Digital Commons Network^™

Volume 44, Number 3, September 2024 Olac Newsletter, Laura Kane Mcelfresh, Michael Herrick, Alex Whelan, Tanesa King, Nerissa Lindsey, Lisa Romano, Morris Levy, Jan Mayo, Michelle Cronquist, Diana Eynon, Yoko Kudo, Brian Falato

OLAC Newsletters

Digitized September 2024 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, And Access Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2024, April K. Anderson-Zorn, Karmine Beecroft, Mallory Jallas, Laura Killingsworth, Maddi Loiselle, Rachel Scott, Lindsey Skaggs, Maria Tudela, Eric Willey

Reports and White Papers - Milner Library

Report of Milner Library's activities and initiatives related to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in Fiscal Year 2024.

Ephemera As A Versatile Primary Resource: A Case Study Of The Nancy Tucker Postcard Collection, Dylan J. Mcdonald, Jennifer Olguin, Monika Glowacka-Musial

Journal of Western Archives

Ephemera are rich primary sources too often overlooked within archival materials and at collecting institutions. This case study argues that archivists and librarians should recognize ephemera, specifically postcards, as powerful historical documents worthy of scholarly investigation. By analyzing a sample set of digitized postcards held at the New Mexico State University Library, we show how scholars can use postcards to develop evidence-based arguments. Through the images, printed texts, and hand-written inscriptions found on these early 20th century postcards, we demonstrate how researchers can examine the pro-development messages found in southern New Mexico postcards.

Effectiveness Of Digital Communication In Tackling Environmental Degradation In Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Bjc Anyanwu, Cynthia N. Jumbo, Oba Sunday Aikuirawo Anyi, Emeka Williams Etumnu, Alexander Chima Onyebuchi, Ezekiel S. Asemah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Environmental deterioration as a whole is dangerous because it is currently causing widespread health concerns. The technological determinism theory served as the basis for this study. A descriptive survey was used in the investigation. The Australian sample size calculator was used to select 385 participants from the 983,000 total population. The multistage sampling was applied. Data was collected via a questionnaire, and analysis was done using percentages. Results revealed that 53.6% of the respondents confirmed that digital communication is used to circulate information on the dangers of environmental degradation in Owerri, Imo State, but to a low extent. The results …

Developing Recommendations For More Inclusive Academic Librarian On-Site Interviews, Christina M. Miskey, Kathryn M. Houk, Jason Aubin

Library Faculty Research

This chapter will discuss the work of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), library faculty Ad Hoc Committee for Diverse Recruitment and Retention: Campus Visits and Interviews (hereafter referred to as the campus visits committee), which was formed by the library faculty in 2020 to recommend ways for the faculty interview process to be more inclusive and to allow candidates from diverse backgrounds to excel during their interview process. The culmination of the committee’s work was the internal report for library faculty, Recommendations for Hosting UNLV Library Faculty Candidates, which is in the process of being implemented for …

“Academic Publishing Is A Business Interest”: Reconciling Faculty Serials Needs And Economic Realities At A Carnegie R2 University, Rachel E. Scott, Anne Shelley, Chad E. Buckley, Cassie Thayer-Styes, Julie A. Murphy

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Introduction: This article explores faculty conceptions of academic publishers, their willingness to circumvent paywalls and share content, and their understanding of who holds the responsibility to pay for this body of scholarly work to which they all contribute.

Methods: The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 faculty at their Carnegie R2 university to explore scholars’ perspectives with respect to the costs of serials and the responsibilities of the University and library in support of scholarly publishing.

Results: Participants reported a broad spectrum of perspectives with respect to circumventing publisher paywalls and offered nuanced practices for interacting with paywalled content. They …

Library Services And Resource Provision To Prison Inmates In Enugu Maximum Prison Library, Enugu State, Nigeria, Andrew Ifeanyi Ifeabor, Godwin Sunday Ezeh, Comfort Ometere Alabi, Margaret N. Ngwuchukwu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study focused on library services and resource provision to prison inmates in Enugu Maximum Prison Library Enugu State Nigeria. Four (4) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent of library services provision to the prison inmates, extent of provision of library resources to the inmates, agencies that provide resources and services to the Prison Library, and the problems associated with the provision of library services and resources to meet the inmates’ information needs. Eighty-three (83) respondents comprising eighty prison inmates and three library staff were used as …

Ucf Libraries 2024 Faculty Research Showcase, Michael Furlong, David Benjamin, Renee Cole Montgomery, Chereeka Garner, Andy Todd, Peggy L. Nuhn, Jeanne Piascik, Tina H. Buck, Sara Duff, Sai Deng

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries’ Faculty Research Showcase has been a tradition of the library to highlight the publications, research projects, and scholarly accomplishments of library faculty members. The 2024 Showcase features seven presentations: "Alas, Babylon Afterword, Centipede Press (1959/2024)", "Throwback to Throwback Thinking: Integrating Archives into Student Engagement Activities", "Recent Research Activity: A Tale of Two Studies", "I Think I Can… I Think I Can…: Lessons in Persistence and Relationships from The Little Engine that Could", "A Hybrid Approach to Library Deaccessioning: A Case Study from the University of Central Florida", "KBART Automation vs Manual …

The Awareness And Use Of Electronic Information Resources Among Non-Academic Staff Of University Of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Abdulwaliy Oloruntobi Akinnubi, Oluwafemi Emmanuel Amupitan, Temitope Joseph Babatunde

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Electronic Information Resources (EIRS) has become the choice platform for academics, non-academics, and researchers primarily for their capacity to accommodate and retrieve information resources online. Therefore, It is understandable why EIRS is embraced daily by both established and aspiring scholars and students in academic institutions globally. It has been shown in literature over time that the awareness and usage of EIRS have influenced people to become more innovative and technologically savvy neighbors. This work, therefore, intends to explore the depth of awareness and usage of Electronic resources by Non-Academic staff of the University of Ilorin. The study has adopted quantitative …

English As The Scholarly Language: Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Implications For Academic Reference And Instruction Librarians, Linda Ueki Absher, Michelle R. Desilets

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

This article examines the use of non-English resources in academic libraries, with a focus on reference and instruction. Academic librarians from the United States and Canada were surveyed about their perceptions regarding the use of non-English resources during reference and instruction duties and the results are considered through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. The authors explore literature regarding the dominance of the English language in higher education, scholarly communication, and academic publishing. Library literature is also reviewed, emphasizing reference and instruction services viewed through a critical librarianship or “critlib” lens. These perspectives are applied to the survey results with …

Information Literacy And Learning In The Emerging Digital Landscape: A Theoretical Review, Adeoye Augustine Bamgbose

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The 21st century has witnessed an unprecedented surge in information availability, catalyzed by rapid digital advancements. This paradigm shift has not only transformed how information is generated and accessed but has also fundamentally altered the learning landscape. Within this dynamic context, the intersection of information literacy and learning emerges as a critical area of inquiry. Information literacy, once confined to library sciences, has evolved into a multidimensional competency encompassing adept navigation, critical evaluation, and judicious utilization of digital information sources. This review delves into the intricate relationship between information literacy and learning in the digital age, drawing from various theoretical …

Comparing The Preparation Of Youth Services Librarians To Their On-The-Ground Experiences: A Grounded Theory Study Incorporating Criticism And Connoisseurship, Anne Holland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the on-the-ground preparation of youth services librarians, in contrast to their professional training in Master’s of Library Science (MLIS) programs. Classic Grounded Theory was the predominant methodology for this qualitative study, and elements of Criticism and Connoisseurship were also utilized. Document review, interviews, and journaling activities with ten participants were the primary methods of data collection. Key findings from this dissertation include a grounded theory explaining the current state of preparation for youth services librarianship, and multiple avenues for further study.

Gamification And Game-Based Learning Tools: A Review And Utility For School Libraries, Sarwesh Pareek

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of gamification tools in school libraries, focusing on a web-based survey that identified 29 games related to digital literacy and library services. These games, categorized as free and paid, span various subjects and topics, including math, science, language arts, and information literacy. The research examines the specific uses of these games, assessing their effectiveness in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. By analyzing the features, design elements, and user interactions of these games, the study aims to provide insights into their impact on student motivation and educational achievement. The findings highlight the potential of …

Connecting The Dots: Sharing Hidden Histories Of Regional Inventors’ Patents, John Schlipp, Kris Kallies

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) support inventors, entrepreneurs, and researchers with patent and trademark information. Some PTRCs share regional patent history as part of their community outreach. This article focuses on PTRCs that have developed online databases and published works documenting regional patents, thereby providing hidden historical insights for historians, genealogists, and students. It spotlights the development of Georgiavation, a historic patent database developed by the PTRC at Georgia Southern University. Finally, this article offers guidance for libraries, museums, and other institutions interested in documenting their state or regional patent histories. This can result in a more inclusive narrative …

Humanities And Social Sciences: Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, Lily Kong

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong discussed the importance of the social sciences and humanities, and explained how they significantly impact our daily routines and life choices. She emphasised the need for scholars of social sciences and humanities to expand channels of communication and engagement with diverse audiences. They should share insights and findings, collaborate across disciplines and sectors, and harness the synergies and complementarities of different perspectives and approaches. Prof Kong opined that for Singapore, the disciplines constitute a collective strategic asset that will enable the country to move forward into a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate …

Fy24 Usability Program Test #7: Retesting And Observing Search Behaviors, Lindsey Skaggs

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

The FY24 Usability Testing Program was designed to iteratively assess user experience at Milner Library. The program gathers data through usability testing of the library's website and discovery layer, as well as survey questions about users' experiences with library services. Test #7 gathers information from library users about their experiences locating and accessing materials and information. Takeaways and recommendations are included in the report.

Perception And Utilization Of Electronic Databases By Undergraduate Students In Universities In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Inemesit Udom Udoh, Glory E. Ekpenyong Mr., Mfon Etefia Ekanem Mrs.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the perception and utilization of electronic databases by undergraduate students in universities in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive survey design with a study population of 1,116 registered undergraduates-users of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Library and Ritman University Library, out of which 224 undergraduates-users were sampled using the proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected using a combined instrument of observation checklist, structured questionnaire and unstructured interview. 224 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, but 186 (83%) were retrieved with valid information. Analysis of data was done using frequency count, simple percentage, mean scores and …

Information Literacy Instruction Services At Rural Community Colleges, Fall 2019 Through Ay 2021/22, Heather Posey Vandyne

Library Faculty Publications

This exploratory study examines the instructional practices of two-year institutions located in rural areas during the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and the two academic years that follow. Since the virus commonly known as COVID-19 first made its way to the United States in March 2020, three classes of community college students have had an introduction to higher education unlike any other in living memory. The mixed method approach consists of a survey aimed towards rural college librarians and subsequent in-depth interviews. This study identifies attempts to retain connections with faculty and students, as well as adjustments in …

Thematic Mapping Of Apidae Holdings Within The University Of Arkansas Arthropod Museum, Baylie Lenora Day

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Museum biological collections store species data that can be utilized in research on biodiversity, environmental change, invasive species, public health, and disease. The University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum, which began in 1905, houses over 750,000 specimens and has not yet been digitized. Making data publicly accessible via the internet makes the data available to the entire scientific community. The goal of this project was to create a digital resource to allow greater access to the University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum holdings. To do so, data from Bombus (bumble bee) and Xylocopa (carpenter bee) specimens were databased in Excel and displayed …

A Compilation, Analysis, And Categorization Of 403 Atmospheric And Climate Science Misconceptions, Haeli Leighty

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has listed the inaccessibility of research related to misconceptions in atmospheric and climate science as a Geoscience Education Research Grand Challenge (Cervato et al. 2018). This project was a direct response to this call for research and consisted of three distinct steps: 1) data gathering, which included reviewing the literature for relevant misconception data, 2) a qualitative analysis, which included compiling, organizing, and categorizing the data collected, and 3) a quantitative analysis, which included determining the prevalence of each misconception across topic categories, demographic categories, and over time. A total of 403 misconceptions …

Bibliography For "Explore The World: Journey Through Travel Books At The Leatherby Libraries", Isabella Piechota, Kalea Brown, Arianna Tillman

Library Displays and Bibliographies

A bibliography created to support a display about travel books at the Leatherby Libraries during May 2024 at the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University.

Charleston Horse Power: Equine Culture In The Palmetto City, A Blake Denton

The Southeastern Librarian

Christina Rae Butler Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2023 ISBN: 9781643364025 248 p. $27.99 (Pbk)

The Cuban Sandwich: A History In Layers, Austina Mcfarland Jordan

The Southeastern Librarian

Andrew T. Huse, Bárbara C. Cruz, & Jeff Houck Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2022 ISBN: 9780813069388 180 p. $24.95 (Pbk)

Persepsi Pemerintah Dan Masyarakat Dalam Pelestarian Cagar Budaya: Studi Kasus Kawasan Cagar Budaya Pusat Pemerintahan Kesultanan Siak Sri Indrapura, Agi Ginanjar

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

This article discusses the importance of government and community collaboration in the preservation and potential use of Siak Sri Indrapura Cultural Heritage Area. It is not easy to carry out preservation as mandated by the law, because in practice various problems may arise, especially those related to the area’s use. The purpose of this study is to integrate interpretations concerning the importance of government and community collaboration in the preservation of cultural heritage areas and those concerning their potential use by taking into account socio-cultural and economic values. This study was designed using a convergent qualitative and quantitative approach (convergent …

Systematic Reviews In The Engineering Literature: A Scoping Review, Margaret Phillips, Jason B. Reed, Dave Zwicky, Amy S. Van Epps, Amy G. Buhler, Erin M. Rowley, Qianjin Zhang, James M. Cox, Wei Zakharov

Purdue University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund

A systematic review is a specialized type of literature review used to collect and synthesize all the available evidence related to a research question. The methods for systematic reviews should be transparent and reproducible so that other researchers can use, replicate, and build upon the findings. Systematic reviews have been published for decades in medical literature where it is necessary to bring together all the studies related to a particular disease or condition for healthcare professionals to make evidence-based recommendations. Conducting systematic reviews has expanded to other disciplines, including education, business, and engineering. The authors of this study conducted a …

Library Publishing In The Global South: Research In Progress, Monica Berger

Publications and Research

Little is known about library publishing in the Global South which is varied in scale, format, and longevity. Library publishing is critical to the expansion of quality diamond open access that is robustly discoverable and properly preserved. The preliminary phase of a research project identified and analyzed Global South library publishers, and gathered data for publisher scale, geography, platform, format, and ethical best practices or other indications of external vetting.

Friends Of Musselman Library Newsletter Spring 2024, Musselman Library, Gettysburg College

Friends of Musselman Library Newsletter

From the Dean (Robin Wagner)

Library News

• Behind-the-Scenes at the Library of Congress
• Honor Commission Survey
• One Million Views
• Blues Masterclass
• Long Night Against Procrastination

Library Exhibits: Rare and Quiet: The Past Lives of Books (Sunni DeNicola)

Crafternoon Break

Browsing Room Makeover

Plant Propagation Program

Then and Now: The Eclipse

Improving Climate

Catherine Quinn Perry 1975 – 2024

GettDigital: Art and Geography Intersect

Getting to Know...

Memorial Day Reflection

Flashback: A Mark Twain Connection

Donor Profile: Meet the Collector

Library Bookshelf: How Do You Travel? (Beth Carmichael)

New Volume of Stewart Herman's Letters Published

Focus on Philanthropy: Hidden History

Unexpected …

Great Lengths: A Review Of Website Preservation Activities At Three American Universities With Digital Humanities Centers, Drew E. Vandecreek

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Sustaining grant funded digital humanities websites has become a major challenge in the field. Three American universities with digital humanities centers kept eight of nine websites funded by the United States National Endowment for the Humanities (1996–2003) online to 2022. Center personnel made website preservation a part of everyday operations without additional funds devoted to the task. Web software developed rapidly in this period, however and center staff members’ efforts often did not succeed in providing necessary updates. Funded materials became increasingly obsolete. The extent of center personnel’s efforts, compared with their results, suggests that their approach itself will in …

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Spring 2024, Waring Library Society, Waring Historical Library, Medical University Of South Carolina, Anna Marie Schuldt, Robert Ball, Joann Livingston Zeise, Tabitha Samuel, Kathryn Glorioso

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

The Spring 2024 issue of the Waring Library Society Newsletter is available now. In this issue, Waring Library Society President Dr. Robert Ball gives his first remarks as WLS President for the newsletter; JoAnn Zeise discusses Louis R. Agassiz’s time at the Medical College in 1849; Tabitha Samuel announces the new additions to MEDICA@MUSC; and Kathryn Glorioso provides insight into one MUSC lab intersection with history and Francis Peyre Porcher.

Library Faith, Self-Care, And Academic Librarianship, John P. Delooper

Publications and Research

Librarianship has long been regarded as a service-oriented profession, compared with fields such as social work, teaching, nursing, and others with a high degree of emotional labor. The roots of this run deep, perhaps as far as Dewey, who spoke of a “library spirit,” which represented an extreme commitment to patron service. Dewey, who was obsessed with efficiency, both in his personal and professional life, created and popularized the American Library Association’s motto of “the best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost.” This motto, passed on as professional wisdom and taught in library schools for decades, was …