Reflecting Deeply: Why A Philosophy Of Reference Services Should Direct Every Ri, Bethany Radcliffe, Garrett Trott

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article distinguishes between a philosophy and a theory of reference services. Philosophy explores why practitioners do something, whereas theory explores the actual practice without necessarily reflecting on the why behind it. The authors argue that a personal philosophy of reference services is needed, as librarians’ values ultimately drive the reference services they provide. Much of the current literature on this topic explores theories of reference services as opposed to the philosophies behind them. The authors first examine the gap in the LIS literature pertaining to a philosophy of reference services. They then define three premises upon which they base …

Leveraging Generative Ai And Chatgpt To Reference Services In Academic Libraries, Kay Coates, Lili Li

Library Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Reference Services Accessibility And Users’ Satisfaction In University Libraries In Benue State, Nigeria, Theresa Nwafornso, Ashiver Elizabeth Annune Dr, Anthony Agena Igbashal Prof

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated reference services accessibility and users’ satisfaction in university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. Four specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study was 3,851 400 level library registered undergraduate library users in universities in Benue State. The sample size of 362 undergraduate users was selected. The instrument for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled, “Reference Service Accessibility and Undergraduate Satisfaction Questionnaire (RSAUSQ). The questionnaire was validated by three experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability …

The Reference Services And Users’ Satisfaction In Tertiary Institutions In Imo State, Nigeria, Ngozi Ike, Olivia Nwamaka Chinedu Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study focused on reference services and users’ satisfaction in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The study examined the extent of users’ satisfaction with reference services in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, the relationship with referral services, inter-library loan and current awareness services with users’ satisfaction. Four research questions were posed and three hypotheses were formulated for the study. Correlational design was adopted for the study while modified 4-point likert rating scale was used to elicit data for the study. A sample size of 393 respondents was drawn from the population of 15310 using Taro Yamane (1967) sampling …

Robots And Reference Services, Abdullahi Olayinka Isiaka, Biliamin Abiola Aremu, Abdulfatai Soliu, Fahisat Romoke Isiaq

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of robots into reference services in various library and information settings. The use of robots in these contexts has gained momentum in recent years, offering innovative solutions to enhance user experiences, improve access to information, and expand the capabilities of reference librarians. This paper reviews the current state of robots in reference services, discusses their potential benefits and challenges, and examines case studies to illustrate their practical applications. Furthermore, it offers insights into the future prospects and ethical considerations associated with the integration of robots in this domain. This paper delves into the fascinating …

Proactive Librarians, An Annoying Chat Widget, & A Global Pandemic: Analysis Of How An Existing Pop-Up Chat Widget Delivered Point Of Need Reference Services During A Global Pandemic At A Major Academic Institution, Christopher M. Jimenez

Works of the FIU Libraries

In 2019, the librarians at Florida International University in Miami, Fl. implemented a pop-up chat widget using Springshare’s LibChat software to help drive more traffic toward virtual reference services. This led to an instant increase in traffic through our chat platform. Affectionately called the Annoying Chat Widget, the ACW also had the unintended success of increasing the percentage of quality research queries, improving the use of librarian time and effort. This established service proved vital when transitioning to fully remote services in March 2020, when librarians were forced to provide all services via virtual modalities. The poster presents a statistical …

Awareness And Patronage Of Library Reference Services Among Undergraduate Students In Adeyemi College Of Education, Ondo State, Nigeria, Oresiri Jamogha, Ejiro Jamogha

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Reference services are personal assistance given to library users in their search for information and these services are most likely patronized by those who are aware of them, hence, this study investigated the awareness and patronage of library reference services among undergraduate students in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey design and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 370 undergraduate for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection and was administered to 370 respondents out of which, 317 copies were found useful for the study. The research questions were answered using simple …

How Can Libraries Move Towards A More Inclusive Model Of Reference? A Practical Approach To Serve Distance Students, Lauren Puzier, Camille Chesley, Amanda M. Lowe

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

Research consultations are a valuable service offered by academic libraries for students who are able to visit the library, however, many students enrolled in online degree programs or considering enrollment have limited access to campus services. We designed and tested a virtual reference consultation service for distance learners and graduate students. This interactive poster outlines a practical approach for designing and initiating a virtual research consultation service to offer equitable access to library services and a positive user experience for distance learners.

Adoption Of Social Networks Media For Reference Services In Academic Libraries, Stanley Efe Okolo, Rachael Ejovwokoghene Eserada

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was carried out to investigate the adoption of social networks media for reference services in academic libraries. Thus, the study discovered among others, the meaning of social networking media and the types of social networking media tools that can be applied in the reference section by the reference librarian for the provision of reference services in academic libraries. To achieve the objectives of this study, four (4) research questions were formulated. The study pointed out among others, that there are two major types of reference services which are: direct and indirect reference services and they are in use …

Transforming Traditional Reference Services Into Research And Publication Support-Poster.Pdf, Amanda C. Adams, Benjamin Saracco, Karen Stesis, Susan Cavanuagh

Benjamin Saracco

No abstract provided.

Transforming Traditional Reference Services Into Research And Publication Support-Poster.Pdf, Amanda C. Adams, Benjamin Saracco, Karen Stesis, Susan Cavanuagh

Amanda C. Adams

No abstract provided.

Web 2.0 For Reference Services: An Overview, Stanley Efe Okolo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper examines what the concept of web 2.0 is all about and it attributes by using an acronym SLATES to explain what web 2.0 entails and they are as follows: Search: this is the ease of finding information through keyword search which makes the platform valuable Links: guides to important pieces of information. The best pages are the most frequently linked to.Authoring: the ability to create constantly updating content over a platform that is shifted from being the creation of a few to being the constantly updated, interlinked work. In Wikis, the content is iterative in the sense …

Evaluation Of Online Reference Services: Reflections From Nigeria Academic Libraries, Vincent Onyeacholam Ekwelem Mr, Helen N. Okpala Mrs, Josephine C. Igbokwe Mrs., Chukwunaza N. Ekwelem Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper reports on a study of evaluation of online reference services (ORS). The paper focuses on the librarians’ perception of the evaluation of online reference services of academic libraries in Nigeria. The study was guided by the following four objectives: to find out the extent of application of online reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria; to examine the benefits of using ORS in academic libraries in Nigeria, to identify the challenges associated with the use of ORS, and profer solutions for ameliorating the challenges faced by these academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design which …

Exploring The Future Of The Teaching Materials Center At Illinois State University: From E-Textbooks To Makerspaces, Julie Derden, Sally Gibson, Anne Shelley

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

In this project, investigators collected data on K-12 e-textbook management and related services to pre-service teachers in academic libraries. We administered a pre-site-visit survey to seven colleges and universities that we identified as having strong teacher education programs supported by curriculum centers. We then conducted site visits to each location to collect data. Additionally, we distributed a survey via our institutional vendor representatives to three, large K-12 textbook publishers. With this poster, we share our research methodology and findings with other librarians, K-12 e-textbook publishers, and other interested parties. The results of this research have provided support for planning the …

Privacy And Anonymity In A Reference Librarianship Digital Archive, Emily K. Chan

Digital Initiatives Symposium

This poster will discuss the ethical concerns with the processing, digitizing, and organizing of the Pacific Library Partnership’s System Reference Center (SRC) reference question archive, which contains material artifacts of complex reference questions from 1972-2004.

Reference services, a core librarian responsibility, centers on connecting users with answers, materials, and the information that will satisfy their research needs. With the proliferation of online materials and ubiquity of search engines, the nature of reference services has changed dramatically over the last decades.

The archive is comprised of questions submitted for reference librarian review by other reference librarians who had exhausted local resources …

Reference Classification--Is It Time To Make Some Changes?, Tina M. Neville, Deborah Boran Henry

Deborah B. Henry

In 2005, the authors tested the consistency and ease-of-use of a skill/strategy-based reference question classification system published by Warner in 2001. Results of that test indicated that the Warner system was a significant improvement over the resource-based traditional system. In this study, reference librarians from other institutions were invited to compare the technologysensitive Warner system to the traditional Katz classification system. The results of this larger test mirror the findings of the original study. Overall, classification was more consistent using the Warner system.

Reference Classification--Is It Time To Make Some Changes?, Tina M. Neville, Deborah Boran Henry

Tina M. Neville

In 2005, the authors tested the consistency and ease-of-use of a skill/strategy-based reference question classification system published by Warner in 2001. Results of that test indicated that the Warner system was a significant improvement over the resource-based traditional system. In this study, reference librarians from other institutions were invited to compare the technologysensitive Warner system to the traditional Katz classification system. The results of this larger test mirror the findings of the original study. Overall, classification was more consistent using the Warner system.

Reference 360: A Holistic Approach To Reference Instruction, Carol A. Daul-Elhindi, Tammi M. Owens

Library Faculty Works

"Reference 360: A Holistic Approach to Reference Instruction" is a chapter in the book Teaching Reference Today : New Directions, Novel Approaches. The book is edited by L. A. Ellis, Editor, (pp.98-117), Rowman & Littlefield, 2016.

Publisher's description: "Reference and Information Services, if it may still be referred to by this term, is an evolving outreach service in libraries. This is not only due to Google and the Internet, but also other technological advances afford users online access to a plethora of content, free and proprietary. This evolution has also caused a shift in the theories and practices (especially, core …

Creating A Culture Of Reading: Readers' Advisory In The Academic Library, Sarah L. Johnson, Janice Derr, Pamela Ferrell

Sarah L. Johnson

Readers' advisory isn’t just for public and school libraries. Popular reading collections in academic libraries can support your patrons’ recreational reading needs and their curricular needs, as well. Topics to be discussed include the benefits and challenges of establishing these collections, undergraduate students’ expectations for offerings in popular fiction and nonfiction in academic libraries, getting your staff involved in working with and promoting these materials, developing local exhibits and book lists, formalizing your commitment to popular reading through your collection development policy, and more.

The Olive Tree, Volume 23 Issue 1

The Olive Tree

The Olive Tree, published twice each year by Fogler Library at the University of Maine, features articles about library projects, collections, technological innovations, and events. The hallmark of the Fogler Library Friends, an ancient engraving of an olive tree, was adopted from the title page of La Cosmographie Universelle by André Thevet. The two volume encyclopedia, which was published in Paris in 1575, is shelved in the Library's Special Collections Department. One of the longest living trees, the olive tree parallels the development of civilizations.

The Chat Is Coming From Inside The House: An Analysis Of Perceived Chat Behavior And Reality, Elizabeth Berndt-Morris, Samantha Minnis

Samantha Minnis

Influence Of Information Source Parameters And Personal Characteristics Of Librarians On Readers' Ability To Retrieve Information In Reference Service, Nkoyo B. Edem

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

NKOYO B. EDEM (PH.D)

DEPUTY UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR LIBRARY

CALABAR

E- mail: nkyedem@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in four (4) University libraries, (two states and two federal) in the south – south zone of Nigeria to provide information on the perception of both librarians and readers on the influence of information source parameters (obsolete information sources and availability of relevant information sources), as well as personal characteristics of librarians (attitude and experience) on readers ability to retrieve information. The study used survey design to determine by means of a one item in a four point likert scale …

The Olive Tree, Vol. 20, Number 2, 2012

The Olive Tree

The Fall 2012 issue of the Olive Tree features articles about library projects, collections, technological innovations, and events at Fogler Library, University of Maine.

"Where Is The Fiction Section?" Student Expectations, Faculty Needs, & Staff Involvement In Academic Library Readers' Advisory Service, Sarah L. Johnson

Sarah L. Johnson

This presentation offers a case study on the approach taken by Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, in regard to popular reading collections and readers' advisory work. Topics include undergraduate students' expectations for offerings in popular fiction and nonfiction in academic libraries, how recreational reading collections can support curricular needs, and how staff can become involved in collection promotion by means of training workshops, development of local exhibits and book lists, and more. Presenter notes included.

"Where Is The Fiction Section?" Student Expectations, Faculty Needs, & Staff Involvement In Academic Library Readers' Advisory Service, Sarah L. Johnson

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

This presentation offers a case study on the approach taken by Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, in regard to popular reading collections and readers' advisory work. Topics include undergraduate students' expectations for offerings in popular fiction and nonfiction in academic libraries, how recreational reading collections can support curricular needs, and how staff can become involved in collection promotion by means of training workshops, development of local exhibits and book lists, and more. Presenter notes included.

Digital Reference Service: Concept, Development And Models., Nadim Akhtar Khan, Mohsin Ashraf

NADIM AKHTAR KHAN

Reference Services has always been adapted as means for providing assistance in locating and accessing information resources. With the advancements in web technologies and emergence of Digital libraries the concept of Digital Reference Services revolutionized the library service scenario with consistent developments throughout the world and emergence of some famous Digital Reference Models. The present paper attempts to trace the development of the concept and emergence of different Digital Reference Models along with their features.

Making Decisions: Using Electronic Data Collection To Re-Envision Reference Services At The Usf Tampa Libraries, Lily Todorinova, Andy Huse, Barbara Lewis, Matt Torrence

Barbara Lewis

Declining reference statistics, diminishing human resources, and the desire to be more proactive and embedded in academic departments, prompted the University of South Florida Library to create a taskforce for re-envisioning reference services. The taskforce was charged with examining the staffing patterns at the desk and developing recommendations to give librarians greater flexibility and to better respond to the information-seeking needs of users. These recommendations were based on statistics of desk usage, collected with the newly adapted online tool Desk Tracker, and structured interviews with library administrators. The taskforce was interested in how these stakeholders use quantitative data in decision-making.

Re-Inventing Reference, Lynn Sheehan

Lynn Sheehan

No abstract provided.

Re-Inventing Reference, Lynn Sheehan

Lynn Sheehan

No abstract provided.

Re-Inventing Reference, Lynn Sheehan

Lynn Sheehan

No abstract provided.