, the author presented the inaugural LOEX‐of‐the‐West keynote entitled “Glacier or avalanche? Shifts in the electronic, educational, and library landscape”. She outlined the forces shaping the instruction landscape: changing users; information technology; social frameworks; educational change; and economic realities. She posited that libraries would find opportunities in the shifting landscape including: user‐centeredness; using technology to transform; alliances and partnerships; experimentations; collaboratories; self‐sufficiency; inclusiveness; and value‐added librarians. In this 2004 keynote, she reflects on what has transpired in academic library instruction over the decade and speculates on the forces and opportunities that will shape the next ten years.