Digital Commons Network^™

Ethnography In Action: Active Learning In Academic Library Outreach To Middle School Students, Samantha Godbey, Nancy Fawley, Xan Goodman, Susan Wainscott

Nancy Fawley

This article describes an outreach activity developed and coordinated by academic librarians as part of a state program for low-income middle school students. Rather than offering a traditional library tour, the library organizers wanted to provide the middle school students with a meaningful experience that would encourage active participation, critical thinking, and alleviate library anxiety. As a spin on the traditional tour, students applied an ethnographic approach to learning about the library. The authors describe the development and implementation of the activity and provide recommendations for other librarians involved in outreach to K-12 students.

Leadership Institute For Academic Librarians, Anne Marie Casey

Anne Marie Casey

The Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians (LIAL), which offered its first institute in 1999, is a collaboration of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.[i] Intended to provide participants with the tools and insight needed to improve effectiveness and respond rapidly to a changing environment, LIAL is held each year for one week in August on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[ii]

The need for leadership programs for librarians was recognized by John Collins, a librarian at Harvard University, who had …

New England Technical Services Librarians Spring 2012 Conference: Ilibrary: Digital Futures For Libraries (May 3, 2012, Worcester, Ma), Andrée J. Rathemacher, Michael A. Cerbo Ii, Julia A. Lovett

Julia Lovett

This report discusses the program of the 2012 New England Technical Services Librarians (NETSL) annual spring conference, held on Thursday, May 3 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, titled “iLibrary: Digital Futures for Libraries.” NETSL is a section of the New England Library Association and a regional group of the American Library Association.

The Trending Academic Library Job Market: An Analysis Of Library Position Announcements From 2011 With Comparisons To 1996 And 1988, Therese Triumph, Penny Beile

Penny Beile

First Impressions And The Reference Encounter: The Influence Of Affect And Clothing On Librarian Approachability, Jennifer Bonnet, Ben Mcalexander

Jen Bonnet

Whether or not a librarian appears approachable in public service environments is critical to providing excellent service, conveying a welcoming space, and encouraging library users to engage with one of the key intellectual venues on our campuses. This study used an image-rating method to assess the influence of affect and attire on patron impressions of librarian approachability. Findings suggest that librarian behaviors do matter, with specific treatments resulting in increased or decreased perceptions of approachability. These findings not only support common sense assessments that an attentive and welcoming environment is essential to encouraging patrons to engage with librarians; they also …

Why Diversity Matters: A Roundtable Discussion On Racial And Ethnic Diversity In Librarianship, Juleah Swanson, Ione Damasco, Isabel Gonzalez-Smith, Dracine Hodges, Todd Honma, Azusa Tanaka

Ione Damasco

After presenting together at ACRL 2015 to share their research on race, identity, and diversity in academic librarianship, the authors resumed the conversation, which resulted in this article. Here, they discuss why diversity really matters to academic libraries, librarians, and the profession, and where to go from here. They conclude the article with a series of questions for readers to consider, share, and discuss among colleagues to continue and advance the conversation on diversity in libraries.

Undergraduate Diversity Scholar Program: A Proactive Approach To Creating An Inclusive And Multicultural Workforce, Adrian K. Ho, Judy Sackett

Adrian K. Ho

The University of Kentucky (UK) Libraries approved a statement in September 2013 confirming its commitment to cultivating and encouraging diversity and inclusivity in its personnel policies and in its collections, programs, and services. The library subsequently developed an Undergraduate Diversity Scholar Program to provide two students with a paid internship in the 2014/15 academic year. UK undergraduates interested in diversity issues were encouraged to apply. Applicants were evaluated based on their work experience, volunteer or service activities, recommendations from two referees, and an essay about their belief in the benefits of a diverse society. The successful candidates started the inaugural …

Twelve Years Of Online Reference Services At Georgia Tech: Where We Have Been And Where We Are Going, Cathy Carpenter, Crystal Renfro

Crystal L Renfro

The article offers information about the Georgia Institute of Technology Library in Atlanta, Georgia, which is a pioneer in delivering virtual reference. The Library has initiated the ASK a Librarian service in 1994, an e-mail-based electronic reference service which became popular and has received 297 questions during the first year of its implementation. It has also launched the real time or virtual reference in 1999 using the America Online's Instant Messenger chat software. In August 2003, the library purchased Questionpoint to use as a virtual reference system, which enabled the referral of e-mail questions to other librarians and good tracking …

We're All In This Together: Mentoring In Academic Libraries (Poster), Matt Ruen, Cara Cadena, Betsy Williams

Matt Ruen

Desk Statistics Under A Microscope = Improved Library Services, Susan [Gardner] Archambault

Susan Gardner Archambault

This presentation offers a case study of how one library’s assessment of datagathered from its public service desk led to changes and improvements in service. The William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) recorded all of the questions and answers asked at its Information Desk from Fall 2009 to the present using the Gimlet (http://gimlet.us) electronic question tracking system. A content analysis was performed on the data that led to advancements in signage and a new knowledge base of FAQ’s. In addition, new services were implemented related to technology and research that addressed user needs.

Developing An Academic Library Assessment Plan: A Case Study, Gregory A. Smith, Howard D. Tryon, Lori B. Snyder

Gregory A. Smith

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the process of developing an academic library assessment plan and its relation to the furtherance of a culture of assessment. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative study of a university library’s assessment planning process; findings based on documentary evidence as well as an employee survey; analysis framed in relationship to relevant literature. Findings – Planning for the future of assessment offered the Jerry Falwell Library a significant opportunity for organizational change. Evaluations of the planning process were mixed, but generally revealed evidence of conditions associated with the development of a culture of assessment. …

Building Your Program By Building Your Team Acrl Poster 2015, Bruce Keisling, Robert E. Fox Jr.

Bruce L. Keisling

Data Information Literacy And Undergraduates: A Critical Competency, Yasmeen Shorish

Yasmeen Shorish

As a primer on data information literacy (DIL), this column will cover the background of the field and why it is relevant to college and university libraries serving undergraduate populations. This article includes how data information literacy relates to information literacy, competencies associated with DIL, the relevance of DIL to undergraduates, DIL in library instruction, and the reasons for library engagement with DIL. Examining DIL within the larger framework of information literacy can help outreach and instruction librarians engage with a format that may be unfamiliar to them but whose underlying foundation is well-established.

Attitudes Of Ohiolink Librarians Toward Google Scholar™, Joan Giglierano

Joan Plungis

Almost three years after Google Scholar's inception, only a third of Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK) member libraries link to it from their Web sites. This article reports the results of a July 2007 survey of OhioLINK academic librarians, conducted to find out about their attitudes and current practices regarding promotion of Google Scholar. It compares the findings about placement of Google Scholar on Web sites and inclusion in library instruction with previous research, and includes recommendations for libraries about Google Scholar.

Creating Organizational Community: The Role Of New Employee Onboarding Practices Acrl Poster 2015, Bruce Keisling, Melissa Laning

Bruce L. Keisling

If You Build It, Will They Come? Building The Collaborative Infrastructure And The Ohiolink Collaborates Toolbox, Barbara J. Strauss, Margaret Maurer, Julie Gedeon

Margaret Beecher Maurer

This research examines how libraries are collaborating, why libraries collaborate, and seeks the environmental conditions that foster successful cross-institutional collaborations. The Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK) Consortium’s CollaboraTeS Project is examined, to inventory expertise and needs within the OhioLINK community and the members’ willingness to share, barter or contract their expertise with other OhioLINK institutions. This is followed by an examination of a sample of North American collaborative projects to identify environmental conditions that foster collaborations in North American libraries. A brief survey within the OhioLINK environment was then conducted that validated anecdotal evidence that the CollaboraTeS Toolbox has …

“You Look A Little Young To Be In College”: Preschoolers And Academic Libraries, Amanda Black, Heidi Gauder

Amanda Black

Learn how one academic library facilitates learning at the pre-school level through targeted programming opportunities. Working with preschool teachers, this library developed age-appropriate activities for children to experience an academic library environment. The Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards were utilized in describing the learning outcomes associated with the activities. This poster will show how academic libraries can provide outreach to the community with fun learning experiences for the youngest of users.

“You Look A Little Young To Be In College”: Preschoolers And Academic Libraries, Amanda Black, Heidi Gauder

Heidi Gauder

Learn how one academic library facilitates learning at the pre-school level through targeted programming opportunities. Working with preschool teachers, this library developed age-appropriate activities for children to experience an academic library environment. The Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards were utilized in describing the learning outcomes associated with the activities. This poster will show how academic libraries can provide outreach to the community with fun learning experiences for the youngest of users.

Secret Shopping As User Experience Assessment Tool, Crystal Boyce

Crystal Boyce