Digital Commons Network^™

"I Don't Think Librarians Can Save Us": The Material Conditions Of Information Literacy Instruction In The Misinformation Age, Amber Willenborg, Robert Detmering

Faculty Scholarship

This national qualitative study investigates academic librarians’ instructional experiences, views, and challenges regarding the widespread problem of misinformation. Findings from phenomenological interviews reveal a tension between librarians’ professional, moral, and civic obligation to address misinformation and the actual material conditions of information literacy instruction, which influence and often constrain librarians’ pedagogical and institutional roles. The authors call for greater professional reflection on current information literacy models that focus on achieving ambitious educational goals but which may be unsuitable for addressing the larger social and political crisis of misinformation.

Along For The Journey: Graduate Student Perceptions Of Research, Alissa Droog, Kari D. Weaver, Frances Brady

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications

Graduate student identities and personal lives are heavily tied to their experiences of research, and many struggle to find, understand, and use information for research purposes. Using a drawing exercise rooted in visual research methods combined with semi-structured interviews, a research team in the United States and Canada explored graduate student perceptions of research with 19 participants. Thematic analysis identified six themes: research is abstract; research is an odyssey; social support makes or breaks the student experience; research is an emotional continuum; interplay between identity/values; information is problematic. The study has implications for how librarians support graduate student research.

Information Needs, And Sources Of Information, Of Art And Design Students In Diploma Awarding Institutions In Uganda., David Musiimaami, Constant Okello-Obura, David Luyombya

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Access to relevant information is crucial for Art and Design students to meet their information needs and achieve their educational goals and expand their knowledge base. This paper explores the information needs, and sources of information, of Art and Design students in diploma – awarding institutions in Uganda. This is part of a PhD study that investigated the information-seeking behaviour of Art and Design students in diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda. The study population comprised Art and Design diploma students in the four Art and Design diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda, library heads in the same institutions, and directors at National Council …

Southeastern Librarian 72(1) Spring 2024 (Full Issue)

The Southeastern Librarian

Complete issue of The Southeastern Librarian Volume 72 Number 1

Inclusive Global Scholarly Communication: Toward A Just And Healthier Information Ecosystem, Angel Y. Ford, Daniel G. Alemneh

Information Science Faculty Scholarship

Scholarly communication has long been a central topic in the field of information science. However, philosophical, and even perhaps some legal reflections, including the moral and ethical considerations of the health of information ecosystems, are fairly recent developments. In fact, recent topics are propelled by various contextual factors including economic, disciplinary, societal norms, and cultures.This article explores literature discussing the plight of scholars in low- and middle-income countries that struggle to engage in scholarly communications in their fields. This topic has been explored for years, however, has often been addressed in disciplines outside of information science and knowledge management. This …

The Post-Pandemic Job Market For Academic Librarians In The Southeast United States, Louise Lowe, J B. Hill, Jenna Eastwood Hill, Claresta Icasia

The Southeastern Librarian

This study examines the state of the post-pandemic academic library job market in the Southeastern region of the United States. This analysis of academic librarian job advertisements collected from 2022 and 2023 reveals that while some new jobs have emerged there is a continued demand for traditional roles, prior work experience and the ALA-accredited master’s degree. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are prominent in job advertisements despite some regional political opposition. Remote work options are limited, signaling a nuanced approach to work modality post-pandemic.

Code For Care: Hypertension Prediction In Women Aged 18-39 Years, Kruti Sheth

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The longstanding prevalence of hypertension, often undiagnosed, poses significant risks of severe chronic and cardiovascular complications if left untreated. This study investigated the causes and underlying risks of hypertension in females aged between 18-39 years. The research questions were: (Q1.) What factors affect the occurrence of hypertension in females aged 18-39 years? (Q2.) What machine learning algorithms are suited for effectively predicting hypertension? (Q3.) How can SHAP values be leveraged to analyze the factors from model outputs? The findings are: (Q1.) Performing Feature selection using binary classification Logistic regression algorithm reveals an array of 30 most influential factors at an …

Multicultural Organizational Development (Mcod) Scans Of Public Space In Milner Library, Fall 2023: External Report, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, And Access Committee, Milner Library

Milner Library Publications

In November 2023, Milner Library’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee conducted Multicultural Organizational Development (MCOD) scans of the library’s public spaces, wishing to follow up on a previous series of MCOD scans conducted in 2021.

“87% Missing”: Preserving Video Game History In A Canadian Copyright Context, Amelia Clarkson, Magnus Berg

Digital Initiatives Symposium

In 2020, the University of Toronto Mississauga campus library acquired the largest collection of video games in Canada from prolific collector Syd Bolton, whose vision was for it to not only be preserved but also playable and publicly accessible. Over the past three years, the collections team has been processing the collection to facilitate access onsite, and in 2024 aims to begin the next step of digitally preserving the collection. In the summer of 2023, the Video Game History Foundation and the Software Preservation Network co-authored a report on the dire state of availability of classic games, with the goal …

Practical Cataloging And Classification Training By Library And Information Science Users Education At Kwara State University Library, Nigeria, Abdrahman Atanda Moustapha, Odushina Babatunde Julius

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose

The study examined the cataloging and classification training of users in library and information science and their use of library catalogs at the Kwara State University Library, Nigeria. Training is a vital necessity for performing any professional responsibility. Therefore, the trainee's actions towards the training program cannot be affected.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive research approach. It surveyed a sample of 250 university library users selected from a population of 515 through random sampling.

The findings

Library and Information Science users at Kwara State University Library, Nigeria, have a negative perception of the practical study of cataloging and …

"What Are You?": Multiracial Library Workers' Experiences In Libraries, Diana Wakimoto

Urban Library Journal

While increasing attention, research, and writing have elevated issues faced by library workers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), multiracial library workers are often, if not always, left out of the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The work around DEI in the library profession often erases the lived experiences of multiracial library workers. In turn, this erasure silences our experiences of racism and microaggressions, as well as our unique views and experiences.

This paper shares the findings of an exploratory mixed methods study, consisting of an online survey of and interviews with multiracial library workers …

Decistifying Trans And Gender Diverse Inclusion In Library Work: A Literature Review, Stephen G. Krueger, Keahi Adolpho

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This comprehensive review illuminates the current state of scholarly literature on trans and gender diverse inclusion in libraries, with the intention to provide a foundation and identify gaps for further research. Covering 50 works published between 2002 and 2023 in the areas of general inclusion, public libraries, academic libraries, experiences of library workers, archives, information behavior, and cataloging, we found that, with the exception of works on archives and cataloging, little scholarly literature goes beyond introductory talking points on basic information about trans and gender diverse people. We conclude with a call for much more in-depth research on this essential …

Integrating Mindfulness In Media Literacy: A Culture-Responsive Training Programme For Older Thai Adults, Nuntiya Doungphummes, Kwanchit Sasiwongsaroj, Theeraphong Boonrugsa, Sirintorn Bhibulbhanuvat, Waraporn Suebwongsuwan

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Media literacy is a much-needed competency in the digitalised world, but it is still an unknown knowledge base for older Thai adults. This design-based research set out as an initiative to promote media literacy through an agefriendly and culture-responsive training programme. The design process involved focus groups with key stakeholders and older adult ‘learners’ as well as field observations. This type of research work, in the Thai context, revealed the primacy of integrating media literacy learning with the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. It also highlighted the importance of incorporating certain cultural values and practices - collectivism, a sense of enjoyment, …

Beyond Navigating: Empowering Ourselves And Our Communities Through Critical Technology And Information Research, Sarah Appedu

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being sold to the public as transformative, world-changing, life-improving advancements in human evolution. Information literacy librarians have and will continue to play an instrumental role in challenging and critiquing new technological “advancements” that make their way into the lives and practices of their organizations and communities. However, librarians may be underutilizing the important skills they hold in evaluating complex information sources and systems when helping their communities critically respond to new tools like those powered by artificial intelligence. While emphasizing skills related to source evaluation, identifying algorithmic bias, and critically examining the economic context of …

Election Guide: Make It Local!, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Participants will be introduced to my Election Guide https://libguides.mnsu.edu/voting which has information about where to vote (polling place locators) and how to vote (in terms of eligibility). In addition, my guide links to fact checkers, campaign donations sites, and other resources on Election 2024, including links to how MN is responding to climate change, for one example.

Feedback And Focus: Exploring Post-Secondary Students’ Perceptions Of Feedback, Mindfulness, And Stress, Cecilia S, Dong, Erin Isings, Samantha M. Jones, Hugh Samson, Lisa Mccorquodale, Thomas G. W. Telfer, Tracey Ropp, Christine E. Bell

FIMS Publications

Addressing feedback-associated stress as a barrier to learning is increasingly relevant to student success and well-being. Mindfulness practices support stress management for students during the academic feedback process. Even if students receive high-quality feedback, the receiving end of feedback can be stressful, perhaps raising feelings of anxiety, confusion, or inadequacy. Feedback literacy and mindfulness practices complement one another. Mindfulness can potentially support feedback literacy by focusing one’s attention on the tasks needed to address feedback, instead of being distracted by emotions triggered by feedback. This study, comprised of an online survey (n = 237) and focus groups (n …

Fiu Libraries Salary Task Force Report On Staff Salaries To Library Assembly, Kelley Rowan, Annia Gonzalez, Adriana Harris, Christopher M. Jimenez, Patricia Pereira-Pujol, Jamie Rogers, Jennifer Scholl

Works of the FIU Libraries

The Florida International University (FIU) Libraries Salary Task Force was commissioned to address salary disparities among library staff. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, the task force identifed salary inequities and recommends areas where fair compensation could be addressed. Guided by principles of transparency, sustainability, and competitiveness, the task force suggests employing a more equitable salary framework. Their goal is to enhance job satisfaction and morale while attracting talented professionals. This report outlines their findings and recommendations.

Inclusive Description Recommendations Of The Cooperative Metadata Team, University Of South Carolina Libraries Cooperative Metadata Team

University Libraries Policies and Reports

The University of South Carolina strives to “foster access and belonging” (University of South Carolina Strategic Priories, 2023/28), and the University Libraries endeavors to be “respectful and accessible” and “responsive to changes in user needs” by investing in initiatives that “promote inclusion for and within our community” (University of South Carolina Libraries Strategic Plan, 2022/24). The USC Libraries Cooperative Metadata Team (CoMeT) seeks to support these goals by providing guidelines for creating inclusive metadata and remediating existing records. These guidelines will allow for more efficient, timely, and thoughtful processing of materials.

A Visual Workflow For Cataloging, Arden Kirkland, Minor Gordon

School of Information Studies - Faculty Scholarship

Our digital collections team took on the challenge to improve the tools and processes of cataloging. We began to explore how we could build features that helped students into a cataloging worksheet tool, under development at DressDiscover.org. After our initial development of the tool, we looked back and realized just how much Universal Design for Learning (UDL) had influenced our design, although we had not consciously intended that from the start. Our assessment of the project through a UDL lens was at first extremely affirming, helping us to note many ways that our work already supported all three of …

Supporting An Inclusive And Equitable Classroom: Student Perspectives On A Textbook Affordability Initiative, Julie A. Murphy, Rachel E. Scott, Anne Shelley, Mallory Jallas, Rachel Park

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

As academic librarians become aware of the challenges expensive textbooks pose to student success, they increasingly collaborate to provide zero-cost access to required course materials. Librarians at Illinois State University initiated a program to license e-books assigned in courses, surveying students and faculty in participating courses regarding their perspectives on textbook affordability and their experiences with the provided e-books. Student participants reported overwhelmingly positive responses and identified several ways in which the e-books enhanced their experience in the course. The findings suggest that providing assigned materials as e-books contributes to students’ engagement as learners and their academic success within courses.

Parenting And The Academic Library: Experiences, Challenges, And Opportunities, Courtney Stine, Sarah Frankel, Anita Hall

Faculty Scholarship

Academic Library Workers in Conversation is a C&RL News series focused on elevating the everyday conversations of library professionals. The wisdom of the watercooler has long been heralded, but this series hopes to go further by minimizing barriers to traditional publishing with an accessible format. Each of the topics in the series were proposed by the authors and they were given space to explore. This issue’s conversation revolves around parenting and how academic libraries must do more. The insights from the authors apply beyond parenting and are a great reminder that people make our academic libraries work.— Dustin Fife, series …

News From Hope College, Volume 55.3: Spring 2024, Hope College

News from Hope College

No abstract provided.

Spring 2024 Library Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato Library Services newsletter for Spring 2024.

Bibliography For "Keeping The Rhythm Of Creativity: Celebrating The Performing Arts And Intellectual Property", Isabella Piechota, Arianna Tillman, Kalea Brown, Katherine Roth

Library Displays and Bibliographies

A bibliography created to support a display about the performing arts and intellectual property at the Leatherby Libraries during April 2024 at the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University.

Library Faith, Self-Care, And Academic Librarianship, John P. Delooper

Publications and Research

Librarianship has long been regarded as a service-oriented profession, compared with fields such as social work, teaching, nursing, and others with a high degree of emotional labor. The roots of this run deep, perhaps as far as Dewey, who spoke of a “library spirit,” which represented an extreme commitment to patron service. Dewey, who was obsessed with efficiency, both in his personal and professional life, created and popularized the American Library Association’s motto of “the best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost.” This motto, passed on as professional wisdom and taught in library schools for decades, was …

Patrons Of D.V.G Public Library, Kolar Are Aware Of And Using The Information Sources & Services: A Survey, Geetha C S, M S Akshay Kumar

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The most important aspect of any library is its patrons. Any library’s goal is to determine what its users need, meet those needs, and satisfy them to the best of its ability. When it comes to public libraries, they face greater challenges in meeting the requirements of their increasingly diverse readership. The present study is an attempt to analyze the awareness and usage of the information sources and services offered by the D.V.G. public library, Kolar. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to draw the data from the users. Responses from the users show that 95% of respondents are aware of …

Value Beyond Cost Savings: Unlocking Diversity, Equity And Inclusion With Open Educational Resources, Nancy Henke

Libraries Workshops & Webinars

The cost savings offered by the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) have garnered significant attention. As free teaching, learning, and research materials, OER reduce financial barriers to education by eliminating textbook costs. However, fewer people are aware that OER also contribute to a more inclusive learning environment. This session explores the value of OER beyond financial benefits, delving into how OER, as free and accessible resources, play a role in building an inclusive educational landscape. From embracing diverse perspectives in content creation to providing the opportunity to tailor course materials to students’ specific needs, this presentation uncovers the many …

Rachel Franks, Double Agent: A Librarian And A Crime Author - William Blick Interviews Rachel Franks (January 2024), William Blick

Publications and Research

The following is an interview from January 2024 with Librarian and Crime Scholar, Rachel Franks and was posted on the Captivating Criminality Blog:

Rachel Franks is the Coordinator, Scholarship at the State Library of New South Wales and an Honorary Associate Lecture at The University of Newcastle (Australia). She holds PhDs in Australian crime fiction (Central Queensland University) and in true crime texts (University of Sydney). A qualified educator and librarian, her extensive work on crime fiction, true crime, popular culture and information science has been presented at numerous conferences, as well as on radio and television. An award-winning …

Identifying And Responding To Privacy Dark Patterns, Dominique Kelly, Jacquelyn Burkell

FIMS Publications

Privacy dark patterns are user interface design strategies intended to “nudge” users to reveal personal data, either directly or by enabling (or failing to disable) privacy-invasive platform/profile settings. Examples of privacy dark patterns on social media include defaults that enable the public display of posted content, warnings that follow attempts to reject personalized ads, and hidden “skip” buttons that make it more challenging to decline privacy-undermining requests such as to sync contacts.

Our project aims to minimize the impact of privacy dark patterns on Canadian youth. Building on our prior research documenting the use of these strategies on five social …

University Libraries Impact Report 2023, Leslie Haynsworth, Kristine Hontz

University Libraries Policies and Reports

A report on notable activities in University of South Carolina Libraries in 2023.