Communication Technology and New Media Commons^™

The Social Production Of Knowledge In The 21st Century: Undergraduate Research In Scholarly Communication, Geri Bunker Ingram

Giving Undergraduate Research a Worldwide Voice: Institutional Repositories as Publishers

A presentation on undergraduate research at various universities, and its collection into OCLC.

http://www.oclc.org/gateway/

Student Scholarly Publishing: Obstacles And Opportunities, Tim Tamminga

Giving Undergraduate Research a Worldwide Voice: Institutional Repositories as Publishers

A presentation on the institutional repository system powered by Berkeley Electronic Press.

More information at http://www.bepress.com/ir/

Deadly Silence: An Assessment Of Emergency Alert Systems For Lincoln County, Georgia, Gretchen B. Keneson,

Georgia Journal of Public Policy

Rural counties have a predisposition to sustaining catastrophic losses during natural emergencies. These counties tend to have poorer economic conditions that exacerbate attempts at hazard mitigation.  Emergency Alerts Systems (EAS) are the most efficient and effective ways to provide information of impending danger.  This study will compare and contrast different EAS to determine which would accommodate the needs of a community. The most successful way for most counties to alert citizens is through the use of a combination of redundant systems. For pastoral Lincoln County, Georgia the optimal systems are an alert siren and auto call capabilities.  Both of these …

Social Networking In Collegiate Public Relations, Leon Bracey

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

A guide describing the importance of institutions of higher education implement social networking policies and procedures. The project includes a manual and marketing plan that will be implemented by the author of the project at his employer, Georgia Perimeter College.

The Process Of Successfully Integrating Communication Technologies Into Short-Term, Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs: Reflections From The Field, Todd L. Goen, Jennifer R. Billinson, Linda D. Manning

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

As advances in communication technologies (CT) continue to shape modern life, it is critical study abroad professionals and faculty leaders contemplate the ways in which such technologies impact study abroad. This essay provides an argument for the value and utility of such contemplation through an in-depth examination of a short-term, faculty-led study abroad program and the three faculty who lead it. The authors provide reflective summaries of their own experiences with CT and study abroad and discuss the ways in which changes in CT resulted in changes to their own study abroad program including the integration of CT into academic …

Library Home Page Design: The Artist-Librarian Perspective, Virginia C. Feher

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article focuses on a library home page that is designed from the artist-librarian perspective. It cites the need to include promotional features on a page to advertise resources available from the Web site and sponsored events. It notes that the application of the basic principles of art such as emphasis, harmony and movement is important for a successful composition of the page. Also stated is the use of color on a home page which, according to the author, can result in a page that is vibrant while supportive of the delivery of information.

The Facebook Story, Brittany Rowland

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

This capstone is an exploration of the Facebook phenomenon in today's world. It delves into Facebook's creation and evolution; the construction of an identity on online social-networking sites and the nature of Facebook relationships and interactions; and the News Feed controversy of 2006 and other issues of Facebook privacy and security.

Save Gas Using Your Office Computer From Home, Steve Duckworth, Damon Armour, Jeff Heck

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article discusses the protocols used to establish remote computer connections from home. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) used in Windows 7 connecting to a Windows 2008 server reportedly allows the playing of high-definition video using Media Player. It is stated that commercial product connections which may bypass security infrastructure are risky because of the home computer's possible insecurity and that home devices used for business purposes may be legally searched by the state.

Ict Usage In Microfinance Institutions In Uganda, Joseph Kaumba Ssewanyana

The African Journal of Information Systems

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are always often faced with high operating costs to provide financial services to the poor people and Small and Medium Enterprises. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been found to promote the dual objective of microfinance - sustainability and outreach to the poor people. Using a quantitative survey and descriptive research approach, this paper has established the extent to which ICT has been used in the microfinance institutions in Uganda. Despite the barriers, ICT usage in MFIs has been on the rise; and different applications and technologies have been adopted by some MFIs to control costs, create …

Georgia Library News Now On Twitter

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article informs that the Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS) has created a Twitter account, Georgialibs. According to GPLS Webmaster Darin Givens, the GPLS Twitter feed will be useful communications tool for getting brief reminders about upcoming library events, conferences and workshops. Given adds that it will also be used for linking public library news items.

Encouraging Faculty Requests For Library Materials: Midwest’S New Book Selection Service, Lydia F. Knight

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article discusses the use of Midwest Library Service's notification scheme by Dalton State College in Georgia. It offers a New Book Selection Service, which replaces the notification slip as a medium of distributing announcements on forthcoming titles. This information is sent by electronic mail instead. The lists can be profiled using the Library of Congress Subject Classification.

Building Collaborative Reference And Instructional Services For Distance Education Students, Angela P. Whitehurst, Carolyn N. Willis

The Southeastern Librarian

To meet the needs of rigorous educational programs, academic libraries must make a commitment to serve growing distance education (DE) populations. Students who participate in distance education are typically older, nontraditional students with unique characteristics who need special services provided by their university library in order to obtain an education equal to their on-campus counterparts. Creating a successful reference and instructional service for distance education students not only takes planning, collaboration, and assessment, but also requires knowing your audience, constantly experimenting with new technologies, expecting the unexpected, and being ready to problem-solve at a moment’s notice. In this article, the …

Social Networking As A Communications Weapon To Harm Victims: Facebook, Myspace, And Twitter Demonstrate A Need To Amend Section 230 Of The Communications Decency Act, Joshua N. Azriel

Faculty Articles

The article discusses how social networking sites can pose a danger to victims of online offensive content. Part II provides an overall analysis of the dangers the Internet, especially social networking, poses to victims. Part III reviews Section 230 of the CDA, including the “Good Samaritan” provisions for social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook. Part IV analyzes three recent court cases that demonstrate how these social networking tools are used as weapons to harm victims. Part V concludes with a discussion of how the growing number of online incidents stem from social networking sites. It recommends that Congress …

Formalisation Of Information Systems In Sub-Saharan African Small And Medium Enterprises: Case Of Botswana, Richard Duncombe, Alemayehu Molla

The African Journal of Information Systems

This article provides an exploratory model that assesses the factors that influence formalisation of information systems (IS) for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sub-Saharan Africa drawing on data gathered in Botswana. The paper defines four levels of formalisation of IS for SMEs and identifies the internal and external factors that influence the process of IS formalisation. Key findings demonstrate a strong reliance on informal information practices amongst SMEs, alongside widespread unmet demand for formal information. It is also observed that successful enterprise development requires optimum use of both formal and informal IS. Evidence suggests this is achieved through developing …

Information Technology Acceptance In South Africa: An Investigation Of Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease Of Use, And Actual System Use Constructs, Udo Richard Averweg

The African Journal of Information Systems

Information technology (IT) acceptance studies pay much attention to issues of significance in assessing the contributions of variables explaining IT usage for decision-making in organizations. Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) states that Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) are the two factors that govern the adoption and use of information technology. Actual System Use (behavior) consists of the number of times of systems use. The author conducted a survey of 31 organizations in KwaZulu/Natal, a region in South Africa, which implemented an Executive Information System (EIS). A validated survey instrument was administered to an EIS stakeholder in …

Web 2.0 In Libraries: Assessing New Services, Jean Vollrath

The Southeastern Librarian

Each morning’s work at the Center for Creative Leadership library involves scanning the internet news sources for stories that affect company clients, particularly new business trends and innovations. Two such trends are Web 2.0 and the idea of “third place.” The term “third place” refers to an open, neutral, creative haven for social interaction and collaboration, such as a library or coffee shop. Web 2.0 refers to those new internet technologies that can be used to create virtual “third place” communities through synchronous and asynchronous communication. So it was not surprising to see a new column in the January 2007 …

Virtual Reference Service In Southeastern Academic Libraries: A Study Of Availability, David L. Dehart, Ann Viles

The Southeastern Librarian

Academic libraries are experiencing a gradual decline in the number of reference transactions. In a recent compilation of statistics for members of the Association of Research Libraries, for example, the median numbers of reference transactions reported fell from 134,944 in 1998 to 66,300 in 2005, an average drop of 4.6% per year (Kyrillidou and Young 2006). Traditional reference transactions still greatly outnumber virtual transactions in most libraries, but there is some speculation that virtual reference will overtake traditional reference in the near future. In an attempt to establish a baseline for the availability of virtual reference services in Southeastern academic …

Turn-Taking And The Local Management Of Conversation In A Highly Simultaneous Computer-Mediated Communication System, Jeffrey F. Anderson, Fred K. Beard, Joseph B. Walther

Faculty Articles

Ongoing inquiry in communication technology research includes the questions of whether and how users adapt communication to the relatively restricted codes provided by text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). This study proposes that adaptations may be affected by the level of simultaneity in messaging that CMC systems afford users. This suggestion is examined through an analysis of the particular conversational management strategies afforded by a fully synchronous computer-mediated communication system in which message transmission is keystroke-by-keystroke. Conversation analyses performed on the transcript of a three-person online conversation suggest several conclusions: Despite the novelty of the system, the CMC users appropriated and adapted …

Promoting Your School Library’S Services With An E-Mail Newsletter, Roxanne M. Spencer

The Southeastern Librarian

In this age of competing services and resources, school libraries constantly look for ways to promote their services and engender excitement among students. From book fairs to literature circles to guest lecturers, the evolving school library media center must continually showcase its services. Librarians have often been hesitant to promote their services, but necessity has forced us all to become more marketing oriented. The library newsletter offers one inexpensive, non-aggressive, but effective way to reach out to fellow teachers, administrators, and students and parents.

Chatting About Questionpoint And Docutek, Dana Mervar, Matthew Loving

The Southeastern Librarian

The following article describes our experience using two popular interactive chat services: OCLC QuestionPoint and Docutek VRLplus. A search of the library literature revealed that no similar comparisons had been done. Regardless of the future of chat technology, the current buzz surrounding its use is prompting libraries across the country to seek out ways of acquiring a chat service. OCLC has strong name recognition due to its traditional role in providing library technology solutions. This factor plays an important role in marketing its QuestionPoint chat product. Docutek also offers library technology solutions with the idea of making technology simple and …

Live Virtual Reference And The Database Dilemma, Jennifer Mcclure

The Southeastern Librarian

Live virtual reference programs in the university setting have blossomed in recent years as librarians have aspired to become as “virtual” as the resources they offer. While some libraries have chosen to limit their service to affiliated members, many have preferred to open their programs to the wider community. The motivation to do so is perhaps particularly strong among public university librarians, who often feel a dual responsibility to their own affiliates and to the citizens of their state. However, the decision to offer a chat reference service to the public raises a number of legal, ethical, and practical questions …

The Local Nature Of Digital Reference, Teresa U. Berry, Margaret M. Casado, Lana Dixon

The Southeastern Librarian

In response to the extensive availability of digital library resources and the rising number of remote users, many libraries now offer digital reference services through e-mail and chat. The growing use of interactive chat software with its real time interactive capability has prompted librarians to consider collaborative ways in which to offer this service. A concern expressed frequently in informal discussions of such collaborations is how difficult it would be for the staff at one library to answer questions for another, considering that many questions tend to be “local”. Intrigued by the perception of “local,” librarians at the University of …

The Great Leveler: Free Business Resources On The World Wide Web, Jason Martin

The Southeastern Librarian

The Internet is full of reliable sources that are filled with a wealth of business information. Some of these sites are fee-based with subscription prices that are much lower than those of the large commercial databases. Unfortunately, only a single subscriber may use most of those fee-based sites. That means the librarian must turn to sites that are free to the general public. Many of these free sites rival fee-based services for quality and quantity of information.

Off The Shelf And Into The Classroom: Working With K-12 Teachers To Integrate Digitized Collections Into Classroom Instruction, Tara Zachary Laver

The Southeastern Librarian

Thanks to a grant funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Special Collections Department of LSU Libraries and the LSU digital library have been digitizing, cataloging, and making available via the World Wide Web selected documents and publications from the era of the Louisiana Purchase held by LSU and the New Orleans City Archives. A goal of the grant was to enhance K-12 teaching and learning by working with Louisiana teachers to integrate the use of the digital collection into their classroom activities. The digital collection’s availability on the web would also give access to any teacher, …

Resources And Services For Remote Access: A Content Analysis Of Alabama’S Public Four-Year University Library Web Sites, Hanrong Wang, William Hubbard

The Southeastern Librarian

This study examines the web sites of the sixteen Alabama public senior colleges and universities in order to identify the principle characteristics and current trends in web-based services. Because web sites are evolving constantly, the study intends to make a static comparison of web-based resources and services provided by those libraries at a fixed point in time. Besides identifying trends in library web sites, this study will serve as a benchmark for comparisons of future web-based developments and for improving existing services and resources in the subject libraries.

Interface-Lift: The Houston Cole Library's Web Page Redesign Project, John-Bauer Graham, Jodi Poe, Kimberly Weatherford

The Southeastern Librarian

A discussion of the redesign of the web site for the Houston Cole Library at Jacksonville State University. Faculty and student input were taken and the results used to shape the direction of the project.

Public Access To Legal Resources On The Internet, Alice M. Mccanless

The Southeastern Librarian

In the not so distant past, before the Internet, doing legal research necessitated access to either a substantial law collection or one of the expensive legal databases, Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw. That limited legal reference to law librarians, some special librarians and reference librarians at large university or public libraries. The Internet has changed all of that, giving any library with an Internet connection access to a wealth of current law, especially at the state and federal level.

Based on a presentation at the Joint Conference of the Georgia Council of Media Organizations and Southeastern Library Association on October 12, 2000.

Testing The Design Of A Library Information Gateway, W. Bede Mitchell, Laura Davidson, Virginia Branch, Lynne Lysiak

The Southeastern Librarian

In autumn of 1999, the library World Wide Websites at Appalachian State University and Georgia Southern University had been in place for more than a year, and many library users reported that certain aspects of the sites’ designs were confusing. In order to alleviate the confusion, librarians from the two universities decided to redesign the sites by determining the greatest sources of confusion. To do this, we studied how patrons used the web sites by way of user-centered usability testing.

Developing A Hospital Web Site As A Marketing Tool: A Case Study, Thomas G. Widmer, C. David Shepherd

Faculty Articles

This article presents a case study which described the efforts of Siskin Hospital to develop a Web site as its marketing tool in 1999. Several years ago. Siskin Hospital, a rehabilitation facility in the southeastern U.S., began the process of developing a hospital Web site. It was agreed that a multidisciplinary team was needed. Then, the next step was to determine target audiences for the site based on the objectives. Fourteen distinct targets were identified. The type of information each would require was brainstormed and detailed. The information types were then prioritized using a matrix developed by the team.

The Threat Of Long-Arm Jurisdiction To Electronic Commerce, Robert J. Aalberts, Anthony M. Townsend, Michael E. Whitman

Faculty Articles

Unfortunately for those whose businesses rely on the Internet, an increasing amount of legal conflict is also arising in reaction to this new business medium. As attorneys and the courts attempt to sort out the Internet’s legal status quo, both are considering such pressing substantive issues as electronic contracts, privacy, trademark, copyright, defamation, computer crimes, censorship, and taxation. It is imperative that information system professionals become aware of how evolving Internet law will affect the medium they are charged with administrating. An informed IS community is also much more capable of mounting legal and political challenges to law that might …