Digital Commons Network^™

Engaging Graduate Medical And Health Sciences Students In Scholarly Communication: The Des Moines University Library’S Research & Scholarly Communication Peer Associate Program, Gina Schlesselman-Tarango, Jill Edgerton, Elizabeth Pryor, Rainie Valencia

Communications in Information Literacy

This piece introduces the Des Moines University Library’s Research and Scholarly Communication Peer Associate Program, focusing on the curriculum of a five-day summer institute developed for graduate medical and health sciences students and rooted in a critical information literacy framework. The authors outline the institute’s philosophy and approach and provide readers with key content areas, materials, activities, and homework prompts. Initial program assessment is discussed, and the authors share their thoughts on how the program might continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of students. The article concludes with reflections from two peer associates who participated in the program …

Information Literacy In English-Language Higher Education Teaching Journals: A Review, Jennifer Masunaga, Lanyi Peng, Tiffanie Ford-Baxter, Kendall Faulkner

Communications in Information Literacy

Wider visibility of information literacy (IL) outside of the library and information science (LIS) field is important to the success of IL instruction, learning, and research. The development and major updates of several information literacy documents in the past decade evidence the changing landscape of IL research, but how these changes have impacted other disciplines remains to be seen. To aid in this discussion, this article examines a wide range of higher education teaching journals to expand on Badke's (2011) work, “Why Information Literacy is Invisible.” Specifically, this study examines articles published in 30 general higher education and 32 …

Truth Or Consequences: Academic Instruction Librarians As Information Literacy And Critical Thinking Activists, Laureen P. Cantwell-Jurkovic, Heather F. Ball

Communications in Information Literacy

The graphic edition of Snyder’s On Tyranny (2021) states "truth dies in four modes," which is a contemporary synthesis connected to Klemperer's Language of the Third Reich (1957). The researchers connected these four modes to information literacy (IL) instruction—but would others? The researchers surveyed academic librarians engaged in IL instruction on whether they felt they addressed any of the modes in their work. The researchers also asked whether they believe the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education works to circumvent any of the four modes. Nearly 150 librarians responded and, while most respondents were unfamiliar with the two …

Quality Matters: Using A Peer-Review Process To Create A Cohesive Multi-Campus Library Online Instruction Program, Stephanie Jacobs, Maryellen Nash, Theresa Burress, Kaya Van Beynen

Communications in Information Literacy

Librarians within a newly combined, multi-campus research and instruction department undertook a large-scale peer review of their online instruction program and materials. This collaborative assessment project sought to unite three library departments with a cohesive vision for self-guided online library instruction while establishing consistent quality standards and building a shared sense of ownership and accomplishment. These goals were achieved through a collaborative assessment of online instructional modules that included the development of a novel rubric based on the Quality Matters Course Design Standards. This article reports on that ongoing journey, as well as the goals, challenges, and outcomes of the …

Working Conditions Are Learning Conditions: Understanding Information Literacy Instruction Through Neoliberal Capitalism, Romel Espinel, Eamon Tewell

Communications in Information Literacy

Neoliberal capitalism’s demands for efficiency and innovation have greatly impacted North American academic libraries and the work conducted in them, including information literacy instruction. The divisive forces of neoliberalism must be met with resistance, and libraries hold the potential for generating an information literacy praxis where learners engage information with a critical consciousness instead of a consumerist one. Using library labor conditions and the contradictions between innovation and student learning as focal points, we argue that academic library workers should seek to center attention to inequities and injustices in the information economy and scholarly information systems in their instruction, identify …

Impact Of Library Instruction Tutorial Format On Student Preference And Performance In First-Year Chemistry, Tara Stieglitz, Lindsey Whitson

Communications in Information Literacy

This research study investigates the effects of library instruction tutorial format (written versus video) on student preference and performance in chemistry education. The authors assessed the format of tutorials used to provide library instruction in an introductory chemistry course by observing 27 student participants as they took in instructions in either a video or a written format and then completed two chemistry information tasks. While participants expressed strong preferences for particular formats, neither the video tutorials nor the written instructions significantly improved task completion speed or performance. Rather, the authors determined that student preference alone is enough to justify the …

The Role Of Lis Professional In Open Educational Resources And Its Impact In Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Azizur Rahman, Sumitra Mitra Biswas, Dr. Subrata Biswas

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Introduction- This study aims to explore of the role of LIS Professionals in open educational resources (OERs) and its impact on Bangladesh. In addition, there is a focus on raising awareness and improving open educational resources.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to provide quantitative information on the growth and development of the LIS professionals in OER in Bangladesh. In addition, the focus is on raising awareness and improving open educational resources.

Research problem- The study is about acquiring data sources, facing huge problems related to field of LIS Professionals in OER in Bangladesh. LIS professionals in the …

Our Community Chimes In, Corinne Bishop

Journal of Graduate Librarianship

Welcome! The Journal of Graduate Librarianship’s Practitioner Panel allows us to hear directly from the graduate librarian community via social media, where we regularly post questions and invite your comments on practical issues relating to graduate librarianship. To join the conversation and share your comments about community topics, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or X (formerly Twitter)—or keep an eye on the JGL website, where we also post all Practitioner Panel questions.

Hosting An International Graduate Student Orientation, Liza Weisbrod, Juliet T. Rumble, Adelia Grabowsky, Isabel Altamirano, Emily Sahib

Journal of Graduate Librarianship

In Fall 2022, Auburn University Libraries faculty and staff hosted an orientation event for newly arrived international graduate students. Highlights of the event included tours of major library service points, a shared meal, and a meet and greet for graduate students and subject librarians. A key takeaway for both groups was an increased awareness of the differences that exist between U.S. academic libraries and those in other countries. The authors discuss elements of the library orientation that worked well, and address lessons learned that will be used to improve future events.

Serving Graduate Students At A Community College Library, Daniel K. Blewett

Journal of Graduate Librarianship

Even though a community college library rarely attempts to offer the same depth of support found at a university, it can still serve the needs of local graduate students in two ways: through the library’s core collection of print and electronic resources, and through its on-site services, spaces, and librarian expertise. Graduate students need to know that these resources are available to them. The knowledge and ability of the librarian is key to supporting this patron group. This article is informed by the author’s experiences at the College of DuPage, a large comprehensive community college in northeastern Illinois.

Leveraging Existing Services To Support Evidence Synthesis Researchers Outside Of The Health Sciences, Elizabeth Kline

Journal of Graduate Librarianship

The author presents a case study for the development of an evidence synthesis service serving researchers outside of the health sciences at a large academic library. The purpose of this project was to highlight the importance of integrating existing core services and workflows that create seamless delivery of evidence synthesis support and yield quality service. The paper provides decisions that university libraries must consider as they are planning the implementation of these services.

The research-intensive nature of evidence synthesis projects provides liaison librarians with a perfect entry to deliver high-quality and relevant services, especially to graduate students and researchers. Through …

Introducing The Journal Of Graduate Librarianship, Wendy Doucette, Jill Cirasella

Journal of Graduate Librarianship

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Graduate Librarianship, the first professional journal dedicated solely to graduate librarianship! This issue is the culmination of a two-year effort where we discovered, often the hard way, what goes into starting an academic journal.

Whose Library Is It? A Youth Participatory Action Research Study Examining School Libraries As Culturally Sustaining Environments From The Students' Perspectives, Salamah Adjoua-Mullen

Theses & Dissertations

Traditionally, school libraries are assumed to be spaces of positivity and inclusion free from bias and discrimination. However, school libraries have not remained untouched by harmful school policies and state educational laws. Recently, new policies and laws have begun to restrict the role of librarians and library spaces are continuously being eliminated from school districts across the United Sates. One issue is the library profession has examined the library as a room but not the concept of what a library space is or can be. One approach to addressing this gap is by examining school libraries through the lens of …

Radicalisation And Extremism On Social Media: What Steps Can Be Taken?, Emeka Williams Etumnu, Oluchi I. Williams-Etumnu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Unarguably, the social media has brought the world together in an online space and as a result of this, extremist groups utilise the social media to radicalise people especially the youths who are vulnerable and fancy their ideology towards their cause. The paper was underpinned on public sphere theory and the desk research method was employed in the course of the study. It was revealed that social media plays a tremendous role towards radicalisation and extremism. The need for digital literacy, where rules can be made to assist individuals of all ages in developing critical thinking skills and building resilience …

Shaping An Inclusive Lis Workforce: Insights From Information Professionals, Rajesh Singh

Urban Library Journal

This study investigates how information professionals deliver culturally sensitive services, their experiences in serving patrons from diverse cultural backgrounds, their self-perceived intercultural skills, and their views on addressing cross-cultural challenges in the workplace. The sample, comprised of 125 information professionals representing a range of organizations, including libraries, museums, and archives, reveals a noticeable trend in their perceptions regarding their ability to provide culturally responsive services and their cultural competence skills. These perceptions are significantly influenced by their participation in cultural competence-related educational programs and academic preparation for cross-cultural work. The research findings provide fresh insights into the integration of diversity, …

Review Of "Prayerwalk: Becoming A Woman Of Prayer, Strength, & Discipline", Jaclyn Lee Parrott

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Review Of "The #Actuallyautistic Guide To Advocacy: Step-By- Step Advice On How To Ally And Speak Up With Autistic People And The Autism Community", Jennifer M. Brady

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Information Delivery Services For Distance Education Programmes In Cross River State, Nigeria, Mayen Ndaro Igajah Dr, Christopher Okoi Offem Mr, Mary Mfon Bassey Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper assessed information delivery services for distance education programmes. The study traces briefly the history of the National Open University and the National Teacher Institute. The e-resources and current issues on services provided by librarians. The study adopted the survey design methods. The questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. From the analysis of the data collected, it was found that the current issues on information services are in support of open and distance education programmes, technologies used in the delivery of information services for distance learners, concepts of distance education in Nigeria, value of social media …

Global Ethics, Religious Liberty, And Freedom Of Information Access, Paul A. Hartog

The Christian Librarian

Devout Christians work in a spectrum of library settings (including public libraries), networked by globalized information access. By nature of their employment, these librarians assist patrons in accessing and retrieving information that challenges or conflicts with a biblical worldview. How can one defend taking such an active role in this seeming contradiction? This article maintains that Christian commitment may not only co-exist with the freedom of information access but may also support it as a universal human right in our globalized, pluralistic context. To make the case, the essay contrasts two varying accounts of Global Ethics (differing in their view …

Improving Disability Inclusion Through Professional Development, Carli Spina

Urban Library Journal

Building a shared understanding of the importance of disability inclusion and the concrete steps everyone at the library can take towards this goal, is an important first step towards improving services for disabled patrons and the work environment for disabled employees. Offering training on these specific topics can jumpstart this activity at virtually any library. Guided by existing research in the field, this article offers concrete guidance on creating and offering this training at libraries to improve disability inclusion in the community.

Reiterating Visibility: Canadian Librarians’ Experiences Of Racial Microaggressions Via Findings From A Minority Librarians Network Redux Survey, Yanli Li, Maha Kumaran, Allan Cho, Valentina Ly, Suzanne Fernando, Michael David Miller

Library Publications

Based on the data from the Visible Minority Librarians of Canada 2021 Redux Survey, this study examines experiences of racial microaggressions among visible minority librarians in Canada. This research fills the gap in the library and information science (LIS) literature regarding racial microaggressions in librarianship in the Canadian context. Of the 148 respondents, 69% (n=102) experienced at least one stated racial microaggression. The result of a Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a significant association between years of experience as a librarian and a librarian’s overall experiences with microaggressions. A post hoc test based on Bonferroni correction was run, which indicated that …

A Critical Librarianship Approach For Teaching Patent Searching: Who Becomes An Inventor In America?, Dave Zwicky, Ilana Stonebraker

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

The ways in which a technology is invented, owned, and approved are strongly influenced by the same oppressive and exclusionary structures that critical librarianship interrogates. Patents, limited-term grants of rights to inventions, are issued to inventors in exchange for detailed specifications of the invention. This paper examines current practices used by business librarians in teaching students how to find patents and how these practices could be critically informed given the nature of the United States patent system as it exists today. An output of this work is a suggested lesson plan with recommended resources.

Jmu Libraries Magazine: Volume 2, Jenne M. Klotz, Kristen S. Shuyler, Emily D. Blake

Libraries

Volume 2 of the biennial JMU Libraries magazine, highlighting services, events, awards of the JMU Libraries.

Fostering Udl-Informed Library Instruction Practices Developed From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Niki Fullmer, Katie Strand

Library Faculty Research

Purpose: This case study explores how universal design for learning (UDL)-informed online instruction modules developed during COVID-19 can better support student information literacy outcomes. This study will also examine how hybrid learning lends itself to UDL and may resolve some of the issues within library instruction.

Design/methodology/approach: This case study explores how a team of librarians at Utah State University developed three UDL-informed modules to support library instruction and hybrid learning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was sent to composition instructors to understand how they utilized the three new UDL-informed modules and if the modules helped …

Informal Field-Based Learning In Librarianship: A Case Study Applying The Cam-Os Framework To Library Guide Construction, Nicole R. Webber

University Libraries Publications

Activities such as library guide creation and maintenance can take a large amount of our time without supplying evidence that the time spent is effective or worthwhile. Usage statistics and feedback are one avenue for gauging the impact of a guide, but we overlook another benefit if we focus solely on the user. By applying Tannenbaum and Wolfson’s (2022) CAM-OS framework, we can bring greater intention to tasks that foster informal learning opportunities and harness them to advance librarians’ competencies. A case study of overhauling a library guide on copyright is used to demonstrate and apply the framework.

Perceived Effect Of Awareness And Use Of Open Access Journals By Library Users For Research Efficiency In Margaret Lawrence University, Delta State, Nigeria, Obande Bonnie Obeka

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the present study was to examine the Perceived effect of awareness and use of Open Access Journals by Library users for research efficiency in Margaret Lawrence University. Three hundred and twenty nine Library (329) users were selected in the study. A specifically designed questionnaire was administered to gather information about the awareness and use of open access journals by library users for research efficiency in Margaret Lawrence University. Data collected were analyzed using mean () and standard deviation (SD) to answer research questions. The Results revealed that library users of MLU are much aware of open access …

University Undergradautes’ Awareness And Utilization Of Electronic Databases In University Libraries In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Inemesit Udom Udoh, Nse Emmanuel Akwang Phd, Cln, Chukwuemeka Chukwueke Cln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the awareness and utilization of electronic databases by university undergraduates 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. 224 undergraduates were selected using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Observation checklist, structured questionnaire and unstructured interview were used to collect data for the study. 224 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, but 186 copies were completed and retrieved. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count, simple percentage, mean scores and standard deviations, with a criterion …

Exploring Artist Residencies For Academic Libraries, Jenne M. Klotz

Libraries

This white paper describes the results of a research leave that explored artist residencies and considered their potential in academic libraries.

Six Frames, Four Moves, One Habit: Finding Acrl’S Framework Within Sift, Allison I. Faix, Amy F. Fyn

Library Faculty Publications

The SIFT method of source evaluation, proposed in 2017 by educational technologist Mike Caulfield, was designed as a “practical approach to quick source and claim investigation.” At this time, academic librarians (including us) had already been questioning the effectiveness of popular source evaluation methods, especially checklist-based ones. Checklists seem too cursory and lack the flexibility and nuance needed to fully address the complex nature of internet sources. The number of librarian-proposed updates to checklist methods of source evaluation has accelerated in recent years, while SIFT has also emerged as a popular evaluation method with librarians. Because of SIFT’s popularity, and …

Swimming Upstream In The Academic Library: Exploring Faculty Needs For Library Streaming Media Collections, Elsa Loftis, Carly Lamphere

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Objective - To compare Portland State University’s (PSU) local experience of using streaming media to national and international trends identified in a large qualitative study by Ithaka S+R. This comparison will help librarians better understand if the PSU Library is meeting the needs of faculty with its streaming media collection through a series of faculty interviews.

Methods and Intervention - Two librarians from PSU participated in a large, collaborative, two-part study conducted by Ithaka S+R in 2022, with 23 other academic institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany As part of this study, the authors conducted a series of …