Digital Commons Network^™

Cultural Humility In Libraries: A Call To Action And Strategies For Success, Megan Callaghan

The Southeastern Librarian

Authors: Shannon D. Jones & Beverly Murphy, eds.

Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2024

ISBN: 9781538162156

196 pp. $39.95 (Pbk)

News From The States, Blake Denton

The Southeastern Librarian

Library news reports from SELA member states

From Print To Pixels: Preserving Alabama’S Historic Newspapers Through Digitization, David Ferrara, Melissa Young

The Southeastern Librarian

This article presents a case study of the Alabama Digital Newspaper Project (ALDNP), a grant-funded initiative to digitize Alabama’s historic newspapers. It outlines the establishment and history of ALDNP, including its accomplishments, and the challenges faced and overcome by University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections (UALSC) staff. This case study details ALDNP’s workflows, including title selection, metadata creation, technical standards, and microfilm digitization. This article also highlights outreach efforts, including collaborations with regional archives, student workers, and community educators. In addition to providing details on the accomplishments of ALDNP, it also outlines potential areas for growth and expansion. Detailing a …

Sela Leadership: Officers, Executive Committee, State Representatives, Committees, Sections, Round Tables, And Ad Hoc Committees, John H. Barnett

The Southeastern Librarian

List of SELA Officers, Executive Committee, State Representatives, Committees, Sections, Round Tables, and Ad Hoc Committees for the Spring 2026 issue

Who Benefits? Assessing The Author Experience And Impact Of Open Access Agreements, Lindsey Skaggs, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

In this session, we share findings from surveys and interviews conducted with ISU authors who have published under transformative agreements as corresponding author. The presenters provide insight into authors’ awareness of library OA agreements, authors’ experience navigating various publishers’ OA platforms and processes, how OA agreements impact author venue selection, author order, and selection of corresponding author, and whether authors perceive OA agreements to be an endorsement of a publisher. The presenters also explore how their university’s transformative agreements benefit researchers at other institutions and investigate the impact of these agreements on inter-institutional collaboration. In doing so, the presenters share …

The First Cut Is (Hopefully) The Deepest, Michelle Colquitt

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Reshaping Academic Libraries As Dynamic Partners And Knowledge Hubs For Research Productivity And Professional Development For Academics, Abdullahi Olayinka Isiaka, Benjamin Adebisi Bamidele, Adelani Rotimi Ibitoye, Abdullahi Adebola Yusuf, Kaliat Oyindamola Abdulwahab, Ajeigbe Emmanuel Afolami, Ifelayo Esher Bamidele

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic libraries have long been regarded as repositories of knowledge, but their roles are rapidly evolving to meet the growing demands of research productivity and professional development among academics. This paper explores how libraries are transforming into dynamic partners and knowledge hubs to facilitate access to resources, tools, and services that enhance research output and academic growth among academics. This study adopted a survey design approach. The population of this study is all the 86 academic librarians from the nine university libraries in Kwara State. Total enumeration sampling technique was used and data were collected via questionnaire from the respondents. …

Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Attitudes, And Barriers Among Medical And Nursing Students In Bahrain: A Mixed-Methods Perspective, Asif Altaf, Suchita N. Dsilva, Simple Sibi Joseph, Fida Mukhtar, Muhammad Zeeshan, Bindhu Nair

Communications in Information Literacy

Information literacy is essential for evidence-based medical education, yet Gulf-region studies rarely examine student competencies and barriers. This study examines the information literacy skills, attitudes, and challenges faced by medical and nursing students at RCSI Bahrain. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quantitative survey (n = 343) with qualitative focus groups (n = 10). Students reported high self-perceived information literacy across domains. Time constraints and information overload were identified as the primary barriers to effective communication. Focus group findings highlighted the late introduction of curricula, technical access challenges, and inequities between medical and nursing programs. Library training attendance, academic …

Field Report: Communicating The Uottawa Library Collection Rightsizing Effort, Mackenzie Kathmann

Collaborative Librarianship

This field report examines the development and evaluation of a communications strategy for an academic university library’s multi-year Collection Rightsizing Effort. Recognizing that weeding projects often provoke stakeholder concerns around transparency and consultation, the project team adopted best practices from the Weeding Communications in the Collections Lifecycle Project Communications Matrix framework, developed by a subgroup of the joint Rosemont/ Partnership Communications and Advocacy Working Group, to guide and assess communication practices. The report outlines the creation, evaluation and improvements made to a comprehensive communications strategy. Survey results from the first year reveal strong awareness of the project and shared print …

Activating Shared Print As A Strategy For Legacy Print Access, Michael M. Brewer, Niamh A. Wallace

Collaborative Librarianship

While most libraries participate in collaborative shared print efforts but tend only to rely on them as a failsafe, this article underscores the timeliness and importance of more libraries “activating” shared print as a core strategy for access to legacy print content. The University of Arizona’s experiences with SCELC and HathiTrust for monographs and the WEST-Internet Archive pilot for serials are discussed as examples of how libraries might choose to pursue this approach.

Trends In U.S. Academic/Public Joint-Use Libraries Since 2000, Karen Tatarka

Collaborative Librarianship

Joint-use academic/public libraries in the United States experienced a surge in popularity at the turn of the millennium following the formation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose, CA and the Alvin Sherman Library in Davie, FL. These partnerships were met with a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation, and as the number of joint-use libraries grew, a corresponding body of literature developed to help guide prospective partners through the process. Now, twenty-five years after the boom, this article provides a current literature review and examines the existing landscape of academic/public joint-use libraries in the United States. …

Tennessee Archivist 45, No. 3, Society Of Tennessee Archivists

Tennessee Archivist newsletters

Summer 2026 issue of the Tennessee Archivist, a newsletter produced by the Society of Tennessee Archivists.

Reframing Library Instruction Towards Belonging, Vanessa Arce

Publications and Research

A reflection piece about a small, spontaneous adjustment I made to an introductory library session for first year students. In the essay, I reflect on the potential impact of this relatively minor change in the context of the student population at our college.

But That’S Not What We Said: Communication Strategies For Digital Project Collaboration, Robert G. Weaver, Matthew Mceniry, Megan Scott

Collaborative Librarianship

The Texas Tech University (TTU) Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL) often collaborates on digitization projects with the Southwest Collection (SWC) archives. Within the past three years the DSL has branched out to new sources of projects, including university research institutions, other colleges and departments, and Lubbock community entities. At times, these partnerships became entangled with the SWC’s collecting goals, resulting in the need for expanded and more effective communication about integrated project management. This paper will look at three examples of communication and collaboration between the DSL and the SWC on unique projects, their results, as well as the interdepartmental enhancements …

Patent Analyses And Technology Forecasting: Advances Into Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Sarah Over, Emma Jiren Wang, M. Shehryar Khan

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

For several decades, patents have been utilized in analyzing technology and forecasting future trends. Historically, this has been done via keywords, citations, and some bibliometric approaches. The efficiency that is promised by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, natural language processing, and related technologies has also heavily entered the domain of intellectual property. There is a growing body of research that is using AI technologies to analyze, learn, and make predictions for patents. Some of the most common applications in practice are those that assist searchers and examiners in review of patents. Journals such as World Patent Information have even developed …

Hallucinations And Hits: Generative Ai Patent Searching Performance, Pitfalls, And Library Best Practices, Aidan J. Whitlock, Denise A. Wetzel

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

One of the most challenging aspects for inventors seeking to obtain a patent is conducting an effective preliminary prior art search. The process requires specialized skills and experience to assess the relevant information that many novice inventors do not possess. However, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) offer potential new ways of accessing legal and technical expertise. This study surveys five popular publicly available LLMs ability to aid in conducting a preliminary prior art search. A list of best practices and strategies for using AI tools to conduct preliminary patent searches are outlined at the conclusion of …

Mass Produced: Using Local Historical Patents And Trademarks As Outreach Tools, Brendan Kelly, Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, Lisa Di Valentino

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

Historical patents and trademarks are an effective way to showcase the industries critical to the development of a region. The UMass Patent and Trademark Resource Center, based out of the Science and Engineering Library of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, created an exhibit focusing on four different industries integral to the development of Western Mass, and the patents and trademarks associated with them. We hosted an opening reception attended by campus members interested in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as community patrons interested in the industrial history of the region. As many regions around the United States have their own …

To Go Far, Go Together: Force2026 Brings The World’S Scholarly Communication Community To Singapore, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University Libraries (SMU Libraries) hosted FORCE2026, the annual conference of FORCE11, from 3 to 5 June 2026 in our city campus.

FORCE11 is a global community dedicated to advancing how scholarly knowledge is created, shared, and used. The conference commemorated FORCE11’s 15-year journey of building a global community committed to improving scholarly communication and research assessment.

FORCE2026 marked the first time the conference was held in Asia, positioning Singapore and SMU Libraries at the centre of global conversations on the future of research, scholarly communication and research assessment. By bringing the conference to the region, SMU Libraries …

Ahimsa: Finding Unity And Nonviolence In Instruction, Dylan Mcglothlin

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

This chapter describes the connectedness of emergent strategy and the practice of ahimsa, and how these philosophies can be applied to information literacy instruction. It provides a brief definition of yoga, the yamas, and ahimsa; describes the connections between ahimsa and the emergent strategy element of interdependence and decentralization; and shows information literacy instruction examples from the connections between ahimsa and the emergent strategy principles of "trust the people," "there is always enough time for the right work," "move at the speed of trust," and "there is a conversation in the room that only these people at this moment can …

Navigating Oer Support Without Drowning In Ai, Lydia Burrage-Goodwin, Christine Moynihan

Joseph P. Healey Library Publications

This was a presentation at the June 2026 Boston Library Consortium at Connecticut College.

UMB Healey Librarians Lydia Burrage-Goodwin and Christine Moynihan talk about what experiences they have had with faculty using OER and AI, which led them to develop ethics guidelines to support librarians who work with faculty authors. Attendees learned about creating AI use statements for OERs, using AI transparency logos, and applying open licenses to fully AI generated content as well as OER adaptations.

The More Things Change...Reaffirming Our Commitment To Cil’S Core Values, Jane Hammons, Laureen Cantwell-Jurkovic, Jessica Denke, Allison Hosier, Sarah Lemire

Communications in Information Literacy

The new co-editors of Communications in Information Literacy reaffirm their commitment to the journal's values.

Less Prep, More Presence: Implementing Pattern Teaching In Library Instruction Lesson Planning To Reduce Stress, Liana Bayne-Lin

Faculty Scholarship

As a liaison librarian at an R2 university, I support three STEM departments in their teaching and learning needs. Like many liaison librarians, one of the main activities I do to provide that support is guest lecturing in classes on information literacy topics like finding, using, evaluating, and citing scientific information sources. Like many  liaison librarians, I didn't get a lot of pedagogy instruction in library school, and had to learn by doing during my first year. And, like many teaching librarians, my desire to connect with my students in a genuine, authentic way is deep.

Going into the second …

Information Literacy Tutorials For High Enrollment Courses: An Iterative Design-Based Approach, Kimberly Casey, Rebekah Heleen

Communications in Information Literacy

The purpose of this paper is to provide academic librarians practical guidance on how to provide information literacy support to high enrollment, general education courses. It includes a detailed description and analysis of our approach and findings throughout the project, as well as reflections and lessons learned. The project team developed asynchronous information literacy tutorials for first-year students at the University of Arkansas, utilizing a flipped classroom approach, to address challenges in delivering personalized instruction to high-enrollment courses. Collaborating with program directors, the team created online tutorials embedded with feedback surveys, which collected nearly 2,000 student responses. We also surveyed …

Screening Tools For Maternal Mental Health In Africa: A Systematic Review, Joyce Jebet, Irene Mageto, Benard Mutwiri, Abednego Ongeso, Ruth Wagathu, Rose Maina, Denis Munene, Kawira Kithuci, Peter Gatiti

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Maternal health during pregnancy and the postnatal period encompasses mental health, which is a key aspect in enhancing a positive outcome. Despite screening for other possible complications during pregnancy and the postnatal period, very little attention has been paid to screening for mental health. Screening is a key tool in early diagnosis and, eventually, timely diagnosis and management in cases where complications arise.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the available maternal mental health screening tools and compare the outcome on their utilization during pregnancy and postnatal periods in the African continent.

Methodology:

This was a …

Assessment Of Information Literacy Instruction In Reference: Applying Vanscoy’S Conceptual And Procedural Framework In Practice, Vanessa Arce

Communications in Information Literacy

The instructional aspect of reference work has long been acknowledged, especially in academic libraries. The current RUSA guidelines include helping users develop information literacy as a goal of reference. In this context, investigating the presence and nature of information literacy instruction can be used to assess the quality of reference services. This study applied Amy VanScoy’s conceptual/procedural framework for point-of-need instruction to a sample of chat reference transcripts at Lehman College, City University of New York. One of the assessment’s goals was to determine the prevalence of instruction and type of knowledge addressed in reference interactions. Another goal was to …

Research Matters: Problem-Setting: A Research Reflection Process, Merinda Kaye Hensley

Communications in Information Literacy

In this inaugural “Research Matters” column, Merinda Kaye Hensley introduces problem-setting as an intentional research reflection process inspired by instructional design. This three-pronged approach invites librarians to examine their research agendas by surfacing prior knowledge, identifying bottlenecks, and creating an assumptions inventory. By interrogating what we think we know and where we struggle in doing research related to information literacy, problem-setting reframes our research processes as a generative, inquiry-driven practice. Drawing on an example from her own research agenda, investigating undergraduate researchers’ understandings of the publication process, Hensley demonstrates how reflective problem-setting can unstick thinking, sharpen questions and energize scholarly …

Volume 46, Number 2, June 2026 Olac Newsletter, Laura Kane Mcelfresh, Kyla Jemison, Tanesa G. King, Nerissa Lindsey, Amanda Mack, Michael Herrick, Heather Pretty, Lisa Romano, Janelle Zetty

OLAC Newsletters

Digital version of the June 2026 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

From Review To Synthesis: A Step-By-Step Methodological Guide To Systematic Reviews And Multilevel Meta-Analyses, Meilan Hu, Paye Shin Koh, Xun Ci Soh, Andree Hartanto, Nadyanna M. Majeed

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

We provide a step-by-step guide on conducting a quantitative systematic review (i.e., meta-analysis) using the open-source programming language R, as well as conducting a multilevel meta-analysis, in contexts where effect sizes are non-independent (e.g., multiple studies from the same lab). Quantitative systematic reviews offer researchers a method for synthesizing large bodies of literature, helping clarify inconsistent findings, identify research gaps, and refine theoretical models. However, existing tutorials often assume prior knowledge and/or experience, often overlooking foundational concepts. To address this gap, a comprehensive walkthrough of the systematic review process is presented, covering pre-registration, literature search and retrieval, screening, risk of …

Application Of Information Literacy Skills To Everyday Life Information Seeking In College Students: Implications For Instruction, Stephanie Ward, Rachel Dineen, Darren Ilett

Communications in Information Literacy

Academic librarians who teach information literacy (IL) skills hope students will transfer those skills to their information seeking in everyday life. However, there is little evidence that students are transferring what they learn about research to their lives outside college. This study aims to find out what search and evaluation strategies college students who have had IL instruction apply to their own personal information seeking behaviors. To do this, a talk-aloud protocol was used to record participants’ thoughts and actions as they navigated scenarios that required them to select a source that met a non-academic information need. The findings indicate …

The Spectrum Of Authority: A New Approach To Teaching Ai And Primary Source Literacies, Kristen Howard

Communications in Information Literacy

This article presents an information literacy workshop designed for undergraduate history courses that introduces students to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) while strengthening primary source literacy. Anchored in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, “Authority Is Constructed and Contextual,” the workshop employs an innovative pedagogical device, the Spectrum of Authority, to help students critically evaluate information sources. Through comparative analysis and guided discussion, students increased their ability to assess credibility in information sources. Student feedback indicated increased confidence in analyzing primary sources and a greater understanding of GenAI’s capabilities and …