Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Challenging Esl Students To Avoid Plagiarism And Properly Summarize And Cite Articles, Sarah J. Hammill

Works of the FIU Libraries

Research shows that plagiarism is a problem not only for English language learners but also for students whose first language is English. With the Internet and ease of copying and pasting information into a word document, plagiarism in on the rise (Maslen, 2003). Oftentimes, students are not aware they are doing something wrong. American students come into college with the cultural conditioning of knowing (perhaps not fully grasping) American academic standards (Gu & Brooks, 2007). International students have the additional disadvantage of not knowing the conventions, traditions, and values held in academic discourse (Gu & Brooks, 2007). Within American academic …

Brave New (Pedagogical) World: Participating In The Selection Of – And Actually Using – A New Course Management System, Amanda Izenstark

Public Services Faculty Presentations

When the University of Rhode Island was faced with the opportunity to upgrade the current course management system (CMS) or to select a new one, two librarians asked for a seat at the table. Once the decision was made, one librarian opted to dive into the new system and run a section of an online 3-credit Information Literacy class using the newly adopted technology. Both the librarian – the first instructor on campus to move an entire class into the system – and the students in the class became pioneers in a new pedagogical world. This paper presentation will describe …

Reference Universe, Pete Mcdonnell, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

This original research described a comparison of 50 composition topics taken from my library instruction sessions with Reference Universe versus simple keyword searching of the online catalog. Pete and I concluded that twenty-three percent of the "good" hits in Reference Universe were also found in OPAC search and that the OPAC search found fewer "good" hits overall; but also found different relevant resources.

Supporting The Curriculum With Digital Collections, Thomas Farrell

Staff publications, research, and presentations

This presentation is based on our university's experiences creating two collections of digital items for classroom use. Each of these collections has entailed collaborating with a partner outside the university community, as well as faculty within the university, and each has presented a different set of opportunities and challenges. The first example is a collection of videos digitized from VHS tapes, composed of interviews with survivors of the 1939-1945 Holocaust. These are being used as source materials for students, who create themed A/V essays from edited portions of the). The second example is a set of sacramental mission records spanning …

Focus: Market Research Databases, Carolyn S. Fang, Susan Hurst

University Libraries' Staff Publications

The article reviews several market research database web sites, including Passport Markets, located at www.euromonitor.com, from Euromonitor International; STAT-USA/Internet, located at http://home.stat-usa.gov, from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce; and MarketLine, located at www.datamonitor.com, from Datamonitor.

Assignment Research Calculator: Designing And Implementing A Customized Product To Reach Your Students, Monica Fusich, Jane Magee, Elisabeth Thomas

Faculty and Staff Publications

The original Assignment Calculator from the University of Minnesota is a free open-source tool which helps students manage time and organize the steps of a research project.(FN1) It provides a schedule and timeline for each step, and includes tips and outside links to more information. The head of instruction and outreach services in the Henry Madden Library recognized the value of this popular tool, but felt we could expand on its potential for students and faculty here at California State University-Fresno. We accomplished this by tailoring it to our own library and campus resources, staff and services, thus making it …

Letters To The Editor, Bert Chapman, Jon Shuler

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Letter responding to an article predicting the phaseout of government information librarians in a survey of Association of Research Library (ARL) Directors. We criticize this conclusion maintaining that the multifaceted and interdisciplinary nature of government information makes it more critical that libraries users needing government information resources need to have highly trained and specializing librarians with extensive knowledge of these resources assisting them.

Transitions: Scaffolding Research Skills, Building Bridges, Creating New Knowledge, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

I interviewed librarians of six of our sending high schools to ask them what they taught students about research, citing, and technology. I hoped to understand better what I could build on in my library instruction sessions. I found that while many librarians taught power point and i-movies, and one rather upscale school had a citation style guide highlighting the basics of APA and MLA, they do not teach anything about authority, timeliness or bias or any other means of evaluating information. Or even the best means of finding information.

Overhauling Of A Science Library Web Area, Daniel S. Dotson

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

This article covers the revamp of a science library’s web area. The library’s web area contained outdated web pages, unused files, and an architecture that made it hard to maintain. All of these issues with the web area resulted in an examination and revamping of several aspects of all the files on the web area. Server statistics were used to determine the usage of the files in the library’s web area. Files containing textual information were categorized according to their topic and the usage of each topic area was examined to determine the distribution of usage amongst the topic …

Using A Permanent Usability Team To Advance User-Centered Design In Libraries, Jane Nichols, Alison M. Bobal, Susan Mcevoy

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Usability, user studies, and evaluating user experiences have been a part of academic libraries for many years. In the last 20 years libraries have created ad hoc usability teams to do user studies. Oregon State University (OSU) Libraries started its ongoing team in 2006, resulting in an increased focus on user experience throughout the libraries. This article explores the team’s history from formation to work it took on. The merits and challenges usability teams bring to an organization are also discussed. To date the literature describes usability methods and shares findings from libraries’ usability studies but none discusses benefits …

If You Build It, They May Not Come: The Case Of Questionpoint, Lynette Ralph

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

The Knowledge Base (KB) of QuestionPoint (QP) is a Knowledge Management (KM) tool capable of capturing the collective knowledge of reference librarians for future use. The goal of the study was to determine if this KB is an effective KM tool. Descriptive research was the methodology used and included an unobtrusive study, a survey instrument, and interviews. This study revealed that despite the technological capabilities of this KB, librarians who had access to the system failed to utilize it.

Embedding An Im [Instant Messaging] Widget In Research Databases: Helping Users At Their Point-Of-Need, Kwabena Sekyere

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

The rapid growth of internet users has made libraries eager to introduce online services for this new community, in addition to their traditional reference services. Virtual reference service has become a convenient and easily accessible option for the online community, particularly with increasing amounts of libraries resources now available electronically as well (Lou, 2007).

Virtual reference began in many libraries as email reference service (Janes, 2002) with a move to live chat reference as technology advanced. These live reference services were offered through chat software developed in-house or by vendors. Due to the high cost of purchasing and maintaining …

Open House In The Ivory Tower: Public Programming At An Academic Library, Rochelle Smith, Ben Hunter

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Public programming, a frequently used outreach tool for public libraries, is far less common in academic libraries. This article examines the University of Idaho Library’s efforts to attract both university and community members with public programming, delving into detail for three specific grant-funded discussion series: one on Jewish literature, one on graphic novels, and one on jazz. Strategies for location selection, advertising, scheduling and funding are all discussed with commentary on what worked well, what didn’t, and how public programming fits into the mission of an academic library.

Beautifying Data In The Real World, Andrew Lang, Jean-Claude Bradley, Rajarshi Guha, Pierre Lindenbaum, Cameron Neylon, Anthony J. Williams, Egon Willighagen

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Research and Scholarship

There are at least two problems with collecting "Beautiful Data" in the real world and presenting it to the interested public. The first is that the universe is inherently noisy. In most cases collecting the same piece of data twice will not give the same answer. This is because the collection process can never be made completely error-free. Fluctuations of temperature, pressure, humidity, power sources, water or reagent quality, precision of weighing, or human error will all conspire to obscure the “correct” answer. The art in experimental measurement lies in designing the data collection process so as to minimize the …

Cooking Up Concept Maps, Abigail Hawkins, Jennifer L. Fabbi, P. S. Mcmillen

Library Faculty Publications

Concept maps allow students to visually work through an idea for potentially useful search terms.

A common roadblock students experience in the research process is identifying central concepts in their research questions and devising useful ways to reframe search terms. Concept mapping is one instructional strategy that can be used to help students better identify the central concepts in their research questions and expand on other ways these concepts are articulated in the literature.

Diving Into Sakai: One Librarian, Twenty Students, And A Brand New, Open Source Cms, Amanda Izenstark

Public Services Faculty Presentations

Slides from the 2009 New England Library Instruction Group Annual Program, June 6, 2009, Portland, ME.

Technological change is inevitable, and when the opportunity arose at the University of Rhode Island to have input into the choice of a new Course Management System, two librarians sat in on the committee’s meetings, testing tools and offering opinions. When the committee unanimously recommended going with Sakai, an open source CMS, the door was opened to run a class in the new system, which would eventually replace WebCT across campus.

This 30-minute presentation will briefly describe the route taken to choosing Sakai, and …

Unconventional Avenues To Integrating Information Literacy Into The Curriculum, P. S. Mcmillen, Jennifer L. Fabbi

Library Faculty Presentations

Library instruction programs continue to seek meaningful ways to infuse information literacy into both general education and discipline-specific course sequences. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), targeted conversations with College of Education faculty helped librarians identify a strategic and unique point of entry with a multicultural twist.

I Can See My House From Here: Five Cool Learning Activities Using Google Earth, R Philip Reynolds

Librarian and Staff Presentations

Workshop introducing Google Earth to faculty members at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Changing Conceptions And Uses Of Computer Technologies In The Everyday Literacy Practices Of Sixth And Seventh Graders, Jane M. Agee, Jeanette Altarriba

Psychology Faculty Scholarship

This study focused on 189 sixth and seventh graders in two large suburban schools and their use of computer technologies as part of their everyday literacy practices. We were especially interested in the students' conceptions of computer technologies and how computer use varied across grade and reading levels. The study included a survey completed by all 189 students that provided an overview of students' uses of computer technologies and other literacy practices. Interviews with 24 students provided more detailed information on how sixth- and seventh-grade students at different reading levels used and conceptualized computer technologies in and out of school. …

Academic Library Services For Users With Developmental Disabilities: Partnership Of Access And Syracuse University Libraries, Adina Mulliken, Ann Atkins

Publications and Research

Syracuse University Library and Access partnered to provide library orientations to six Syracuse University students who have developmental disabilities. Access is a service that supports college course attendance for students who have developmental or cognitive disabilities. Students with developmental disabilities are being included in college life more and more. As this occurs, academic libraries will be providing more services to this population. We hope Syracuse University’s experience will be useful for other libraries to build on as they develop services. Additionally, we discuss opportunities to improve services for all students by focusing on students with developmental disabilities.

Vodcasting, Itunes U, And Faculty Collaboration, Jason Paul Michel, Susan Hurst, Andrew Revelle

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

In the summer of 2008, the Miami University Libraries began a pilot project to integrate Web video tutorials (vodcasts) into a multiplicity of access points to enhance and extend library services. By the end of the project, Web video tutorials had been embedded in specific course sites in the course management system Blackboard, as well as in our institution's iTunes U site. The libraries were, in fact, the first entity on campus to feature publicly-available content on iTunes U. This brief article will delineate the project and explain why we believe this effort has helped position the library within …

Learning 2.0: A Tool For Staff Training At The University Of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Ilana Kingsley, Karen Jensen

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

This paper describes a Learning 2.0 library staff training project completed in September 2007 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library. The project planning process, curriculum creation, implementation, incentives, and outcomes are included, along with a summary of survey results from program participants. Recommendations for implementing this free and useful staff training tool by other academic libraries are included, as well as a link to the Library’s Learning 2.0 blog.

An Empirical Study On Follow-Up Library Instruction Sessions In The Classroom, Xiaomei Gong, Mary Kay Loomis

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

This study with undergraduate students in the Ancell School of Business, Western Connecticut State University, evaluated the knowledge of students using library resources before and after one session of library instruction in the library, and after follow-up instruction in the classroom. Survey method was used before and after the initial session of library instruction in the library, and after follow-up instruction session in the classroom. Significant differences were found in the students’ knowledge of library resources between the pre- and post- surveys in the library session and in the library usage experience after the follow-up instruction session in the …

Gresham's Law In The 21St Century, Joshua Finnell

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Research indicates that most people today satisfy their information needs through the Internet. As we move deeper into the information age, librarians must embrace the role of inculcating information literacy skills lest Gresham’s Law of economics becomes a reality in our information economy. This article discusses the probabilistic nature of the Internet against the backdrop of Gresham’s Law.

Buy Low, Sell High, Get In Now: Low-Stakes/Low-Investment Information Literacy Initiatives Pay Off Big, David Wilson, Jeremy Donald, Steven Hoover

Library Faculty Presentations

Become familiar with the concept of low stakes/low investment information literacy initiatives in order to communicate their potential value to faculty members, other librarians, and administrators. Recognize how collaboration between your library and other entities on campus can reinforce information literacy initiatives in order to draw upon the strengths and shared values of existing programs. Learn about successful initiatives in order to generate ideas that would be useful for your institution.

New Avenues For Integrating Information Literacy Into The Curriculum, Abigail Hawkins Gonzales, P. S. Mcmillen, Jennifer L. Fabbi

Library Faculty Publications

A generally understood mission of library instruction programs is to promote information literacy (IL) and critical thinking across the curriculum. The majority of programmatic IL collaborations with higher education core curricula are found in introductory composition or communication courses. Other more unconventional avenues offer potentially more effective ways to teach students the basic IL concepts and skills. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), conversations with College of Education faculty helped librarians identify a strategic and unique point of entry for IL instruction. Using the ADDIE model as a conceptual framework, librarians and an instructional designer met with the …

Library Consortia In China, Elaine Xiaofen Dong, Tim Jiping Zou

University Libraries Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper traces the history and development of library consortia in China from 1980 to the present. It also gives examples and descriptions of various types of library consortia in China, including academic, public, special, multi-type library consortia at the regional and national level.

Preparing Global Citizens: Librarians Connect Students With A Learning Service Opportunity In Nicaragua, Lily G. Griner, Patricia J. Herron

E-JASL 1999-2009 (Volumes 1-10)

Introduction

Many universities are encouraging study abroad and international service-learning opportunities to provide their students with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate successfully in an increasingly global environment. Academic librarians have unique opportunities and perspectives which enable them to participate in the educational mission of the University. During a trip to Mexico, two librarians from the University of Maryland recognized an opportunity to engage students in a learning service opportunity in Nicaragua. Using their knowledge of the university community and their campus connections, they formed a partnership with a faculty member in the University’s College of Information Studies to …

How Do You Know That? An Investigation Of Student Research Practices In The Digital Age, Randall Mcclure, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

This study investigates the types of sources that English composition students use in their research essays. Unlike previous studies, this project pairs an examination of source citations with deeper analysis of source use, and both are discussed in relation to responses gathered in focus groups with participating students and teachers. The researchers examine how students negotiate locating and using source material, particularly online sources, in terms of timeliness, authority, and bias. The researchers report on how teachers struggle to introduce these concepts and how students fail to perceive authority and bias in their sources.

Creating Online Tutorials At Your Libraries: Software Choices And Practical Implications, Maribeth Slebodnik, Catherine Fraser Riehle

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

The use of online tutorials for information literacy instruction is on the rise. Active library-related discussion lists such as ILI-L, the Association of College and Research Libraries’ discussion on information literacy and instruction, and LIBREF-L typically feature several questions and surveys related to online tutorials every week. Discussion groups and forums at library conferences consistently offer discussions, programs, and resources about creating online tutorials, and share examples. What is causing the surge of interest in online tutorials? Reasons vary: staff shortages, a desire to provide more point-of-need assistance, and increased distance learning and a growing awareness—particularly in public and academic …