Digital Commons Network^™

A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About The Relationships Between Obesity And Women’S Health Concerns In The Reproductive System, Breast, And Endometrial Health, Batul Mirza

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many …

Reimagining Information Literacy In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: A Nudge In The Right Direction, Kay Coates, Lili Li

University Libraries: Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Data Please!: Expanding The Role Of Libraries In Data Science Through Digital Scholarship, Halie Kerns

Library Scholarship

Objective: As data science becomes more integrated into research and teaching, libraries are well-positioned to support this work. This study examines how a digital scholarship team at Binghamton University enhanced engagement with data science by assessing faculty, staff, and graduate student needs. Through focus group interviews, the study identifies key support gaps and outlines strategic initiatives to strengthen interdisciplinary data science programming within the library.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used, involving 26 focus group interviews with faculty, staff, and graduate students across STEM and related fields. Participants discussed their data science work, tools, training, and perceived resource …

Ucf Libraries 2025 Faculty Research Showcase, Jasmine George, Patrick Green, Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang, Renee Cole Montgomery, Rachel Trnka, Mary Rubin, Min Tong, Arielle Petrovich, Jeanne Piascik, Sai Deng

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries’ Faculty Research Showcase is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the scholarly achievements, research, and creative work of library faculty.

The 2025 Showcase features eight engaging presentations covering a diverse range of topics:

• Jasmine George – Student Engagement Initiatives Around Florida Academic Libraries

• Jasmine George & Patrick Green – Student Wellbeing at the Library

• Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang & Renee Cole Montgomery – Roadmapping Leganto Successfully

• Rachel Trnka – Florida Library History

• Mary Rubin – Escape the Ordinary: Escape Rooms as Active Learning Magic

• Min Tong …

Better Together: Collaborative Approaches To Teaching Primary Source & Information Literacy, Rebecca Fitzsimmons

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Special collections librarians and their research & instruction colleagues discuss collaborative approaches to primary source and information literacy instruction in the university classroom. Through presentations and panel discussion they cover the types of classes where they collaborate, including a representative example class; how they work with teaching faculty; their favorite learning objectives; and how their partnerships have made them better teachers.

Panelists represent public universities in Arkansas, Illinois, and Maine, and a private college in Ohio.

Navigating Your Boundaries: Transitioning From Egs To Pure4egs Without Altering Your Job Description, Jessea Young

Librarian Publications & Presentations

Loyola Marymount University’s William H. Hannon Library recently transitioned from Expert Gallery Suite (EGS) - Selected Works to Pure4EGS. Previously, EGS was managed by authors with support from the scholarly communications librarian when they deposited works into our institutional repository, Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS. EGS was a secondary, but underutilized component, of our scholarly communication services. However, the migration to Pure4EGS gave the library an opportunity to be part of the reporting workflow of research activities and publication data for administrators, faculty, and staff across campus.

Our Pure4EGS platform, Scholars @ LMU, is managed by a single librarian …

Improving The Circulation Of Federal Reserve Banks Research With A Working Paper Digest, Scott St. Louis

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

Across the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks, more than 400 economists produce hundreds of freely accessible working papers each year. Until recently, there was not a single resource with which to stay current on their release. In response, librarians across the Fed spearheaded a new initiative: A monthly email digest, Latest Working Papers from the Federal Reserve Banks, now delivers new economic research directly to subscribers. In fewer than 30 days following its initial issue in July 2024, Latest Working Papers from the Federal Reserve Banks gained more than 1,300 subscribers in more than 30 countries on six continents. This …

Business Librarian Collaboration In The Midwest Entrepreneurship Case Competition, Zoeanna A. Mayhook

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

Launched in 2024, the Midwest Entrepreneurship Case Competition (MECC) is a regional case competition organized by business librarians and designed for undergraduate students across the Midwest. The competition helps students strengthen their business research skills while competing for prize incentives, generously sponsored by vendors of widely used business databases.

In addition to supporting student learning, MECC facilitates meaningful collaboration among business librarians involved in planning and implementation. It also offers a valuable window into how students engage with business information tools to support informed and strategic decision-making. This presentation will highlight the benefits of partnering with MECC and share upcoming …

Evolving Trends: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Academic Librarians’ Publications At Twelve Aau Member Universities, Pete E. Pascuzzi, Jason B. Reed, Greenley Goedde Creech

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

The goal of this bibliometric study was to explore the broader publication patterns of academic librarians in both information and library science (ISLS) and interdisciplinary research for the years 2009 - 2023. Web of Science data were collected for twelve academic libraries. The results showed that while the number of ISLS publications has dropped, interdisciplinary publications have increased dramatically with a broad range of disciplines represented, and collaborations in the medical sciences were a major contributor to this increase. The study suggests that some academic libraries have shifted their priorities over the past fifteen years and that the assessment of …

Alma Link Resolver Subject Report 2024-2025, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Statistics for 2024-2025 on the number of OpenURL requests by Library of Congress classification code made to the Ex Libris Alma link resolver for items held by the University of Rhode Island Libraries.

Information provided includes Classification Code, Classifications, Number of Requests, Number of Clicked Requests, and % Clicks from Requests.

Alma Link Resolver Title & Issn Report (Top 500) 2024-2025, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Statistics for 2024-2025 on the total number of OpenURL requests by journal title and ISSN made to the Ex Libris Alma link resolver for items held by the University of Rhode Island Libraries. Includes only the top 500 journals.

Information provided includes journal Title, ISSN, EISSN, Number of Requests, Number of Clicked Requests, % Clicks from Requests.

An Analysis Of Hybrid/Remote Work Eligibility In Academic Librarian Job Advertisements, Ruth S. Connell, Meris Mandernach Longmeier

Library Faculty Publications

This paper seeks to capture changing policies and approaches to hybrid and remote work in academic libraries following the COVID-19 pandemic. For this study, job advertisements were gathered and those hiring managers surveyed. Results show hybrid/remote positions have competitive salaries, many types of academic library positions have hybrid eligibility, and campus and library policies regarding hybrid/remote work and their inclusion in job postings continue to evolve. Despite the potential recruitment benefits of these flexible work arrangements, many who offer them are not including this information in their job advertisements; therefore, job candidates should ask or negotiate for this benefit.

Fy 2023-2024 Annual Report (Lwlc), Lwlc Faculty And Staff

LWLC Publications

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Shared Agendas For Scholarship On Teaching With Primary Sources: Reflections On A Bibliometric Analysis, Jen Hoyer, Anne Bahde

Publications and Research

This article explores how scholarship about teaching with primary sources (TPS) has evolved over time and what future directions past work might suggests. Using bibliometric analysis and visualization tools, we examined how TPS work has grown; what fields and disciplines focus on this work; key themes and issues; and what scholarship has been influential to the field. These insights led to reflections on disconnects across the field, considerations for publishing about TPS, and the potential of pedagogical standards and guidelines. Finally, this article concludes with recommendations on how this analysis points to possibilities for shared education, space, conversation, and products.

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Summer 2025, Waring Library Society, Waring Historical Library, Medical University Of South Carolina, Jude Arendall, Robert Ball, Jerry Reeves, Joann Livingston Zeise, Tabitha Samuel

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

In this issue, Waring Library Society President Robert Ball, M.D. highlights the accomplishments of Dr. Randolph D. Smoak, Jr., emphasizing his leadership in medical organizations, advocacy for health reform and anti-smoking efforts, and recognition as a distinguished alumnus of MUSC. Jerry Reves, M.D., shares a brief new history of the Medical College. The Waring’s staff also provide updates: JoAnn Zeise, provides updates on the Waring’s restoration project, including the asbestos; Tabitha Samuel shares the new Spring 2025 titles added to MEDICA@MUSC, Jude Arendall makes a return to the Waring.

2025-2026 Global Feedback Report: Uni Scholarworks, University Of Northern Iowa, Rod Library

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

This library report was prepared by the Digital Scholarship Librarian at the University of Northern Iowa as part of assessment efforts demonstrating the reach and impact of departments and programs at the University of Northern Iowa. The global input is related to specific works found in UNI's institutional repository, UNI ScholarWorks (http://www.scholarworks.uni.edu.)

Nsu Library Link - Summer 2025 - Volume 2.1, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Florida Link Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Beyond Chatbots: The Emergence Of Autonomous Ai Agents In Libraries, Nikesh Narayanan

All Works

This chapter explores how generative AI and agentic AI are redefining library services through enhanced interactivity, personalization, and scalability of support. The rise of machine learning, and specifically natural language processing (NLP) with large language models, brought a new wave of capabilities to library chatbots. Moving beyond single-turn question-answering chatbots, the concept of autonomous AI agents (or agentic AI) in libraries represents a significant leap in capability. An autonomous agent is an advanced form of AI that can understand and respond to inquiries, then take action without human intervention. When they are given an objective, they can generate tasks for …

Redefining Rural Representation In Short Story Anthologies: Using Short Stories To Highlight Rural Counterstories, Brittany Gargano-Smith, Jenna Spiering

The Rural Educator

This article explores the importance of incorporating diverse rural short stories into English language arts (ELA) curricula to foster empathy, understanding, and connection among students. It addresses underrepresentation and lack of variety in rural stories within publishing and traditional curricula, which affects rural students’ sense of identity and belonging. Through exploration of rural short story anthologies, the authors highlight the significance of counterstories that depict the intersectional dimensions of rural life, including geography, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and abilities. By amplifying contemporary rural voices and complicating stereotypes, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that validate diverse experiences.

A Comprehensive Study Of Library-Led Textbook Affordability Initiatives In The United States, Mitchell Scott, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This study presents findings from a survey and interviews investigating library-led textbook affordability initiatives in the United States. The results document diverse considerations and divergences in workflows, challenges librarians face in establishing and maintaining textbook affordability programs, and the intersection of these initiatives with library and institutional strategies. Findings suggest that these programs have grown in number and scale over the past few years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and are sustained—even without permanent, designated funding—due to consistently positive perceptions about their impact on student success, just-in-time delivery, and alignment with library and institutional goals.

Information Literacy In Charter Schools: An Institutional Ethnography, Katherine Klein

Theses and Dissertations

A strength of US charter schools is their opportunity to carve out an educational niche. Without the same regulation and district control present in traditional public schools, a charter school’s approach can seriously impact how the school addresses information literacy. In our current culture, we are saturated with media and technology, and students learn about navigating, evaluating, and using information responsibly and creatively at school. However, there is currently no published research on how charters do this critical work with their students, particularly with fewer libraries and librarians in the sector. This study uses institutional ethnography to map ruling relations …

"I Don't Think Librarians Can Save Us": The Material Conditions Of Information Literacy Instruction In The Misinformation Age, Amber Willenborg, Robert Detmering

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This national qualitative study investigates academic librarians’ instructional experiences, views, and challenges regarding the widespread problem of misinformation. Findings from phenomenological interviews reveal a tension between librarians’ professional, moral, and civic obligation to address misinformation and the actual material conditions of information literacy instruction, which influence and often constrain librarians’ pedagogical and institutional roles. The authors call for greater professional reflection on current information literacy models that focus on achieving ambitious educational goals but which may be unsuitable for addressing the larger social and political crisis of misinformation.

Instructional Design: An Overview Of Critical Sources, Robyn Hartman

Library Faculty Publications

Instructional design serves as the backbone of effective education and training across diverse learning environments. From traditional classrooms to corporate training programs and online learning platforms, thoughtfully designed instruction creates the foundation for meaningful learning experiences. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of key resources in instructional design in higher education, offering both historical context and contemporary applications for professionals in the field. This essay is intended for novice higher education instructional designers seeking to build their foundational knowledge and experienced subject-matter educators looking to deepen their understanding of design principles and practices for their courses.

Empowering Researchers Through An Open Access Publishing Fund: A Case Study Of Clemson University Libraries, Karen Burton, Amal Mostafa

Publications

This session explores Clemson Libraries’ Open Access Publishing Fund’s transition from a “first come, first served” to a rubric-based model. We’ll discuss implementation challenges, key insights from faculty surveys, and subsequent rubric revisions, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous improvement, and using a data-informed approach to meet the evolving needs of researchers.

Under Siege, Michael Fernandez, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

[In the absence of an abstract, the opening of the editorial is presented.] There isn’t any other way to put it: libraries are being attacked by the current US presidential administration. The latest salvo is part of a broader culture war strategy to dismantle institutions supporting education, research, and knowledge sharing, all of which are core principles of the library’s mission. As we prepare this issue for publication in the spring of 2025, daily executive orders, directives, and announcements have led to unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Given the rapid deluge of attacks, the outlook could be markedly worse by the …

Creating Web-Based Augmented Reality Experiences In The Academic Library, Beryl White-Bing

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

Hampered by constantly evolving applications, the cost of commercial applications, and the mechanics of having to download yet another application to a smart device, the use of augmented reality (AR) has been a struggle for this academic librarian in promoting resources, teaching content, and encouraging widespread general use of this immersive technology. Then, a random conversation with a creative and technology-oriented multimedia artist changed my perspective on this very useful and immersive tool. He introduced the concept and use of web-based augmented reality and the possibility of its use, not just in creative ways to produce art, but in other …

An Exploration Of Students' Recollections After An Asynchronous, On-Site Academic Library Tour, Adrienne Warner

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

Once an integral component to library instruction programs, tours of academic library spaces are less common despite students’ continued need for study spaces with various qualities. This study asks, "What do students remember after taking an asynchronous, on-site academic library tour?" Qualitative analysis finds that, while students value library study spaces, they also report predominantly positive feelings about the library and the tour itself. This research suggests that technical affordances can mitigate some historical drawbacks of tours while offering students a valuable library instruction experience.

Censorship Is Still A Drag: Lgbtq Materials And Programming Under Siege In Libraries, Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud, Kestrel Ward, Amanda Melilli

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The presentation Censorship Is Still a Drag explores the escalating challenges facing libraries as they strive to uphold intellectual freedom amid rising censorship efforts targeting LGBTQ+ materials and programming. Drawing from the book Censorship Is a Drag: LGBTQ Materials and Programming Under Siege in Libraries, the presenters—Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud, Kestrel Ward, and Amanda Melilli—offer a comprehensive overview of the legal, political, and institutional pressures threatening inclusive library practices. Through case studies and firsthand accounts, the presentation examines the impact of both external censorship and internal resistance within libraries, and introduces the concept of “queer battle fatigue” to …

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …

I'M So Glad We Had This Time Together: A Memoir [Book Review], Jj Pionke

Disability in LIS (DisLIS)

Maurice Vellekoop's I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together: A Memoir is a recounting of his realization and embracing of his homosexuality ultimately through getting therapy for his depression.