Library and Information Science Commons^™

Flow With Compassion, Kay Coates, Jessica Garner

Library Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Reversing The Downward Curve: When Is Progressive Discipline Necessary And How To Focus On Positive Improvement And Retention Within An Access Services Department?, Kay Coates, Jessica Garner

Library Faculty Presentations

A challenge that many leaders face in Access Services is managing employee relations. A team with high morale will be well-functioning, collegial, and more likely to represent the library positively. What is a leader to do when they notice a slow degenerative change in morale or when a department has become toxic? This is when clearly defined progressive discipline can be used as a tool to guide a department back on track. Progressive discipline should not be punitive especially if it incorporates a sense of belonging steeped in DEI. Using positive discipline techniques that reinforce connectedness, team spirit, and genuine …

Addressing The Unmentionable At The Circulation Desk: An Unlikely Library Partnership For An Often-Overlooked Cause: Period Equity, Jessica Garner

Library Faculty Presentations

The role of libraries at universities has grown over the years in surprising ways to improve service to the academic and student community. One such surprising change came from a project aimed at decreasing period poverty. The Period Equity Movement (PEM) was created in collaboration with the university’s Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion through funding that came from a $48,000 Sustainability Fee grant and other internal funding. The grant specifically focused on purchasing reusable products such as menstrual cups and fabric pads and organic disposable tampons and pads. The Access Services Department became an impactful partner in this …

Creating Flow Thru The Compassion Of Satisfaction, Kay G. Coates, Jessica Garner

Library Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Links, Links Everywhere: Supporting Creation Of Reliable Access Urls, Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Library Faculty Presentations

Creating reliable links to library resources is a challenging task, for patrons and library personnel alike! Databases have different linking requirements, ranging from identifying the correct base URL to revising the URL for remote authentication. Often, databases’ built-in linking features are unreliable, especially for off-campus users. Linking isn’t just a technical issue, it’s an equity issue. To address this challenge, we have developed a dedicated “Linking to Library Resources” guide that includes unique link creation tutorials for each database we support. These linking tutorials appear in our database detailed descriptions, library personnel use them for staff training and reference, and …

One Form To Rule Them All: A Simple Codebase For Streamlined Search Form Creation And Management, Jeffrey M. Mortimore, Justin Barnett

Library Faculty Presentations

Creating and managing database search forms can feel like a daunting task. Vendor form builders often produce overweight, complex, heavily styled code that may not support remote authentication or meet accessibility standards, are hard to reformat, are easy to break, and stop working the moment the vendor updates the platform. To address these challenges, we have developed a single, streamlined codebase that can be reused to create search forms for most databases that support stable URLs for result lists. Using this codebase, we can quickly create, customize, troubleshoot, and maintain search forms for a variety of databases. Also, our public …

Improving Library Discovery: Assessing Practices With The Odi Conformance Checklist For Libraries, Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Library Faculty Presentations

The ODI Conformance Checklist for Libraries provides a structured and practical tool for libraries to assess and improve their discovery practices, ultimately leading to a better user experience for library patrons. Employed as an assessment tool, the ODI Checklist supports self assessment, vendor assessment, benchmarking, and continuous improvement. As such, technical service units will benefit from repeating the checklist regularly over time. This poster presents the ODI Conformance Checklist as an internal assessment tool and highlights ways in which we are using its findings to identify and prioritize improvements to discovery workflows and practices.

Artificial Intelligence History, And Libraries: History And Legacy Of Library Contributions To Machine Learning, Wilhelmina Randtke

Library Faculty Presentations

Machine learning seems to be newly everywhere. It's not new, so much as faster processing makes it newly useful. Imagine an automated cataloging program that takes 300 years to run, versus one that takes a week to run. Increased processing speed is a substantive change. This presentation overviews the history of libraries and artificial intelligence. First, teasing out past applications of machine learning in libraries. High quality results and concrete applications of artificial intelligence in libraries have been explored and published for decades. Over time, faster processing allows use at scale. Second, how library and metadata work contributes to machine …

Growing And Maintaining Your Tech Collection: A Guide For Libraries Large And Small, Kyle Culpepper, Wilhelmina Randtke

Library Faculty Presentations

Are you curious about how to start, grow, or maintain a circulating technology collection in your library? Join our upcoming webinar as we discuss the library's dynamic role in providing essential equipment circulation services for diverse patron groups.

Discover:

✅ The array of A/V and computer equipment available.

✅ Borrowing and circulation policies.

✅ Support, training, and accessibility initiatives.

✅ Real success stories from the Valdosta State University and Georgia Southern University communities

✅ Exciting plans for the future!

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how the New Media Center at Valdosta State University and the libraries at Georgia Southern …

Take A Joy Ride: Applying The Theory Of Interdependence To Library Practice, Kay Coates, Jessica Garner

Library Faculty Presentations

From the viewpoint of librarianship, when closely examined, the theory of Interdependence emphasizes the shared responsibility between libraries and the patron communities they serve. It can lead to creating inclusive and welcoming environments. Libraries are sensitive to the needs of diverse cultures. Library services are tailored to meet patron needs by training and supporting staff to work effectively with diverse groups. Promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting lifelong learning libraries can better serve their communities and promote the common goals of literacy, education, and community engagement. Overall, the theory of interdependence highlights the importance of collaboration, partnership and mutual dependence between …

Software Maintenance: Planning A Server Upgrade - A Library Perspective, Wilhelmina Randtke, Melissa Jackson

Library Faculty Presentations

Like many libraries, the Georgia Southern University Libraries (GS Libraries) rely on tools to support library services which are run on in-house servers. The servers are run by main campus Information Technology Services (ITS), and ITS is not familiar with how each piece of software is used and how it is supposed to work. ITS monitors the basic high level server architecture but does not work with the actual applications installed on these servers.

Tools like EZProxy and ILLiad are mission critical and are run in-house. Over the past year, the GS Libraries have formalized an upgrade process for the …

September 2023 Digital Commons Readership Snapshots, Georgia Southern University

Digital Commons Readership Snapshots

No abstract provided.

Software Testing: How To Design A Software Testing Process For Everyone, Wilhelmina Randtke

Library Faculty Presentations

Software testing is about making sure software does what it's supposed to do, and doesn't do anything extra or different. Most academic presentations about software testing are done by people with large complicated projects. Those are the leaders. Many libraries use "shelf ready" software, including open source, to accomplish important work, and do not contribute code or do extensive customization to the software platforms they use. In fact, the ability to grab a piece of software and implement it without spending a lot of time, is part of what makes great software. Great software can be reused and shared without …

Getting Onboard The Intranet, Wilhelmina Randtke

Library Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

The “Butterfly Effect-Cascading Compassion Satisfaction In Library Land, Kay Coates

Library Faculty Presentations

Kay Coates explores the concept of compassion satisfaction in library work. The webinar discusses how compassion satisfaction can be a source of meaning and satisfaction for library practitioners, as well as how it can help to mitigate the effects of professional stress and representation burnout. The webinar also examines the interplay of empathetic helping, professional stress, and representation burnout, and how these factors can impact the helping exchange transaction in library work.

August 2023 Digital Commons Readership Snapshots, Georgia Southern University

Digital Commons Readership Snapshots

No abstract provided.

June 2023 Digital Commons Readership Snapshots, Georgia Southern University

Digital Commons Readership Snapshots

No abstract provided.

Ways To Participate In Ongoing Regulation Around Artificial Intelligence Ethics In The United States, Wilhelmina Randtke

Library Faculty Presentations

In January 2021, the US passed the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020. The goal is a cohesive federal AI initiative, and part of that is safety, ethics, and transparency. The act includes funding appropriations for 2021-2025, and roll out takes place over that time. In implementing this law, there is recent and ongoing activity to regulate AI in the US. Regular calls for public participation go out to the public on www.federalregister.gov in the form of open ended questions on which input is requested, and feedback on reports or action plans.

The linked data community is uniquely positioned …

Positive Effects Of Mindfulness Practices On Academic Performance And Well-Being, Katia G. Karadjova-Kozhuharova, Ruth L. Baker

Library Faculty Publications

This qualitative study explored potential positive effects of mindfulness practices among university students. The mindfulness practices were provided at an experiential space, the Brain Booth at the university library, meant to learn about the mind-body connection, reduce stress, and optimize learning. The Brain Booth activities were available to students at any time during the library working hours. The findings showed that the Brain Booth was experienced as helping students to 1) Relax and Destress; 2) Calm down; 3) Foster focus and clarity; 4) Actively engage and reenergize. A strong preference was outlined for mindfulness activities without a digital component or …

Management Challenges Around Vacancies, Jessica Garner, Karen Doster-Greenleaf

Library Faculty Presentations

In this conversation, participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and hear from their peers on a variety of topics related to management in academic libraries. The first portion of the discussion will be management issues around vacancies, morale issues, conflict, and DEIA initiatives

May 2023 Digital Commons Readership Snapshots, Georgia Southern University

Digital Commons Readership Snapshots

No abstract provided.

Odi Conformance Checklist, Jeffrey M. Mortimore

Discovery Services Standards

The Open Discovery Initiative (ODI) Conformance Checklist was created to increase transparency around library discovery services.

The Google Analytics Change: Universal Analytics To Google Analytics 4: Overview And Checklist For Libraries, Wilhelmina Randtke, Justin Barnett

Library Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Copyright, 3d Printing, And The Value Of Open Vetted 3d Oer, Nathaniel Lee Bareford, Wilhelmina Randtke, John Schlipp

Library Faculty Presentations

Libraries are protected from copyright lawsuits when patrons make copies, as long as signage is posted and patrons make the copies themselves. But, unlike copying or printing in libraries, self-service 3D printing in libraries is unrealistic. 3D prints take hours to finish, and troubleshooting 3D printing problems takes skill and experience. Meanwhile, the top websites for finding CAD designs to download and 3D print are rampant with copyright infringement. This presentation provides an overview of the status of copyright for 3D printing, covers the tech of why 3D printing is different from printing and copying on paper, and advocates for …

April 2023 Digital Commons Readership Snapshots, Georgia Southern University

Digital Commons Readership Snapshots

No abstract provided.

From Daunting To Doable: A Practical Approach To Building Inclusive Libguides, Jennifer Elder

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a pedagogical approach that many universities promote to their teaching faculty to help them design courses that are accessible to all learners. After librarians at our library took a course on Universal Design for Learning, we asked, how could we apply Universal Design for Learning principles to create more inclusive LibGuides? At first, we were overwhelmed by the wide range of possible accessibility and UDL features that we could incorporate into our LibGuides. We wondered if there might be a way to identify or prioritize effective UDL elements to include in a LibGuide. We …

Applying Acrl’S Framework “Scholarship As Conversation” To Teach Undergraduates Article Anatomy Through Active Learning, Jessica Varsa, Justin B. Ingels

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

In Fall of 2022, UGA Libraries Faculty conducted IL instruction for hundreds of undergraduate First-Year Odyssey students. As part of this required course, library faculty are faced with the challenge of conducting workshop-style instruction through a one-shot format, focusing on both integral library skills and how to interpret a research article. R&I Librarian, Jessica Varsa worked with Dr. Justin Ingels, Public Health faculty, to develop a lesson plan on reviewing and interpreting academic journal articles through the lens of the ACRL’s’ Framework that embraces active learning strategies.

This presentation will provide a critical reflection about active learning techniques used in …

Canvas Research Modules: Meeting Students Where They Are, Denise Woetzel, Lynn Riggs

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Since Fall 2020, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College librarians discovered some new post-COVID realities for our college including: more online asynchronous classes being offered; short semester sessions; the declining number of instructors requesting information literacy sessions for their classes; and fewer students visiting our campus libraries. During the Fall 2020 semester, librarians started to discuss how we could create research modules in our Canvas learning management system. Instructors could then request to be added to a specific Canvas research module so they can copy over the module into their course sections in Canvas. Considering the fact that the our librarians …

#Goals: Library Partnerships For Instruction Strategic Planning Success, Melissa Dennis

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The Research and Instruction Department of UM Libraries has worked closely with campus units to create a longstanding partnership of library skills embedded into first year classes called the First Year Instruction Initiative (FYII). Incorporating information literacy and critical thinking skills into these curriculums has allowed us to expand our reach to teaching students, both synchronously and asynchronously. In particular, the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience and the campus Qualitative Enhancement Plan became library partners for inclusion in the classroom. Through academic advising, academic support services, first-year initiatives, military and veteran support and all things student success …

Implementing Universal Design Of Instruction In Information Literacy (And Almost Anything Else): The Success Of Our Students Depends On It., Peter R. Dean

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

This proposal focuses on the importance of universal design when teaching either one-shot library instruction or semester long information literacy courses. This presentation will discuss how all students can benefit from a course that is barrier-free to students who have already self-disclosed as students with disabilites.

This presentation also will discuss the intense reluctance of students with disabilities to self-disclose at the college level. And how some students may not even be aware of the fact that they have a learning disability—making it even more importance to implement (and hence include) universal design principles into your teaching methodologies.

In this …