Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Creators For The Earth: The Academic Library’S Role In Supporting Sustainability Creators And Practitioners Across All Disciplines, Jennifer K. Embree, Neyda V. Gilman

Library Scholarship

The image of a creator often brings to mind individuals that can take an abstract or unique idea and transform it into an impressive, tangible creation. Whether it’s an architect crafting a new building design, an artist painting on canvas, or an interior designer mapping out a new room layout, creators are generally seen as those who can formulate conceptual ideas that are then realized to showcase amazing ingenuity. In the world of higher education, this type of work is often first associated with disciplines like art, design, architecture, and engineering—fields where acts of “making,” “creating,” or “building” are integral …

Equitable Sustainability Literacy Guide: Creating A Resource Guide To Educate On Environmental Problems Through A Social Justice Lens, Jennifer K. Embree, Neyda Gilman, Jacqueline Jergensen

Library Scholarship

The Equitable Sustainability Literacy Guide (ESLG) is an online resource guide created by three student interns (Jacqueline Jergensen, Haley Arnold, and Sage Block) and two librarians (Jennifer Embree and Neyda Gilman) at Binghamton University to educate the public on the environment, climate change, and sustainability through a social justice lens.

Peer Reference And The Out-Of-The-Building Experience, Brett B. Bodemer

Library Scholarship

Purpose – This article conceptualizes essential keys to the future of peer reference in academic libraries as extrapolated through the dual lenses of academic library history in the United States of America and recent experiences of a peer program with prospective and actual out-of-the-building experiences.

Design/methodology/approach – A 30,000-foot historical view of the dispositions of space in academic library buildings, collections, spaces, technology and reference provision is integrated with a description of the responses and insights of a peer reference program during the program’s prospective and actual out-of-the-building experiences. These components are then analyzed to extrapolate keys to peer reference …

Print Collections Reconsidered, Rebecca Lubas

Library Scholarship

This article discusses the transition back to in-person library services after a year or more of remote services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the article argues the necessity for libraries to reinvest in their print collections.

Sink Or Swim? Transitioning Academic Library Outreach In Times Of Covid-19, Lauren Wittek, Maureen Rust

Library Scholarship

This practical article explores the challenges and unexpected benefits discovered when a public regional academic library transitioned its engagement and outreach efforts to a fully online format. The onset of COVID-19 presented a need for a radical change to Central Washington University Libraries’ events and social media communication. While adhering to the core principles of library outreach and engagement, the library has shifted the modality and types of programming offered to meet safety guidelines. Online event assessment, promotion, and engagement will also be discussed.

Connections In Information Literacy Responses: Il In The Undergraduate University Experience, Elizabeth H. Brown, Lauren Wittek, Mattias Olshausen

Library Scholarship

This study was conducted at a four-year state university to compare differences in information literacy knowledge between students at the first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior levels. The survey included questions about reading habits, library usage, and information literacy knowledge, and was shared with 10,967 students with a 15.7% response rate. Analysis of the responses found reduced participation from sophomores, a positive relationship between required course use of the library and actual use of the library, a positive relationship between library exposure and accuracy of responses, and other academic connections to information skills.

Is A Library Department Chair Essential?: The Development Of The Library Department Chair At Central Washington University, Julia Stringfellow

Library Scholarship

The combined position of University Archivist and Library Department Chair in the James E. Brooks Library at Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, Washington is unique and draws cu- riosity as to what other academic libraries have department chairs and what is their specific area of librarianship. This article provides a review of literature on the responsibilities of department chairs and their vitality, as well as publications specifically referencing library department chairs. A compar- ison of the CWU library department chair to another library faculty chair in the Orbis Cascade Alli- ance is also provided. The history of the chair …

You Have One Hour: Developing A Standardized Library Orientation And Evaluating Student Learning, Elizabeth Brown

Library Scholarship

Library orientations continue to excite, or plague, instruction librarians everywhere. Reaching first year students early can preempt academic heartache and research woes, yet the question of “what students really need” continues to evolve. This article presents a case study of a large-scale implementation of library orientations. The main issue addressed in this article involves a systematic review of students’ post-instruction responses and assessment of their learning. Related elements mentioned in this article include: interdepartmental participation; curriculum design; and instructional technology. While this implementation may not be appropriate for all academic libraries, its components may offer ideas for augmenting existing programs …

Keeping It Current: Avenues For Staff Development, Elizabeth Brown

Library Scholarship

This article explores and identifies avenues for library staff development. It discusses methods for assessment of staff needs, the creation of a plan for professional development opportunities, and methods of evaluating effectiveness through case-based scenarios at Central Washington University.

Preparing Graduate Students For Graduate-Level Study And Research, Katherine O'Clair

Library Scholarship

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a graduate level course in information research for thesis‐based Master's degree students in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University for which the College Librarian served as the instructor of record. It also seeks to report the results of research conducted to investigate the impact of the course and its effect on graduate student confidence and preparedness. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were used to measure student perception of their confidence and preparedness for graduate study and research before and after completing a for‐credit course. Findings – Students' self‐perceived …

Connecting To Students: Launching Instant Messaging Reference At Binghamton University., Sarah Maximiek, Elizabeth Brown, Erin Rushton

Library Scholarship

Binghamton University Libraries implemented an IM reference service using the Trillian client to monitor multiple IM accounts at two distinct reference service points. This paper addresses the process and practical considerations of implementing the service including selection of the appropriate software, creation of IM accounts for each service, development of a staffing schedule, and training of reference staff. Also included is an outline of future plans for improving IM services for students and academic library users.