Digital Commons Network^™

Records Management As A Risk Mitigation Strategy At Water Utilities Corporation, Botswana., Tolani Blackie, Nathan Mnjama

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Records management is a very important component that can be used to mitigate risks in all organisations. The key objectives of the study were to establish whether Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has a risk management strategy for records and evaluate the importance, status of records as well as risk management in place. Study participants were purposively sampled in this simple stratified random sampling research design study.

The study revealed that WUC has a risk management strategy called "The Enterprise Risk Management Strategy" that covers aspects of records management. However, the study further revealed that records management policies, disaster preparedness plans, …

Evidence Synthesis, Corinne Bishop, Jason D. Phillips, Andy Todd

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This presentation introduces evidence synthesis, a structured method of systematically identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing research to inform healthcare interventions and policy decisions. Spearheaded by the UCF Libraries' Evidence Synthesis Group, activities have included developing resource guides, collaborating with faculty on systematic, scoping, and qualitative reviews, and attending professional training institutes. The session highlights best practices, essential resources, typologies of review types, librarian roles, and emerging tools like JBI SUMARI and PRISMA guidelines. Current and future initiatives, such as workshops, credit-bearing courses, and internal training programs, aim to expand support for faculty and students engaged in evidence synthesis projects at UCF. …

Design Forms And Games, Hillary Swanson, Ha Nguyen, Caroline Lavoie, Trilby Nelson

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper introduces a theoretical framework for characterizing design processes as design games. Based on Collins and Ferguson's epistemic forms and games, the framework characterizes design processes as games played by designers to fill out design forms, which are general templates underlying specific design artifacts. We introduce our framework through games involved in human-centered design, describing for each the entry conditions, target form, constraints, and moves. We demonstrate how the framework can be used to characterize design games played by experts in museum exhibit design and urban design. Through similar analyses, the framework …

The Role Of Generative Ai In Qualitative Research: Gpt-4'S Contributions To A Grounded Theory Analysis, Ravi Sinha, Idris Solola, Ha Nguyen, Hillary Swanson, Luettamae Lawrence

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

We present reflections on our experience using a generative AI model in qualitative research, to illuminate the AI's contributions to our analytic process. Our analytic focus was a segment of classroom transcript, which captured a teacher introducing scientific theory-building practices to middle school students. We used a grounded theory approach to produce a fine-grained characterization of the teacher's talk moves during the lesson implementation. Our eventual goal is to build a more nuanced conceptualization of responsive teaching in the context of theory-building activities. We involved GPT-4 during the initial exploratory and later focused coding stages. For our analysis of GPT-4's …

Variegated Order: Making Space For Neurodiverse Perspectives In Archives, Sophie Penniman

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This article aims to envision how archives could better reflect and represent neurodivergent records creators—people whose brains function in ways that diverge significantly from dominant societal standards of “normal". It discusses how neurodivergent records creators and their recordkeeping behaviors often do not fit within traditional archival paradigms which center verbal, written, and linear documents in specific organizational systems. The article then brings together sources from disability studies, feminist and gender studies, library studies, literary analysis, and archival scholarship to imagine ways in which the principle of provenance could be expanded to fit the archives of neurodiverse creators (and archives that …

How Accessible Are European Public Archives? An Assessment Of The Compliance With The Council Of Europe Recommendation R(2000)13 On A European Policy On Access To Archives, Michael Friedewald, Ivan Szekely, Murat Karaboga

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This paper takes as its starting point the lessons learned from the second pan-European study on access to archives conducted 20 years after the first one – with the understanding that these results may also provide global lessons. The principal aim of the study was to assess the European archives' compliance with the Council of Europe Recommendation No. R(2000)13 on a European policy on access to archives, which was adopted in July 2000 and was the first international norm in this field. Although the overall access situation in Europe has significantly improved over the past 20 years, several practices still …

Graduate Students' E-Book Awareness And Usage At A Public Research University In The U.S.A., Denise Brush, Daniel G. Kipnis

Libraries Scholarship

Purpose

This study aims to understand the level of graduate students’ awareness and usage of e-books purchased by the authors’ university library since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors created a Qualtrics survey with 13 questions that was sent to the university’s graduate student email list. The survey was sent in the fall of 2023 and was open for one month. The list had 3,318 subscribers; 113 complete responses were received, for a response rate of 3.4%.

Findings

The results found that doctoral students (80%) are more aware than master’s students (64%) of e-book availability through the library, and usage …

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.

Effect Of Inclusiveness And Contemporary Teaching And Learning Environments On Students With Learning Disability, Emmanuel Chidiadi Onwubiko

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This work is an overview of the effect of inclusiveness and contemporary teaching and learning environments on students with learning disability. The paper looked at learning disability, inclusiveness in education and contemporary teaching and learning environment from the conceptual perspective as well as the effect of both inclusiveness and contemporary teaching and learning environments on students with learning disability. It was ascertained based on reviewed literature that inclusive education is in tandem with the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goal (UN-SDG) 4 which stipulates that no child should be left behind in education with special reference to students with learning disability. …

Theory-Based Science Communication At Comic Cons, Lisa Lundgren, Emily Slater, Man Zhang, Kadie Kunz, Gabriel-Philip Santos

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

The majority of research concerning science communication happens in spaces where people already have a vested interest in or knowledge of science, such as museums and science cafes. Thus, there is a gap in understanding what theory-based science communication looks like in non-science-centered spaces. This qualitative research study, which featured cosplaying science communicators at comic conventions, offers insights into what science communication practices occur within everyday spaces. We conducted observations of and semi-structured interviews with 15 cosplaying scientists, examining how they utilized effective framing and narrative structuring when communicating science at comic cons in cosplay. Across 700 coded utterances, cosplaying …

Cognitive And Affective Information Seeking Barriers Affecting First-Year Students At The Tshwane University Of Technology (Tut), Rirhandzu S. Mhinga, Rirhandzu Sharon Mhinga, Madely Du Preez

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Introduction. Investigates cognitive and affective barriers caused by uncertainty that affect the information seeking and searching behaviour of first-year students registered at the Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane campus. These students do not have a background of using academic information resources and systems. Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model and the four levels of information needs identified by Taylor guided this study. The research question that shaped this investigation is, how do feelings of uncertainty affect the information seeking behaviour of first year students?

Methods. A phenomenological research approach was employed in the study. Fifteen first-year students were interviewed. …

Editors' Introduction, Leah Powell Duncan, Janina Mueller, Rachel Starry, Sl Ziegler, Emily M. Zinger

Journal of Critical Digital Librarianship

Editors' Introduction. Special Issue, "Turning it Off and Back On Again: Speculative Digital Librarianship"

Who Gets To Decolonize: A Reflection On The Importance Of Positionality In The Decolonization Of Digital Learning Spaces And Learning Design, Rebecca Y. Bayeck, Tutaleni Iita Asino

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Decolonization as a term and concept gained prominence in the 20th century as new nations emerged from the cessation of the global colonial project which primarily saw European countries occupying different parts of the world. In modern times, interests in decolonization have taken different forms, particularly in learning design and digital learning spaces. In the digital space, researchers mainly suggest introducing indigenous perspectives and cultural lenses in the design of digital learning environments and the design of emerging technologies that embed indigenous perspectives (Nede, 2023). This reflexive essay discusses the importance of positionality in digital learning spaces and learning/instructional design. …

Investigation Into Electronic Resources Utilization And Evidence-Based Medicine Practice Among Resident Doctors In Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Obinyan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper explored electronic resources utilization and evidence-based medicine practice of resident doctors in teaching hospitals in South-East Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted in the study and the population for the study was 1031 resident doctors in three teaching hospitals in south-East, Nigeria. Proportionate sampling technique was used and data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and key informal interviews. The reliability test of the variables ranged from α = 0.81 - 0.99. A response rate of 90.6% was obtained. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that standard EBM is been practiced to a …

Information Seeking Behaviour Of Physicians For Patient Care In University Teaching Hospitals In North-Central, Nigeria, Onyeke Emmanuel Onyeke, Prof. Chinwe N. Ezeani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated information seeking behaviour of physicians for improved patient care in University Teaching Hospitals in North Central Nigeria. To achieve the research objectives, the study sets to find out: information seeking behaviour of physicians for improved patient care in University Teaching Hospitals, in North-Central, Nigeria; determine the extent to which the medical library provides the needed information for physicians in University Teaching Hospitals, in North-Central, Nigeria; determine the extent to which physicians use the medical library in University Teaching Hospitals, in North-Central, Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated to serve as a guide to the study. A descriptive …

The Wicked Problem Of Climate Change And The Challenge Of Engagement: Exploring Educational Approaches And Possibilities For Information Literacy, Andrea Baer

Libraries Scholarship

Climate change is a prime example of a “wicked problem”: it is characterized by complexity and unboundedness and has no complete or simple solutions, though communities can develop constructive interventions that address particular aspects of the problem (for example, in cities increasing green spaces that have a cooling effect). Because the problem of climate change is so expansive and the answers to it remain limited in scope and impact, engaging with the topic inevitably evokes difficult emotions like uncertainty, overwhelm, despair, and grief. So it is understandable that a common response to the realities of climate change has been denial …

Global Health Problems In New Mexico: Resources In Hslic Special Collections, Deborah J. Rhue, Abbie Weiser Olivas

Posters and Presentations

This online talk by Abbie Olivas, HSLIC Archivist, and Deborah Rhue, HSLIC Clinical Services Librarian explored archival resources in Special Collections that further our understanding of global health problems, such as diabetes, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and the plague. This event was in conjunction with the National Library of Medicine's traveling exhibit, Making a World of Difference: Stories about Global Health, on display on the Library's 4th floor from June 3 - July 13, 2024.

Influence Of The Use Of Ict On Students’ Academic Performance In Mathematics In Efon-Alaaye Lga, Ekiti State, Temitope Samuel Akinbinu Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The application of Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) in education has revolutionized teaching and learning. This study sought to determine the influence of ICT in terms of students’ attitude towards ICT use and the extent of using ICT facilities on students’ academic performance in mathematics. Specifically, the study focused on the students’ attitude towards ICT use, the extent to which ICT facilities was used, challenges encountered in the course of using it, the significant effect of ICT on student academic performance in mathematics and significant difference on academic performance based on gender.

The study was non-experimental, it adopted survey research …

Development Of Public Library Services To Support Small Businesses In Iran: A Systematic Review, Maryam Habibi, Soraya Ziaei

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

چکیده : توسعه اقتصادی اولویت همه کشورهاست. همانطور که کتابخانه ها همچنان به نوآوری برای تأثیر قرن بیست و یکم و حمایت از خدمات تجاری ادامه می دهند، می توانند ارتباط فعلی و آینده خود را در دنیای در حال تغییر نشان دهند. کتابخانه ها به عنوان یک نهاد مرکزی در جامعه، اطلاعات و منابع آموزشی را در اختیار همه قرار می دهند و این می تواند به صاحبان مشاغل کوچک که به دنبال کسب درآمد هستند کمک کند. آنها نقش مهمی در اکوسیستم کسب و کارهای کوچک دارند. هدف پژوهش حاضر مروری نظام مند بر شناسایی اقدامات و برنامه …

The Role Of Livestock Cooperative Societies In Providing Information On Livestock Production In Northwest Nigeria, Suleiman Idris, Abdulkadir Tsagem Mamman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Livestock cooperative societies play an important role in disseminating information related to livestock production practices to farmers in Northwest Nigeria. These societies aim to support farmers by sharing knowledge that can help strengthen animal husbandry techniques, improve productivity, and increase farm incomes. Through organized events, training programs, and distribution of educational materials, the livestock cooperatives in the region seek to provide farmers with the latest research-based information on topics like animal breeding, feeding, disease prevention, and market access. The objective of this study is to assess the types of information services provided by livestock cooperative societies to address the information …

Graphic Medicine As Library Outreach, Chanda Briggs

Gleeson Library Faculty and Staff Research and Scholarship

One of the most compelling aspects of graphic novels is the ability to connect to the emotions of the reader through visual storytelling. Understanding the challenges another person faces or realizing that one’s own challenges are not unique can boost a reader’s empathy as well as their sense of belonging.

The low-lift-high-impact nature of graphic medicine is perfect for awareness campaigns as well as critical scholarship. It makes praxis practical and disarms a reader’s defenses to experience the vulnerability of being fully human. Graphic novels meet students where they are. The high circulation statistics speak for themselves and through graphic …

Volume 44, Number 2, June 2024 Olac Newsletter, Tanesa King, Morris Levy, Amanda Mack, Meg Wang, Alex Whelan, Nerissa Lindsey

OLAC Newsletters

Digitized June 2024 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

There Are Thousands Of Stories In The Texas Medical Center (Tmc): Is Yours One Of Them?, Alice Sherwood

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

From its founding in 1945, the TMC has impacted millions of lives, including those of patients, staff and visitors. “Moments in History”, part of the oral history project of the Friends of the Texas Medical Center Library, strives to capture and preserve those memories and facts for future generations lest they be lost forever.

Please consider sharing some of your time to carry the knowledge of the past into the future.

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 …

Impact Of Librarian-Mediated Literature Search Services, Frances Chu

2024 Swedish Learning and Celebration Day

No abstract provided.

New Mcgovern Historical Center Collections Website, Sandra Yates

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

No abstract provided.

Independent Long Covid Journalism As A Lens For Critical Information Literacy: Conversations With The Sick Times Founders Betsy Ladyzhets And Miles W. Griffis, Andrea Baer

Communications in Information Literacy

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the acceleration of climate change illuminate how difficult it can be to make sense of information about wicked problems—that is, issues that are highly complex and have no simple or complete solutions (Rittel & Webber, 1973). One approach to grappling with wicked problems is to consider the information practices that different people, communities, or professions use to make sense of those issues. In this Perspectives piece, I explore possible ways to practice and teach about critical information literacy by looking to the views, experiences, and professional practices of two independent journalists who report on …

Exploring Professional Identities In Libraries: The Impact Of Credit-Bearing Courses Beyond Student Learning, Jane Hammons, Daniel S. Dotson, Hanna Primeau, Diana Ramey

Communications in Information Literacy

In this essay, we argue in support of library-led information literacy (IL) credit courses, emphasizing the impact that developing, teaching, and managing these courses can have on the professional identity of library faculty and staff. Existing research has indicated that librarians who teach credit courses may more strongly identify as teachers than those who teach only course-integrated sessions. We expand on this research by sharing the perspective of four individuals who are involved in the design, instruction, and coordination of credit-bearing IL courses, including two faculty librarians and two staff members. By providing these differing voices, we give a unique …

Discover Access Medicine, Access Surgery, Case Files And Ommbid, Joanne Romano

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

The TMC Library subscribes to Access Medicine, Access Surgery, Case Files Collection and the Online Metabolic and Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease (OMMBID). Our suite of McGraw Hill databases includes much more than Ebooks! There are a variety of tools and content for learners at every level. See their new medical Infographics (see samples above), or explore their Study Tools where you can build custom quizzes to test your knowledge in a variety of medical specialties. Visit the TMC Library Blog to explore these tools.

Library Holiday Hours, Beatriz Varman

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

The TMC Library will be closed July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Regular hours resume Friday July 5th.