Digital Commons Network^™

Communication Branches Out: Developing Interpersonal Skills Through Genealogical Research, Julian Costa, Gary Snyder

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Communication students of the twenty-first century must not only be able to interact in multiple formats but be able to express their ideas across varied platforms. A common deterrent faced by students conducting research is the lack of applicability of the subject matter to their lives. The integration of genealogical research can address this issue because it allows students to learn about, and celebrate, their family history. While engaged in such a pursuit, students will develop core communication skills, such as speaking and listening, online research, and message design.

Social Media And Research Visibility: Role Of Libraries, Shivanand Mulimani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the digital age, the role of libraries in facilitating research visibility has undergone a significant transformation, propelled by the pervasive influence of social media platforms. This abstract explores the evolving relationship between social media and the amplification of research visibility through the lens of libraries. Academic libraries, traditionally known as repositories of knowledge, have adapted their functions to harness the potential of social media as a conduit for disseminating scholarly content to broader audiences. Libraries have strategically utilized social media platforms to enhance the discoverability and accessibility of research materials. By embracing platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and …

Election Guide: Make It Local!, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Participants will be introduced to my Election Guide https://libguides.mnsu.edu/voting which has information about where to vote (polling place locators) and how to vote (in terms of eligibility). In addition, my guide links to fact checkers, campaign donations sites, and other resources on Election 2024, including links to how MN is responding to climate change, for one example.

Batch Withdrawing Items In Alma, Jeanne Piascik, Sai Deng, Robin Chan, Suphi Ogreten

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This workflow is used for the University of Central Florida Libraries’ deaccession project to batch withdraw single and/or multiple items and volumes in records in Ex Libris’ Library Management System, Alma. It comprises several parts, including creating to-be-withdrawn list and considering different scenarios, batch withdrawing items in Alma, batch updating the MARC 996 field used for local statistics in the bibliographic records, creating the batch import profile, importing the updated records, unlinking bibliographic records from the Network Zone, and copying all the 035 fields (OCLC number) for Connexion update. It shed light on an academic library’s deaccessioning project and will …

Assessing The Impact Of Library Orientations On Student Engagement And Academic Success, Shivanand Mulimani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigates the influence of library orientations on student engagement and academic success within higher education settings. Using a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and academic performance metrics, the research explores the correlation between participation in library orientations and students' familiarity with resources, research skills, and confidence in navigating scholarly databases. Findings indicate a positive relationship between attending orientations and improved academic performance, emphasizing the pivotal role of these programs in enhancing information literacy and shaping students' academic experiences positively. Recommendations include tailored, interactive, and ongoing orientation programs aligned with evolving student needs, aiming to optimize engagement and achievement …

Research Discoverability, Deborah M. Williams, Emily Ray

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

No abstract provided.

Open Together: Empowering Public Libraries With Community-Driven Open Source Tools, Ed Veal, Jessica Zairo

All Things Open

As pillars of community knowledge and access, public libraries have a unique opportunity to embody the principles of open source by adopting its tools and fostering collaborative environments. This presentation for the 2024 All Things Open Week, proposes an exploration into the symbiotic relationship between open-source communities and the McKinney Public Library. By spotlighting some of the open-source tools we embrace such as Koha, Aspen Discovery, Metabase, GIMP, LibreOffice, and our custom-developed Self-check system, our presentation will demonstrate the power of these technologies in revolutionizing how public libraries operate, engage with their patrons, and facilitate access to a wide array …

Enhancing Productivity Of Library Professionals: The Skills Dimensions, Shivanand Mulimani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This abstract delves into strategies aimed at boosting the productivity of library professionals by focusing on the essential skill dimensions required in the contemporary information landscape. Libraries serve as crucial repositories of knowledge, demanding a paradigm shift in the skill set of professionals to adapt and innovate effectively.

The paper highlights the multifaceted skill dimensions pivotal to augmenting productivity in library settings. It explores technological proficiency as a cornerstone, emphasizing the need for adeptness in library management systems, digital archiving, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. Additionally, information literacy skills and the ability to curate, evaluate, …

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.

From Pumps And Pipes To Data And Discovery: Unifying A New Division, Jeremy Myntti, Megan Mcmillan

Faculty Publications

A reorganization of the Brigham Young University Library in 2020 brought many changes to the library, including the formation of the Metadata and Information Technology (MIT) Division. This new division needed to define a vision for itself, encourage a sense of unity among its employees, and foster collaboration among those employees. This article details how the MIT Division created a Data and Discovery initiative based on the Pumps and Pipes collaboration model, a model which brings seemingly unrelated industries together to discover solutions to their respective challenges by exploring “their neighbor’s toolbox” (Pumps and Pipes, n.d., “What We Do”). Here …

Oer Best Practices And Library Q&A, Jackson Harper

Librarian Posters and Presentations

Entering the realm of open education resources (OER) can be overwhelming. "This new tool sure sounds neat, but where do I start?" Join this breakout session to get an OER librarian's perspective into confidently developing your project and current trends in OER. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session.

Enhancing Library And Information Centres: Efficient Methods For Texts And Images Recognition In Digital Era, Oladotun Ayowumi Osunkentan, Peace Caleb Morakinyo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores the latest advancements in efficient text and image recognition methods, highlighting their significance and potential applications in libraries and information centers. This study delve into cutting-edge technologies, such as deep learning and computer vision, which have revolutionized how text and images are recognized and interpreted. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the need for efficient methods for text and image recognition has become paramount. With the proliferation of digital content across various platforms and the exponential growth of data, the ability to accurately and rapidly identify, process, and understand text and images has significant implications for numerous fields, …

Five Suggestions Towards User-Centered Data Repositories In The Social Sciences, Elias Herman Kruithof, Christophe Vanroelen, Laura Van Den Borre

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

Data repositories for the social sciences are facing some discipline-specific challenges. This essay provides an overview of the four key challenges. In addition, five suggestions are made to strengthen domain-specific online data repositories in the social sciences, supported by good practices. Using a user-centered approach, these suggestions aim to further open up the social sciences data landscape. The essay first addresses insights regarding the sharing of quantitative and qualitative data in light of the specific needs and issues regarding these two types of data. Thereafter, we suggest (i) ‘data labs’ for novice data re-users, (ii) advocate for the repository as …

Lanthorn, Vol. 58, No. 17, April 15, 2024, Grand Valley State University

Volume 58, August 7, 2023 - April 15, 2024

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Reframing Wikipedia As An Information Source: Concepts And Strategies For Critical Inquiry And Digital Literacy., Andrea Baer

Libraries Scholarship

Since its inception in 2001, Wikipedia has grown to become the largest and most popular reference source in the world. Contrary to the idea that it lives in the Internet’s Wild West, this resource has robust infrastructure, with editorial guidelines, processes, and dedicated volunteers who help to make Wikipedia an invaluable information source for learning about almost any topic. Of course, it’s also true that not every Wikipedia article is reliable, and that the quality and depth of articles ranges. The crowdsourced nature of Wikipedia, along with its extensive editorial processes, make it not only a powerful (albeit imperfect) reference …

The Seminar Paper Topics Graveyard, Olivia Smith Schlinck

Library Staff Online Writings

I often teach one-off academic research instruction sessions for law students, for either those working on a journal or those in a writing seminar.

My approach to these sessions is relatively standard—demonstrate the sources and strategies for academic legal research—but tailored to the individual needs and overall topic of each course. One of my favorite ways to personalize a session is to demonstrate the research process using a topic that matches the class itself. A “fake paper,” if you will.

Barna, George. Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing Your Child’S Heart, Mind And Soul. Glendale, Az: Arizona Christian University Press, 2023., Robert J. Oliverio

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Inventory For Baker-Cederberg/Rochester General Hospital, Rochester General Hospital

Finding Aids

Inventory for Baker-Cederberg/Rochester General Hospital archival record groups. There are 31 record groups listed.

Transformative Agreements: Where To Begin, Jeff Graveline, Peggy Kain

Libraries Professional Work

Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) webinar presentation

Unveiling The Librarian Of Tomorrow: Why Librarians Are Needed Now More Than Ever, Essraa Nawar

Library Articles and Research

"I fell in love with Libraries the moment I set foot in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, where I had the privilege of working for five enriching years. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as a modern reincarnation of the legendary ancient library, a beacon of learning and exchange. Reflecting on its revival, I marvel at the timeless significance of libraries throughout history. From the fabled repositories of knowledge in Alexandria, Athens, and Constantinople to their contemporary counterparts, libraries have endured as bastions of enlightenment and progress. The spirit of international collaboration that birthed the Bibliotheca Alexandrina underscores the global significance …

Will Our Future Selves Thank Us? An Examination Of Born-Digital Curation Practices At The University Of Kentucky Libraries, Megan M. Mummey, Andrew Mcdonnell, Emily B. Collier, Sarah Dorpinghaus, Ruth E. Bryan

Library Presentations

Cultural heritage resources are increasingly being produced and distributed digitally yet the world of physical materials has not declined. Can you realign current resources to meet future collection needs while at the same time continuing with existing collection needs? Analog-based archival theory and practice is still relevant, but born-digital formats make acquisition, appraisal, resource allocation, collection management, and external relationships much more challenging. These challenges range from monetary and environmental costs to resource allocation to social media technology woes to campus-wide IT relationships.

In this presentation, University of Kentucky archivists share practical tips, tools, and mental frameworks to identify gaps, …

Information Needs Of Nigeria's Rural Dwellers For Poverty Reduction And Sustainable Development, Emmanuel John Yakubu, Emmanuel John Yakubu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This paper addressed Nigeria’s rural dwellers’ information needs for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The paper specifically examined the problem of poverty in Nigeria, especially in her rural areas, what sustainable development entails, the information needs of the Nigerian rural folks for poverty reduction and for ensuring sustainable development, channels for dissemination of information to the rural dwellers, challenges often faced in meeting the information needs of the rural dwellers (e.g. government neglect of the rural areas, monopoly and politicization of information flow, among others). The paper also made some recommendations on how to resolve the challenges identified as …

The Jesuit Tradition Of Astronomy At Holy Cross, Sarah Campbell M.A., M.S.I.S.

Staff publications

This paper summarizes the study of astronomy and related fields as part of the curriculum at the College of the Holy Cross. It briefly profiles four Jesuit priests who were associated with Holy Cross and made significant contributions to the study of astronomy, solar physics and other scientific disciplines. The history of a campus observatory is briefly described as well.

This paper was presented an event sponsored by the Holy Cross Libraries to commemmorate the solar exclipse which occurred April 8. 2024.

Lanthorn, Vol. 58, No. 16, April 8, 2024, Grand Valley State University

Volume 58, August 7, 2023 - April 15, 2024

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

[Nlw] National Library Week 2024 @ Utrgv Library, Raquel Estrada, William Flores, Gabrielle Hernandez

Library Display Posters

Posters showcasing UTRGV library services, open access resources, and published OER books by UTRGV faculty.

Enhancing Staff Discipline And Effectiveness In Academic Libraries In Delta State, Rachael Ejovwokoghene Eserada Mrs, Ogbomo Monday Obaidjevwe Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The work surveyed staff discipline in academic libraries in Delta State. It was guided by four objectives of the study. The study adopted the survey design and the population of the study is thirty (30) Heads of the library (the academic Librarian in charge and readers services head) in fifteen academic libraries under study. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data generated from the study were analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage (%). Findings of the study revealed that; although disciplinary procedures are rarely carried out, the discipline procedures mainly demonstrated in the libraries studied …

User Authentication In A Changing Landscape, Tom Tran, Lisa Baures

Library Services Publications

With the types of electronic resources to which libraries subscribe becoming more diversified, authentication methods are evolving with a greater degree of complexity. This is particularly true of business databases providing access to large sets of data and proprietary information, such as Capital IQ and Checkpoint EDGE. The current landscape suggests a movement away from IP validation and EZproxy. This presentation will explore the challenges of keeping abreast with vendor preferred authentication methods from the perspective of a student or faculty member and library systems personnel.

Facilitation Skills For Critical Library Instruction (Presentation), Amy Gilgan

Gleeson Library Faculty and Staff Research and Scholarship

Critical library instruction strives to engage students in dialogic learning while unpacking power dynamics. How can librarians facilitate learning spaces that encourage dialogue? Whether facilitating a difficult conversation or a low risk discussion, it is necessary to first build the foundation for dialogue. This interactive session will explore ways librarians can incorporate facilitation techniques borrowed from Intergroup Dialogue (IGD) into the classroom and other group settings. Through a social justice lens, participants will be invited to reflect on the scaffolding necessary for class discussion and practice techniques for increasing learner engagement. This session is hosted by the Southern California Instruction …

Graphic Medicine For Library Outreach, Chanda Briggs, Claire Sharifi

Gleeson Library Faculty and Staff Research and Scholarship

According to a National Academy of Sciences working group investigating the mental health crises in higher education, student wellbeing is an issue that needs to be addressed at the campus level, not siloed in specified departments and units. University libraries can be an integral part of student wellness initiatives, and this poster presentation will present one academic library’s engagement in student wellness initiatives. This poster will:

• Highlight the ways campus partnerships facilitated streamlined library engagement in student wellness

• Identify student centric initiatives and acquisitions

• Identify funding sources used for those initiatives and acquisitions

• Discuss outcomes of library wellness initiatives.

Feedback And Focus: Exploring Post-Secondary Students’ Perceptions Of Feedback, Mindfulness, And Stress, Cecilia S, Dong, Erin Isings, Samantha M. Jones, Hugh Samson, Lisa Mccorquodale, Thomas G. W. Telfer, Tracey Ropp, Christine E. Bell

FIMS Publications

Addressing feedback-associated stress as a barrier to learning is increasingly relevant to student success and well-being. Mindfulness practices support stress management for students during the academic feedback process. Even if students receive high-quality feedback, the receiving end of feedback can be stressful, perhaps raising feelings of anxiety, confusion, or inadequacy. Feedback literacy and mindfulness practices complement one another. Mindfulness can potentially support feedback literacy by focusing one’s attention on the tasks needed to address feedback, instead of being distracted by emotions triggered by feedback. This study, comprised of an online survey (n = 237) and focus groups (n …