Library and Information Science Commons^™

Facebook For Libraries, Lori Thornton

The Christian Librarian

Libraries are looking for ways to reach patrons. Facebook is a Web site that students visit regularly. Opportunities exist to enhance our communication with our users, to promote our libraries, to increase information literacy, and to network with persons inside and outside our primary networks. Libraries should be finding ways to incorporate Facebook, reaching students where they are.

Peer Review Is Here!, Anne-Elizabeth Powell

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

More Than Just A Number? The Impact Of Age And Generational Affiliation On Christian Academic Librarians’ Beliefs About The Future Of Librarianship And Higher Education, Kimberley Wilcox

The Christian Librarian

This article investigates the relationship between academic librarians’ demographic characteristics and their beliefs about the future of academic librarianship and higher education. The researcher administered a survey to a group of academic librarians at Christian colleges and universities, with the intent of identifying possible correlations between particular demographic characteristics, such as age and generational affiliation, and four pre-established belief constructs. Statistical analysis of the survey results revealed that no significant differences exist between age groups, generational groups, experience levels, geographic locations, or type of institution with regard to Christian academic librarians’ beliefs about the future of academia and academic libraries.

What Do Meatpackers & Librarians Have In Common? Library Related Injuries And Possible Solutions, Robert E. Kaehr

The Christian Librarian

This article examines the benefit of exercise to alleviate or prevent injuries common to librarians and library staff. The library literature discusses some interventions such as ergonomics and corrective surgery regarding work-related injuries, but it barely mentions prevention especially as it relates to exercise. Insurance claims filed by library workers rack up thousands of dollars each year. In addition, lost time at work to correct work-related injuries adds much frustration and lost production. Alleviating or eliminating many such occurrences is possible by initiating and maintaining simple exercise programs. Numerous exercises are given that if used conscientiously will curtail the need …

Baruch The Scribe: Preserver Of Knowledge And Model For Librarians, Roger White Ed.D.

The Christian Librarian

This article discusses how the Old Testament character Baruch serves as an inspiration for contemporary Christian librarians. Events from his scribal career parallel several common experiences of library professionals including archiving materials, maintaining and promoting a collection, dealing with criticisms from administrators and community leaders, and becoming weary from overwork. How he handled himself in the midst of these activities is noteworthy as is God’s response to his service. The life and legacy of Baruch provide several parallels and encouraging lessons applicable to all those called to serve in libraries.

Next-Generation Librarianship: The Revolution Begins, Kimberley Wilcox, Shelley Harrell

The Christian Librarian

This article describes the distinctive traits, workplace habits, professional needs, and career goals of librarians from Generation X (born 1965-1979) and the Millennial generation (born 1980-1994). The authors discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the entry of “next-generation” librarians into the workplace; they also offer practical advice for current library managers who wish to maximize the leadership potential of next-generation librarians.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 52 : 1 & 2 )

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

A Rubric Of Shared Leadership: “Revolutions Are No Trifles”, Steven L. Baker

The Christian Librarian

In a letter reflecting back on the heady times of revolt against the tyranny of England, John Adams makes the observation that “revolutions are no trifles.”1 Adams and other founders of the new republic knew full well the seriousness of declaring independence and setting out on a new course of governance for the colonies. While that is true on the macro level of geo-politics it is also true on the micro level of organizational culture. Embarking on a dramatic change in social structure, whether great or small, ought not to be taken lightly. Thorough planning and careful execution are important …

Leadership Problems In Theological Libraries, Paul A. Tippey

The Christian Librarian

In the age of uncertainty, theological libraries must change from information gatekeepers on academic islands of the past to a culture that is fundamentally collaborative. We librarians can no longer rely on our own expertise stuck in what we have formerly known, with the concept that we have all the answers. Therefore, people need to treat people as people and not as tools to complete a task. People see themselves instead as a collaborator in the great endeavor of librarianship. Even though change is inevitable, the future is always unknown and that is what makes it exciting.

Faith, Librarianship And Technology, Garrett B. Trott

The Christian Librarian

Technology is transforming many venues. Some suggest that the transformation is happening much too quickly, others suggest not quickly enough. As Christians, we have a responsibility to observe this technological transformation through the lens of faith and act upon what we learn. As academic librarians, we have a responsibility to use technology to further the spread of resources to our patrons. How does a Christian librarian respond to changes? Is there a measuring rod by which technology should be evaluated?

This article argues that relationships are the measuring rod by which technology should be evaluated; relationships meaning not simply a …

Faith And Learning In The Reference Interview, Lee Anne Paris Ph.D.

The Christian Librarian

The reference interview provides a number of opportunities for Christian librarians to model the integration of faith and learning. When conducting reference interviews, librarians may have the chance to: 1) show a willingness to go the extra mile, 2) provide users with tools for seeking information successfully, 3) discuss information ethics, 4) exhibit openness to different points of view, and 5) demonstrate commitment to seeing individuals as God does. Ultimately, the reference interview can be a means to demonstrate that the life of the mind and the life of the spirit can (and should) be inextricably intertwined for a Christian …

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Retooling The Profession: Librarianship In An Era Of Accountability And Competition, Gregory A. Smith

The Christian Librarian

Librarianship has changed substantially in recent years. We who work in libraries must continually acquire new knowledge and skills. We must adapt to the reality that academic libraries, along with their parent institutions, face increased accountability. The functions that many of us have thought to be at the core of our profession are slipping from our grasp and will leave behind a mere managerial role. Nevertheless, many academic libraries will find a viable future by adopting and taking seriously the role of supporting learning. As we look at disruptive innovators in the information and learning scene, we should consider carefully …

The Importance Of Wisdom In Information Literacy, Eric Nyrose

The Christian Librarian

What does wisdom have to do with Internet research? First year students from two small Bible Colleges in Canada participated in focus groups about how and why they used the Internet for research. One of the questions queried whether they used wisdom in the process. While this question seemed natural in a Bible College context, it caused quite a conversation at the library school. These Bible College students seemed to operate with the idea of wisdom even in Internet research. They were able to describe this wisdom and their responses to other questions corroborated their description. Do these students have …

Research Studies, Reports, And Surveys On The Web: Quality Resources For Internet-Focused Students, John Jaeger

The Christian Librarian

Librarians frequently complain that students prefer searching the Internet to searching academic databases when doing research. There certainly is good reason to think that students are more interested in searching Google than searching on a library site, as studies have confirmed. However, the response to this situation does not have to be an adversarial one. Librarians certainly want to guide the student to the quality print and online resources available specifically through the library; however, they also can guide the student to quality resources available freely on the web, such as online research studies, reports, and surveys.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.