Digital Commons Network^™

A Short History Of Oer, Emily Carlisle-Johnston

Western Libraries Publications

No abstract provided.

Leading From Between: Finding Meaning As A Third-Space Librarian, Heather Campbell

Western Libraries Publications

No abstract provided.

The Feminist First-Year Seminar: Using Critical Pedagogy To Design A Mandatory Information Literacy Course, Heather Campbell

Western Libraries Publications

No abstract provided.

Library Curriculum As Epistemic Justice: Decolonizing Library Instruction Programs, Heather Campbell, Dan Sich

Western Libraries Publications

Information literacy scholars and leaders are calling for the decolonization of library instruction, knowing that our work helps to maintain colonial systems. While there is no checklist or road map to program decolonization, academic libraries and instruction teams must start the work anyway. This article shares the story of curriculum decolonization at Western Libraries, so far, including the decolonization ‘cycle’ we followed and our resulting six learning outcomes. Grounded in epistemic justice, our new curriculum prioritizes living beings over information, and uses a broad, inclusive definition of knowledge throughout. Librarians at Western University acknowledge that the first step in decolonization …

Digital Bookplates: Cataloging Processes And Workflows, Alie Visser

Western Libraries Publications

Historically, bookplates were found in the front of print monographs. Transitioning them to digital allows libraries to expand their visibility to researchers and to fundraising activities within institutions. Digital bookplates offer significant opportunities to honor or memorialize individuals with gifts to libraries at varying donation levels. This article discusses digital bookplates in an academic library and provides examples of the cataloging, metadata, and web processes involved in maintaining and collaborating on this active fundraising program. A previous article on this topic was published in 2012 and this article provides an update to its procedures and workflows a decade later.

Free And Open-Source Automated Open Access Preprint Harvesting, Jack Peplinski, Joanne Paterson, Courtney L. Waugh, Joshua M. Pearce

Western Libraries Publications

Universities are attempting to ensure that all of their research is publicly accessible because of funding mandates. Many universities have established campus open access (OA) repositories but are struggling with how to upload millions of manuscripts under numerous license agreements while also linking metadata to make them discoverable. To do this manually requires around 15 minutes per manuscript from an experienced librarian. The time and cost to do this campus-wide is prohibitive. To radically reduce the time and costs of this process and to harvest all past work, this article reports on the development and testing of a free and …

Digitizing And Cataloging A Corporate Annual Reports Collection: A Canadian Perspective, Alie Visser, Elizabeth Marshall, Joyce Cheung

Western Libraries Publications

Corporate annual reports provide a snapshot of a company's operations and financial status. Reviewing and comparing years of annual reports can provide a rich history of knowledge on a corporation. Preserving, storing, and digitizing Canadian annual reports has been a mission of the C.B. “Bud” Johnston Library in London, Ontario, Canada. In late 2019 when Western Libraries migrated to a new library services platform, Alma, there was a new opportunity to catalog and provide access to the digitized annual reports collection. This article describes a decade long plan to digitize the print collection by library staff and a subsequent project …

Information Seeking Behaviors, Attitudes, And Choices Of Academic Physicists, Ian D. Gordon, Debbie Chaves, Dylanne Dearborn, Shawn Hendrikx, Rebecca Hutchinson, Christopher Popovich, Michael White

Western Libraries Publications

Physicists in academic institutions utilize a variety of resources and strategies to seek, find, and use scholarly information and news. Using a sample of physicists, researchers surveyed 182 students and faculty at seven Canadian university institutions to explore self-perceived success rates, resources consulted, databases used, and use of social media and citation management systems. To complement the survey, 11 follow up interviews/focus groups were completed with participants to further uncover information-seeking behaviors, choices, strategies, and feelings around keeping up to date with information needs. According to survey results, a minority of physicists (15.4%) acknowledged that they were successfully keeping up …

Research & Scholarly Communication 2021-22 Report On Publishing Services, Courtney Waugh, Kristin Hoffmann, Emily Carlisle-Johnston, Kristi Thompson, Liz Hill

Western Libraries Publications

This report highlights the scope and impact of Western Libraries’ publishing services as undertaken by members of the Research & Scholarly Communication Team (RSC) for the period May 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022, in the areas of: Scholarship@Western repository services, journal publishing services, support for open educational resources (OER), and open data publishing.

Complex And Varied: Factors Related To The Research Productivity Of Academic Librarians In The United States, Kristin Hoffmann, Selinda Adelle Berg, Kristine R. Brancolini, Marie R. Kennedy

Western Libraries Publications

Academic librarians face multiple barriers in conducting the research that is expected in their work, yet they still manage to successfully complete it. This study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to their success. Through an online survey sent via email to a random sample of academic librarians in the United States, we gathered and analyzed quantitative data about education and experience, demographics, success factor statements, and research productivity to determine which factors are related to increased research output. We found that three categories of factors—Individual Attributes, Peers and Community, and Institutional Structures and Supports—contribute positively to overall research …

The Ghosts Of Bindings Past: Micro-Computed X-Ray Tomography For The Study Of Bookbinding, J. D. Sargan, Jessica L. Lockhart, Andrew Nelson, D. L. Meert-Williston, Alexandra Gillespie

Western Libraries Publications

This essay describes the results of a new application of micro-computed X-ray tomography (µCT) to conduct nondestructive investigations of the binding structures of premodern books. This application addresses a twofold challenge in the study of historic bindings and their construction. Few premodern books survive in their original bindings. Moreover, until recently, when books were rebound, the original structures were rarely documented, and the remains were usually discarded. Where original bindings do remain in situ, much of their structure is, by design, hidden. Particulars of construction may be surmised; but without destructive disbinding, little can be proven. µCT enables an exploratory, …

What’S Hiding In The Spine? A Study Of Adhesives In Medieval Books Using Mass Spectrometry, Alice Hutton Sharp, Sarah Fiddyment, Anne Lama, Jessica Lockhart, Deborah Meert-Williston, Melissa Moreton, Lauren Williams, Alexandra Gillespie

Western Libraries Publications

Glues, and in particular glued spines, are notable features of late medieval European books, yet little research has been done into how they were sourced, produced, and used. In this article we present preliminary results from using the paleoproteomic methods of Electromagnetic Zooarchaeology through Mass Spectrometry (eZooMS) and Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF) to identify the source species for animal glues used in late medieval books. We first introduce readers to the principal kinds of glue used in medieval craftsmanship and what is known about their use in bookbinding, principally from the discipline of book conservation. We describe the micro-sampling methods …

Iliopsoas Release – A Systematic Review Of Clinical Efficacy And Associated Complications, Robert Longstaffe, Shawn Hendrikx, Douglas Naudie, Kevin Willits, Ryan . M. Degen

Western Libraries Publications

Objective:

To perform a systematic review of the findings of iliopsoas release as it relates to resolution of snapping, improvement of groin pain, and associated complications.

Design:

Systematic review.

Data Sources:

Four electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched, identifying all literature pertaining to surgical treatment of a snapping hip/coxa saltans, iliopsoas impingement, or iliopsoas tendinitis. A total of 818 studies were identified. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria:

All studies published in English that reported on iliopsoas release for snapping hip/coxa saltans, iliopsoas impingement, or iliopsoas tendinitis …

“Just Like When I Was A Liaison”: Applying A Liaison Approach To Functional Library Models, Kristin Hoffmann, Emily Carlisle-Johnston

Western Libraries Publications

In this exploratory paper we consolidate themes discussed in literature to highlight three principles of liaison librarianship: building relationships, anticipating and meeting needs, and drawing on specialized expertise. These principles capture how liaison librarians approach their professional activities and together comprise what we define as a liaison approach. Through stories of our own work as scholarly communication librarians, we explore how a liaison approach can extend beyond subject liaison models to be relevant for librarians in functional roles. In sharing our stories, we prompt academic librarians in a variety of roles to consider how the perspective of a liaison approach …

Unbundling Practice: The Unbundling Of Big Deal Journal Packages As An Information Practice, Samuel Cassady, Catherine Anne Johnson, Asen O. Ivanov

Western Libraries Publications

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce a theoretical framework and approach for studying the evaluation and decision-making practices through which academic librarians attempt to reduce the cost of electronic journal subscriptions – an organizational practice known as the unbundling of big deal journal packages.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents a literature-based conceptual analysis of several fields to delineate the elements of the practice of unbundling of big deal journal packages. Beyond analysing the prior literature, the discussion is supported by empirical findings from a pilot study on the topic conducted by two of the article's authors.

Findings

The …

Survey Research: Useful, Valuable Findings Require Hard Work, Kristin Hoffmann, Selinda Berg

Western Libraries Publications

Gathering data using a survey is often perceived by practitioner-researchers as one of the easiest ways to carry out research; however, a well-constructed survey can be difficult to develop. Librarian practitioner-researchers often use surveys as an economical and easy way to capture information from a wide swath of people. Once the information is gathered, however, the application and usability of the data is often limited and can fall short of the standards of scholarship. Librarian practitioner-researchers may also default to a survey when it is not the most effective tool for data gathering. But when surveys are designed well and …

Conceptions Of Research Among Academic Librarians And Archivists, Lise Doucette, Kristin Hoffmann

Western Libraries Publications

Academic librarians and archivists occupy a unique role as researchers and as practitioners who support faculty and student researchers. However, the ways in which librarians and archivists think about research is largely unexamined, while faculty conceptions of research have been studied extensively. In this study, we analyzed drawings and interviews of 25 Canadian academic librarians and archivists and identified six conceptions of research: research is a shared, community experience; research leads to learning and growth; research is influenced by personal and professional experience; research is a process involving interrelated components; research involves refining and answering a question; research by librarians …

Using Gis And Mapping Tools To Access And Visualize Archival Records: Case Studies And Survey Results Of North American Archivists And Historians, Tom Belton

Western Libraries Publications

Online map interfaces and GIS software are means of accessing and visualizing archival holdings associated strongly with places. This article investigates the possibility of an interest among at least some archivists and historians in finding records based on place names and maps. A review of recent tools and case studies on map-based methods of seeking and visualizing information in archives and special collections provides a current overview. A 2015 survey gathered additional information from archivists as to whether they place a high priority on, and are comfortable with, map-based methods, as well as to what extent their patron groups might …

In Pursuit Of Equity: Applying Design Thinking To Develop A Values-Based Open Access Statement, Courtney L. Waugh, Emily Carlisle, Lillian S. Rigling

Western Libraries Publications

We wanted to rethink how our library supported open access, so we attempted to ask ourselves and our staff why they supported “open” and how they defined “open”. By unpacking our institutional and individual understandings of “open” using design thinking principles, we were able to not only create a strong and value-driven statement, but to also open the door for staff at all levels to engage in policy-making for the organization.

Identifying Research Support Needs Of Members Of The Canadian Health Libraries Association / Association Des Bibliothèques De La Santé Du Canada, Sandy Campbell, Kelly Hatch, Nazi Torabi

Western Libraries Publications

Introduction: The CHLA/ABSC Special Committee on Research undertook this project to identify potential ways in which the Association could support its members in undertaking research. The goal was to inform future CHLA/ABSC research-related service and program offerings. A literature review revealed limited publication related to health librarians' research needs. Method: The Committee developed and distributed an online survey to CHLA/ABSC’s membership. The questions related to demographics, previous research engagement or experience, current research support, work-related research requirements and expectations, barriers and enablers for conducting research, desired research support (topic and format) from CHLA/ABSC, and types of programs that would benefit …

Cost And Quality Of Life Of Overlooked Eye Care Needs Of Children, Monali S. Malvankar-Mehta, Ryan Wilson, Erik Leci, Kelly Hatch, Sapna Sharan

Western Libraries Publications

Background: The objective of this research was to conduct a systematic review and cost analysis to summarize, from the Ministry of Health perspective, the costs families might incur because of their child’s prescription for refractive errors and amblyopia correction. Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, CINAHL, HEED, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library as well as the gray literature were searched. Systematic review was conducted using EPPI-Reviewer 4. Percentage difference in cost of glasses and patches per patient per various diagnoses were computed. The cost of glasses and patches was projected over a 5-year time horizon. Cost-utility analysis …

Collaboratively Creating A Programmatic Information Literacy Strategy: Challenges And Opportunities, Tom Adam, Colleen A. Burgess Ma Mlis, Kim Mcphee, Leanne Olson, Christy Sich

Western Libraries Publications

In 2017, a team of librarians and archivists at Western University developed local Information Literacy Learning Outcomes (ILLOs). The resulting document outlined the skills and understanding that Western University students should demonstrate at the end of a four-year undergraduate degree—specifically, the skills relating to accessing, assessing, and applying information. This article focuses on the challenges and opportunities encountered during the collaborative process as well as the approach employed by the team in the development of these ILLOs.

Six librarians and archivists in very different roles formed the project team. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, the team recognized that there could …

Online Chat Reference: Question Type And The Implication For Staffing In A Large Academic Library, Debbie Meert-Williston, Rachel Sandieson

Western Libraries Publications

This study investigated the types of questions asked in an academic online reference chat service to ascertain the level of library staff expertise needed to answer the questions. The transcripts from a large academic library were analyzed to determine both the type of questions asked, and the complexity of the reference questions asked. The data showed that 75% of the questions asked were non-reference, 17% of the questions asked were ready-reference, and 8.6% of the questions asked were in-depth or complex reference questions. Library staff with the capacity to answer both circulation and general reference questions would have the optimum …

The Open Textbook Toolkit: Seeding Successful Partnerships For Collaboration Between Academic Libraries And University Presses, Mira Waller, William M. Cross, Lillian S. Rigling

Western Libraries Publications

Libraries and university presses coexist in a complex and increasingly consolidated scholarly communication ecosystem. Each brings different strengths, values, and viewpoints that can inform and enrich a joint project. In this paper we discuss potential barriers to and benefits of collaboration between academic libraries and university presses and introduce a case study of such a collaboration: the Open Textbook Toolkit. This project, funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is currently investigating the components needed to support faculty in one discipline, psychology, who are considering adopting open educational resources. By leveraging both library and press …

Business Source Complete Database Review, Alie Visser, Nicole Nolan

Western Libraries Publications

Database review of Business Source Complete by EbscoHost.

Business Source Ultimate Database Review, Alie Visser, Nicole Nolan

Western Libraries Publications

Database review of Business Source Ulimate by EbscoHost.

Rxtx And Micromedex, Shawn Hendrikx, Kelly Hatch

Western Libraries Publications

No abstract provided.

Data-Informed Open Education Advocacy: A New Approach To Saving Students Money And Backaches, Sydney Thompson, Lillian S. Rigling, Will Cross, John Vickery

Western Libraries Publications

The North Carolina State University Libraries has long recognized the financial burden textbook costs place on students. By crosswalking information on use of our textbook collection with textbook cost and course enrollment data, we have begun to map the environment for textbook use at the university and identified opportunities for faculty outreach in promoting alternatives to traditional textbooks, including our Alt-Textbook program. This article describes our programs, our investigation of textbook use patterns, and how we are using these data to inform our practice.

Here, There And Everywhere: An Analysis Of Reference Services In Academic Archives, Amanda Oliver, Amanda Jamieson, Anne Daniel

Western Libraries Publications

The purpose of this study is to investigate how archivists conduct reference services. The investigators administered two surveys to 19 participants at 15 Canadian academic archives to understand archivists’ behaviour while performing reference. There is no standard approach to reference as many archivists use institution-specific tools coupled with their own knowledge. Finding aids are the most frequently accessed tool and are most often used in conjunction with other tools. Limited resources are the primary barrier to the provision of effective reference services. The tools that are employed by archives are archivist focused, which results in reference services that are not …

Making Shared Print Management Happen: A Project Of Five Canadian Academic Libraries, Tony Horava, Harriet Rykse, Anne Smithers, Caitlin Tillman, Wade Wyckoff

Western Libraries Publications

Five academic libraries in Ontario (Canada) are collaborating in a shared last print copy repository project. The project, called Keep@Downsview, aims to consolidate and rationalize low-use print materials held by the partner libraries and ensure long-term preservation of these important scholarly materials in Ontario, while still providing access via document delivery and ILL. In doing so, each of the partner institutions demonstrates its commitment to the stewardship of print collections for future generations while repurposing valuable space on campus. This paper describes the background, rationale, challenges, and lessons learned for this unique Canadian project that leveraged funding from the province …