Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Assessing The Research Process Improves The Product: Results Of A Faculty-­Librarian Collaboration, Divonna M. Stebick, Janelle L. Wertzberger, Margaret E. Flora, Joseph W. Miller

Janelle Wertzberger

When an education professor and a reference librarian sought to improve the quality of undergraduate student research, their partnership led to a new focus on assessing the research process in addition to the product. In this study, we reflect on our collaborative experience introducing information literacy as the foundation for undergraduate teacher education research. We examine the outcomes of this collaboration, focusing on the assessment of the process. Using a mixed methods approach, we found that direct instruction supporting effective research strategies positively impacted student projects. Our data also suggest that undergraduate students benefit from not only sound research strategies, …

A Tale Of Two Repositories: The Brockport Full Service Model, Kim L. Myers

Kim Myers

There are several models for staffing an Institutional Repository. This presentation discusses the full time manager - full service option that The College at Brockport has chosen. The importance of signature collections and communicating with your stakeholders are also discussed. You can view the presentation given by my fellow panelist, Joshua Beatty, from Plattsburgh here: http://digitalcommons.plattsburgh.edu/lis/3/ .

Benchmarking And Pondering Aserl Interlibrary Loan Operations, 2010 And 2013 (Executive Summary), David P. Atkins, Judy Greenwood, Pam King

David P Atkins

In 2010 and 2013, members of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) were surveyed to identify benchmarks and programs to support resource sharing. This study compared and contrasted the two surveys using mixed methods data analysis in assessing performance and identifying challenges and trends in interlibrary loan (ILL) operations.

Response rates varied: 2010 = 84%; 2013 = 74%. This report also uses ILL filled volume data collected annually by ASERL. This summary presents the following findings and implications: transaction volumes; staffing levels; campus document delivery; issues and challenges; and ILL organizational schemes. ASERL can use these issue areas as …

Southeastern Library Assessment Conference, Jennifer Jones

Jennifer L. Jones

The Southeastern Library Assessment Conference provides an opportunity for those interested in advancing the library assessment and user experience conversation to gather together to share and discuss practical ideas and information. We invite anyone involved in or who would like to learn more about assessment in libraries of all types. The conference location is the Southeastern U.S., but we welcome attendees and presenters from all regions. This conference is the collective effort of a small group of academic librarians in Georgia who have identified a need for additional forums to connect with and learn from others who are engaged in …

An Assessment Of The Bhutanese Traditional Medicine For Its Ethnopharmacology, Ethnobotany And Ethnoquality: Textual Understanding And The Current Practices, Phurpa Wangchuk, Stephen G. Pyne, Paul A. Keller

Paul Keller

Ethnopharmacological relevance : This study involves the assessment of the Bhutanese traditional medicine (BTM) which was integrated with the mainstream biomedicine in 1967 to provide primary health care services in the country. It caters to 20-30% of the daily out-patients within 49 traditional medicine units attached to 20 district modern hospitals and 29 Basic Health Units in the country. Aim of the study : This study presents the ethnopharmacological, ethnobotanical and the ethnoquality concepts in relation to mainstream Tibetan medicine and describes the current practices of BTM. Materials and methods : Experienced BTM practitioners (Drung-tshos and Smen-pas) were selected using …

How To Read 200,000 Publications: Vivo And The Intelligent Evaluation Of Scholarship, John Mark Ockerbloom, Anne Seymour

John Mark Ockerbloom

VIVO and the data that it manages enable a variety of new mechanisms for analyzing and evaluating the scholarship of individuals and organizations. These mechanisms provide both opportunities and dangers.

As critics of overuse of impact factors, magazine rankings, and student survey scores know, it can be tempting to rely on short-cuts. Aggregation and automated analysis of readily available data, used wisely, can reveal important information that can help assess and improve scholarly impact. Used unwisely, however, it can replace the thoughtful assessment of scholarly quality with quick comparisons of mechanically-generated scores that may have little to do with the …

Improving Assessment: Rubrics In A Tertiary Multimedia Course, Barnard Clarkson, Joseph Luca

Barnard Clarkson

This paper explains how alternative assessment methods were implemented in a first-year tertiary course on web design. The aim was to make assessment clearer for the students to understand, and more focussed, using a rubric—a detailed, criterion-referenced marking guide. The results of a post-course evaluation of this action research showed that students strongly appreciated the use of this type of assessment. Our conclusion is that the rubric approach improves student satisfaction and can save lecturers time when marking.

Panel Discussion On Acrl's The Value Of Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Research Review And Report, Kathleen Webb

Kathleen M. Webb

No abstract provided.

The Chronic Heart-Failure Assistance By Telephone (Chat) Study: Assessment Of Telephone Support For Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Disease, Julie Yallop, Bianca Chan, Leon Piterman, Andrew Tonkin, Andrew Forbes, Patricia M. Davidson, Robyn Clark, Elizabeth Halcomb, Andrea Nangle, Simon Stewart, Joanne Croucher, Henry Krum

Elizabeth Jane Halcomb Professor

Aim: To determine whether telephone support using an evidence-based protocol for chronic heart failure (CHF) management will improve patient outcomes and will reduce hospital readmission rates in patients without access to hospital-based management programs. Methods: The rationale and protocol for a cluster-design randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a semi-automated telephone intervention for the management of CHF, the Chronic Heart-failure Assistance by Telephone (CHAT) Study is described. Care is coordinated by trained cardiac nurses located in Heartline, the national call center of the National Heart Foundation of Australia in partnership with patients' general practitioners (GPs). Conclusions: The CHAT Study model represents …

A Comparative Study Of Assessment Grading And Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Quality In Sessional And Tenured Teachers, Yenna Salamonson, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Sharon Andrew, Kathleen Peters, Debra Jackson

Elizabeth Jane Halcomb Professor

Purpose: Although the global nursing faculty shortage has led to increasing reliance upon sessional staff, limited research has explored the impact of these sessional staff on the quality of teaching in higher education. We aim to examine differences in (a) student satisfaction with sessional and tenured staff and (b) assessment scores awarded by sessional and tenured staff in students' written assignments. Design: A comparative study method was used. Participants were recruited from students enrolled in the three nursing practice subjects across the 3 years of the baccalaureate program in an Australian university during the second semester of 2008. Methods: This …

Bioregional Assessment Project: Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers And Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchments: Data Collation Phase To Study The Impact Of Mining Activity And Coal Seam Gas On Environmental Assets, John Bradd, Tim Cohen, Sam Marx, Sol Buckman, Emma Burkhardt, A Clarke, Nicole Cook, Stephen Cullen, James Daley, Alexi Gavin, Ren Hu, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Matt Lemcke, Andrew Lowe, Thomas Mcmahon, Luke Mcneilage, Kaitlyn O'Mara, Garth Nagle, Sam Robson, Carolyn Silveri, Joe Stammers

Solomon Buckman Dr.

This study was commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean (HNCMA), Sydney Metropolitan (SMCMA) and Southern Rivers (SRCMA) Catchment Management Authorities and undertaken by the University of Wollongong to collate existing data and to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining activities on environmental assets within the three CMA regions, where environmental assets were defined under three broad themes; water, land and biodiversity. This study formed part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Bioregional Assessment initiative within regions potentially affected by CSG and coal mining activities. …

A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman

Solomon Buckman Dr.

The potential environmental impacts and hazards of coal seam gas mining in Australia are highly contentious and poorly understood. Concerns have been raised by communities, and the Australian government has incorporated management tools and strategies to address these concerns. The primary environmental issue associated with coal seam gas mining would be on the aquifers above the target coal seam. If the upper aquifers are affected in terms of quantity and quality, then there are cumulative impacts to the surface environment such as groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface waters. This paper will examine the Australian situation with regard to coal seam …

Thermodynamic Assessment Of Aluminium Production Through Carbosulphidation Route, Nazmul Huda, Muhammad A. Rhamdhani, M A. Dewan, Geoffrey A. Brooks, B J. Monaghan, L Prentice

Brian Monaghan

Indirect carbothermal reduction of alumina for the production of aluminium has been claimed to be better compared to the existing Hall-Heroult process in-terms of energy usage, generation of perfluorocarbons and overall greenhouse gas emission. In the process, alumina is reduced to an intermediate compound which is then further reduced to Al. It has been shown from the previous thermodynamic study by the authors that high conversion of alumina can be obtained if it is reduced to Al-chloride, Al-nitride or Al-sulphide. This paper deals with detailed systematic thermodynamic analysis of the process through carbosulphidation route, where alumina is first reduced to …

Aserl Interlibrary Loan Best Practices Survey, 2013, David P. Atkins, Judy Greenwood, Pam Whaley

David P Atkins

This is a library and information needs assessment survey of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries and ASERL's partner institutions. The results will assist ASERL in identifying programming and project areas to support resource sharing. This survey is an updated reprise of ASERL's 2010 ILL survey.

The Diffusion Of Geospatial Technologies Among Louisiana Assessors, Craig A. Johnson

Craig A Johnson

The Diffusion of Geospatial Technologies among Louisiana Assessors The diffusion of geospatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems and Computer Aided Mass Appraisal Systems, among Louisiana Assessors has been slowed by limited resources, a lack of communication and slow innovation decision processes. This theory supports the theories and research on the diffusion of innovation developed by Dr. Everett M. Rogers in his book entitled the Diffusion of Innovations. The data collected from several online surveys of Louisiana Assessors between 2007 and 2013 was compared to identify factors that spurred or impeded the adoption of geospatial technologies among assessment offices.

An Assessment Of Waste Management Activities Of Plateau Environmental Protection And Sanitation Agency, N L. Binbol Phd, F Ogboji, A A. Lahor

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The research examined the performance of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) as a waste management agency on the Jos Plateau. The research made use of primary data in the form of structured questionnaires to elucidate required information from respondents. Four wards Naraguta B, Jenta Adamu, Jenta Apata and Tudun Wada Kabong were used as sampling points. The research made used of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for data analysis. Results obtain shows that 88% of wastes generated were domestic in nature and that the commonest methods of refuse disposals are the open space (33%) and back yard …

Sketching Success: Assessing Learning Outcomes With Concept Maps, Heidi Gauder, Fred W. Jenkins

Fred W Jenkins

Learn how one library uses concept maps to conduct both quick and in-depth assessments of student learning. This technique evolved into a more formal assessment with pre- and post-testing for both one-shot instruction sessions and semester-long research classes. After transcribing the concepts to spreadsheets, librarians standardize the terms and map them to ACRL Information Literacy Standards for more rigorous analysis and assessment. Discover how concept maps can be easily utilized for assessment.

What Are We Really Doing To Market Electronic Resources?, Marie R. Kennedy

Marie R. Kennedy

Purpose: This research identifies which marketing activities libraries are using to promote electronic resources and examines how libraries are measuring the successes or failures of their marketing plans.

Methodology: This research analyzes the literature published in library science on marketing techniques for electronic resources in use at libraries; the corpus is composed of 24 documents published from 1994-2009. The literature is qualitatively analyzed to determine the techniques in use, the libraries’ goals, targeted groups, budgets, and assessments of their marketing plans.

Findings: Thirty-eight unique marketing techniques were discovered in the 24 documents consulted for this research. The four most popular …

An Assessment Of Waste Management Activities Of Plateau Environmental Protection And Sanitation Agency, Cjes Department Of Geography And Planning Kogi State University Anyigba

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The research examined the performance of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) as a waste management agency on the Jos Plateau. The research made use of primary data in the form of structured questionnaires to elucidate required information from respondents. Four wards Naraguta B, Jenta Adamu, Jenta Apata and Tudun Wada Kabong were used as sampling points. The research made used of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for data analysis. Results obtain shows that 88% of wastes generated were domestic in nature and that the commonest methods of refuse disposals are the open space (33%) and back yard …

The Campaign For Information Literacy: Politics, Personalities, & Perseverance, Elisa Slater Acosta

Elisa Slater Acosta

Tariffs, Subsidies, And Profits: A Re-Assessment Of Structural Change In Australia 1901–39, David Merrett, Simon Ville

Simon Ville

We re-interpret the drivers of structural change in Australia from Federation to World War II. Manufacturing increased its relative share of output and employment, the farm sector and mining contracted. Conventional wisdom contends these shifts largely resulted from government policy, particularly increases in trade barriers. We contend that the connection between tariffs and increased profitability is conceptually weak and not supported by extant evidence. We argue that exogenous shifts in consumer preferences, the adoption of new technologies, changing factor proportions, and greater specialisation in manufacturing and services were responsible for manufacturing increasing its share of the economy's resources and output.

An Assessment Of The Research Performance Of Commerce Faculties In Australia, Abbas Valadkhani, Simon Ville

Simon Ville

There is a growing policy focus in Australian higher education on quantitative research performance assessment. However, most of the analysis has addressed aggregate performance at the institutional level, an approach inconsistent with recent policy emphasis on diversity among universities, and one that ignores performance variations across disciplines. We use cluster analysis to classify one of the ten broad fields of education, that is, management and commerce. Using averaged and available data for 2000-2004 on various research measures, partial rankings are provided. Factor analysis is utilised to generate full-multidimensional rankings within the resulting clusters. Our results show that low total research …

Bioregional Assessment Project: Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers And Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchments: Data Collation Phase To Study The Impact Of Mining Activity And Coal Seam Gas On Environmental Assets, John Bradd, Tim Cohen, Sam Marx, Sol Buckman, Emma Burkhardt, A Clarke, Nicole Cook, Stephen Cullen, James Daley, Alexi Gavin, Ren Hu, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Matt Lemcke, Andrew Lowe, Thomas Mcmahon, Luke Mcneilage, Kaitlyn O'Mara, Garth Nagle, Sam Robson, Carolyn Silveri, Joe Stammers

John M Bradd Dr

This study was commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean (HNCMA), Sydney Metropolitan (SMCMA) and Southern Rivers (SRCMA) Catchment Management Authorities and undertaken by the University of Wollongong to collate existing data and to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining activities on environmental assets within the three CMA regions, where environmental assets were defined under three broad themes; water, land and biodiversity. This study formed part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Bioregional Assessment initiative within regions potentially affected by CSG and coal mining activities. …

A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman

John M Bradd Dr

The potential environmental impacts and hazards of coal seam gas mining in Australia are highly contentious and poorly understood. Concerns have been raised by communities, and the Australian government has incorporated management tools and strategies to address these concerns. The primary environmental issue associated with coal seam gas mining would be on the aquifers above the target coal seam. If the upper aquifers are affected in terms of quantity and quality, then there are cumulative impacts to the surface environment such as groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface waters. This paper will examine the Australian situation with regard to coal seam …

The Rubric: An Assessment Odyssey, Elisa Slater Acosta, Susan [Gardner] Archambault

Elisa Slater Acosta

No abstract provided.

The Civilian Version Of The Mississippi Ptsd Scale: A Psychometric Evaluation, Dawn Vreven, David Gudanowski, Lynda King, Daniel King

Dawn L Vreven

This three-part study examined the reliability and validity of the civilian version of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD using data from the nonveteran participants in the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. The Civilian Mississippi Scale had a raw score distribution that was roughly symmetric, with an acceptable degree of dispersion and a reasonably high internal consistency reliability coefficient. Overall, however, measurement precision was weaker than that for the military version of the instrument, and confirmatory factor analytic findings differed from those found for the military version. Preliminary investigations of validity were in the form of correlations with indices of …

Comparison Of Methodologies For Assessment Of Harmonic Current Emission Limits For Large Installations Connected To Lv Networks, Biyanvilage Perera, Sarath Perera, Philip Ciufo, Victor J. Gosbell

Dr Philip Ciufo

With the proliferation of large, disturbing installations (loads and distribution generators) connected to public low voltage networks, managing the harmonic voltage levels in the network has become a key concern to distribution network service providers (DNSPs). Therefore, it is important that DNSPs limit the harmonic current emission by individual installations. This paper reviews a number of methodologies that exist in the current technical literature in relation to the assessment of harmonic current emission limits for disturbing installations connected to the public LV network. Application of these methodologies is demonstrated through a case study on a test network. The study shows …

The Foundations Of Student Affairs: A Guide To The Profession, Dallas Long

Dallas Long

Student affairs is a large, complex area of campus operations and is comprised of many departments with professionals from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Long provides a short history of the student affairs profession, followed by an overview of the departments in a typical student affairs division and the responsibilities and goals of the professionals in those departments. Long also describes the values that guide the work of student affairs professionals and the contemporary challenges they face.

Assessment Practices In The Post-Communicative Era: A Multiliteracies Perspective, Heather W. Allen, Kate Paesani, Beatrice Dupuy

Heather Willis Allen

No abstract provided.

Assessment Practices In The Post-Communicative Era: A Multiliteracies Perspective, Heather Willis Allen, Beatrice Dupuy, Kate Paesani

Kate Paesani

Although numerous integrated approaches to foreign language teaching and learning have emerged during the “post-communicative era,” assessment practices have not kept pace with changes reflected within these approaches. Assessment practices often remain form-focused, oriented toward isolated language competencies, and devoid of focus on expression or interpretation of meaning. Yet, as Kern (2000) stated, “what is evaluated constitutes the de facto curriculum and how it is evaluated reflects the de facto philosophy of learning and teaching” (p. 267). In other words, when assessment practices focus on forms and isolated skills while lacking a focus on meaningful communication, instructors see mastery of …