Higher Education Commons^™

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.

Independent Long Covid Journalism As A Lens For Critical Information Literacy: Conversations With The Sick Times Founders Betsy Ladyzhets And Miles W. Griffis, Andrea Baer

Communications in Information Literacy

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the acceleration of climate change illuminate how difficult it can be to make sense of information about wicked problems—that is, issues that are highly complex and have no simple or complete solutions (Rittel & Webber, 1973). One approach to grappling with wicked problems is to consider the information practices that different people, communities, or professions use to make sense of those issues. In this Perspectives piece, I explore possible ways to practice and teach about critical information literacy by looking to the views, experiences, and professional practices of two independent journalists who report on …

The Power Of Solidarity: The Effects Of Professor–Librarian Collaboration On Students’ Self-Awareness Of Skill Acquisition, Christina Taylor Gibson, Elizabeth Massey

Communications in Information Literacy

The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy

revolutionized information literacy instruction. It asks librarians to instill in students the higher-level skills to navigate the information landscape. Literature establishes the value of shared faculty ownership of information literacy threshold concepts, but it also documents the potential pitfalls of faculty involvement (Franklin, 2013; Julien & Given, 2002; Lechtenberg & Donovan, 2022; Perez-Stable et al., 2020). This article explores one successful partnership, concluding that instructor—librarian collaboration forged around shared histories and structured by codeveloped objectives positively influences students’ receptivity to information literacy concepts. As demonstrated by surveys of those enrolled in the course, students’ …

Notes For The Stalled, V16n10, June/July 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Newsletter

In this issue:

--- Did You Know . . .?
--- You Belong @ Rod
--- Pardon our Progress
--- Information Overload

Choose Your Own Research Adventure: An Asynchronous Tutorial To Address “Research As Inquiry”, Stacy Brinkman, Samantha Hilton

Communications in Information Literacy

The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education posits that the practice of asking questions in order to deepen inquiry and understanding is a key element of information literacy. While the “Research as Inquiry” frame is teachable in library instruction, it can be difficult to scale. Popular instructional design software tends to present information in linear formats that can limit how students understand the iterative nature of research. This article presents an attempt at an asynchronous tutorial that overcomes this limitation of medium and that presents “Research as Inquiry” through an iterative and question-based online game. We discuss the development, …

Exploring Professional Identities In Libraries: The Impact Of Credit-Bearing Courses Beyond Student Learning, Jane Hammons, Daniel S. Dotson, Hanna Primeau, Diana Ramey

Communications in Information Literacy

In this essay, we argue in support of library-led information literacy (IL) credit courses, emphasizing the impact that developing, teaching, and managing these courses can have on the professional identity of library faculty and staff. Existing research has indicated that librarians who teach credit courses may more strongly identify as teachers than those who teach only course-integrated sessions. We expand on this research by sharing the perspective of four individuals who are involved in the design, instruction, and coordination of credit-bearing IL courses, including two faculty librarians and two staff members. By providing these differing voices, we give a unique …

Review Of Information Literacy Through Theory, Vivian F. Bynoe

Communications in Information Literacy

Review of Hicks, A., Lloyd, A., & Pilerot, O. (Eds.). (2023). Information literacy through theory. Facet Publishing.

Cil's New Generative Ai Policy, Christopher V. Hollister, April Schweikhard, Allison Hosier, Jacqulyn A. Williams

Communications in Information Literacy

The Editors-in-Chief of Communications in Information Literacy discuss the development of the journal's new generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy.

Writing Instructors’ Intentional Integration Of The Information Literacy Framework, Catherine F. Riehle, Erica Defrain, Deborah Minter, Janel Simons

Communications in Information Literacy

This article presents an exploratory study that examines how 11 first-year writing instructors’ conceptualizations of information literacy evolved over the course of their participation in an inquiry group co-developed and co-facilitated by the Libraries’ teaching faculty and the Director of Composition & Rhetoric at a public university in the United States. The authors developed a coding schema to identify the presence of information literacy-related themes and practices in pre- and post-program course syllabi and in reflective pieces submitted by instructors. The findings revealed that instructors’ use and applications of the ACRL Framework increased after the program, showing greater personal engagement …

Addressing Barriers To Research-Informed Practice: A Library And Social Work Collaboration To Empower Future Practitioners, Amanda Dinscore, Debbie Gonzalez

Communications in Information Literacy

Social work education prioritizes the use of research to inform practice. As university students, prospective social workers have a wealth of research available to them as well as librarians to help them find, evaluate, and use that information. However, access to much of this research ends once the student graduates—at a time when it is most needed to inform their professional practice. To address this challenge, a librarian and a social work faculty member worked with one class of students in their final semester of a bachelor’s degree in social work program to promote awareness of information privilege and barriers …

Teaching Librarians’ Experiences Of Individual And Shared Agency: The Lens Of Librarian Relationships And Workplace Culture, Andrea Baer

Libraries Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Highlighting Health And Diversity: Curating Digital Exhibits To Promote Online Resources Across Cultural Months, Ivan Portillo, David Carson

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

This poster presentation demonstrates how digital exhibits can be leveraged to promote health literacy and enhance health education by creating awareness of resources to benefit diverse cultural and ethnic groups. It showcases examples of online exhibits that highlight health-related information, history, and resources to address health disparities and promote health equity among different populations.

Making The Most Of Artificial Intelligence And Large Language Models: A Novel Approach For Book Recommendation And Discovery In Medical Libraries, Ivan Portillo, David Carson

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

This poster presentation evaluates the use of Artificial Intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to assist health science libraries in recommending and discovering book titles as part of their collection development. Using pre-determined prompts, the researchers evaluated ChatGPT 4.0, Bing Chat, and Google Bard as recommender systems for book discovery and ranking existing titles.

Exploring Open Education Advocacy: Stakeholder Strategies To Build A Campus Culture Of “Open”, Nancy Henke, Molly Jameson, Ethan Roth

University Libraries Faculty Publications

Awareness of OER is essential to understanding and implementing open and equitable pedagogical practices. However, what if a campus requires more education about the “what” and “why” of OER to then spark discussions about open pedagogy? And how does an institution build a campus culture of open education when stakeholders have different degrees of investment in its implementation? OER advocacy efforts may differ significantly depending on an individual’s position within the academic hierarchy and their job responsibilities.

This panel featured three different OER advocates – an undergraduate student, a faculty librarian, and a program administrator – as they shared their …

Revolutionary Applications Of Generative Ai In Higher Education Institutes (Heis) And Its Implications, Arvind Sahu, Atul Sahu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In recent decades, there has been a notable transformation in educational procedures due to technological breakthroughs, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). In recent times, there has been a noteworthy advancement and acceptance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, specifically exemplified by the emergence of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT). Within the overarching category of Generative AI, various AI tools and technologies facilitate the production of computer-generated text, images, and other forms of digitized media. This paper comprehensively analyzes the concepts and implications of the discourse surrounding Generative AI. By adopting a position that advocates for the acceptance rather than the opposition …

Information Literacy Instruction Services At Rural Community Colleges, Fall 2019 Through Ay 2021/22, Heather Posey Vandyne

Forsyth Library Faculty Publications

This exploratory study examines the instructional practices of two-year institutions located in rural areas during the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and the two academic years that follow. Since the virus commonly known as COVID-19 first made its way to the United States in March 2020, three classes of community college students have had an introduction to higher education unlike any other in living memory. The mixed method approach consists of a survey aimed towards rural college librarians and subsequent in-depth interviews. This study identifies attempts to retain connections with faculty and students, as well as adjustments in …

Notes For The Stalled, V16n09, May 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Newsletter

In this issue:

--- DeStress Days
--- Congratulations Graduates
--- Extended Hours
--- Did You Know?

May 2024 Library & Learning Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library & Learning Dean’S Office Communications Team

Library & Learning Newsletters

PDF version of the May 2024 (Volume 2, Issue 9) Library & Learning Newsletter.

Graphic Novels As Learning Tools, Leesha Coleman

CoTL 2024 Research Talks

Graphic novels are not just for kids! Graphic novels can be used in nearly every aspect of teaching and learning. This presentation focuses on providing attendees with research on using graphic medicine in the classroom for retention. While the presentation focuses on Graphic Medicine, the principles can be applied to other disciplines.

Responding To Chatgpt’S Impact On Higher Education Landscapes: Using Digital Initiatives To Support Undergraduate Information Literacy And Research Skills, Jayati Chaudhuri, Lettycia Terrones

Digital Initiatives Symposium

ChatGPT and AI technologies present novel and unforeseen challenges to the academic community, ushering in an intriguing era where the distinction between plagiarism and academic integrity can become less clear for many students. In response, the Cal State LA University Library created three new digital initiatives published on traditional and social media teaching platforms to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism and their use of ChatGPT in higher education. In the fall of 2023, librarians developed a new module focused on ChatGPT in higher education. The module enhanced the existing “Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism” self-paced Canvas student tutorial, which …

“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 …

Implementing And Marketing Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Practices And Resources: Creating The E‐Buzz!, Essraa Nawar, Kristin Laughtin-Dunker

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

Leatherby Libraries Librarians are committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, researchers, and staff. We demonstrate this commitment holistically through the provision of all resources and services in support of teaching, learning, and research. Our goal is to reduce obstacles to accessing diverse research resources, services, learning, and engagement through educational outreach in order to raise awareness of diversity related issues.

In 2020, Library administration selected a Diversity and Outreach librarian that was charged with creating a comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Outreach plan. As a result, a number of practices and initiatives …

Centennial Library Shelf Life, March/April 2024, Cedarville University

Centennial Library Shelf Life

Articles in this issue: Cedar Who?, National Library Week, Library Under Construction, Library 2022-23 Annual Report, Library Careers Program: Notes from Our Interns, 2023-24 Library Student Staff Awards, Digital Commons Publishing Corner

Fiction Book Reviews

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence: The Road More Traveled. Writing And Conducting Research With Ai, Laura Zucca-Scott, Samuel Stinson

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

This project illustrates and discusses actionable examples of how collaborative, supportive virtual or in-person environments can foster democratic learning models in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

The workshop models, whether in person or virtual, provide dialogical opportunities for growth. Critically examining information and developing writing skills become crucial in supporting scholarly growth and intellectual exploration while providing access to academic pursuits to otherwise marginalized individuals and groups.

The experiences we share are situated in a specific context and are interconnected with the perspectives, backgrounds, and expectations of the scholars involved. However, as the writing workshops continue to evolve due to …

Keynote Panel: Creative Research Methods At Govstate - Possibilities For Cross-Pollination And Collaboration, Ujvala Rajadhyaksha, Katherine Carl, Frank Czuba, Christopher A. Dignam, Megan Vangorder

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Research Discoverability, Deborah M. Williams, Emily Ray

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

No abstract provided.

Translating Information From Scholarly Sources To Community [Notes], Melinda S. Burchard Ph.D., Sarah Myers, Liz Kielley

Faculty Educator Scholarship

Librarians and faculty collaborated in teaching and a study to improve how future teachers found, judged and communicated about evidence-based teaching practices. Students wrote literature reviews about evidence-based practices, then translating information for parent audiences. Students demonstrated gains in information literacy and interactions between knowledge and demonstrated skills.

Notes For The Stalled, Special Rodcon Edition, V16, April 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Newsletter

In this issue:

--- RodCon 2024
--- Duck Hunt
--- Just Visiting?
--- How You Can Help

Notes For The Stalled, V16n08, April 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Newsletter

In this issue:

--- What Were You Wearing?
--- De Stress Days
--- Research Award
--- Inspire