Library and Information Science Commons^™

Academic Libraries And Creation Science Resources, Tyler Veak Ph.D.

The Christian Librarian

Although there is significant debate over whether or not to teach creationism alongside evolution in public schools, there has been little discussion on the role of libraries and librarians in this debate. In this article I argue that academic libraries in particular have a potentially vital role to play in that the majority of science-based research takes place in institutions of higher education; and that academic libraries have an obligation to provide empirically based creation science materials because the debate centers around science. I support my argument through a brief analysis of the institutions that subscribe to the Creation Research …

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Are Ethics Scriptural?: Comparing The Librarians’ Code Of Ethics With Scripture, Paula Gannaway

The Christian Librarian

Most professionals define themselves by codes of ethics, core values or principles of conduct. The American Library Association code of ethics has existed since 1939. The current code focuses on service, authors’ rights and employment issues. Does the ALA code of ethics principles exemplify God-honoring values for ethical guidance? This paper compares selected scriptures to the principles of the code with examples from the field of librarianship.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 51:1)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Hidden Under A Bushel? Evangelical Journals In An Era Of Web-Based Communications, Gregory A. Smith

The Christian Librarian

Evangelicals face significant obstacles as they seek to make their publications accessible to potential readers. This study measures the extent to which evangelical scholarly journals have made their contents available in electronic form. Thirty-five journals – all active, refereed, evangelical in perspective, and published in English – were chosen for analysis. Two serials management tools and individual journal Web sites provided data regarding electronic accessibility. Twenty-six of the journals are available in some electronic form – most commonly in one or more aggregated databases. Evangelical information professionals could play a significant role in helping to make additional evangelical journal content …

Navigating The Assessment Current: Developing An Information Literacy Assessment Program, Kimberley Wilcox

The Christian Librarian

This article begins with an introduction to the concepts and terminology frequently used in the literature of assessment, especially as it applies to the assessment of information literacy by academic librarians. The article then describes the benefits and drawbacks of various techniques used to assess information literacy, with the recommendation that a comprehensive assessment plan must include multiple forms of assessment to balance the drawbacks of individual techniques. After a discussion of information literacy efforts at Azusa Pacific University, the author offers advice to librarians just beginning the process of developing an information literacy assessment plan.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

The Unquiet History Of The Jessie C. Eury Library, Robert Lowery

The Christian Librarian

On Tuesday, October 9, 2007, the Lincoln Christian College and Seminary campus community and special guests came together to celebrate and express gratitude for the new positive learning environment created for our students through the estate gift of the founding librarian and a local community foundation. Collectively we re-dedicated the Jessie C. Eury library to its vital role to facilitate the lifelong learning of its students by providing essential resources, services, and instruction. The highlight of this special event was the presentation of the following essay – “The Unquiet History of the Jessie C. Eury Library of Lincoln Christian College …

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 51:3)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Being A Christian Librarian: A Partial Definition, Robert E. Kaehr

The Christian Librarian

In this essay, the intent is partially to define the meaning of the phrase, Christian librarian. Because of journal limits on the length of an article, only a partial definition is possible. As literature about Christian librarianship accumulates, I hope a clearer understanding will emerge. Gregory A. Smith’s Christian Librarianship: Essays on the Integration of Faith and Profession (2002) has given a good start to defining Christian librarianship.

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Riding The Technological Rapids With The Millennials, Alison R. Jones

The Christian Librarian

The Millennial Generation is generally agreed to be those born between approximately 1982 and 2002. Neil Howe and Bill Strauss are credited with coining the term Millennials, as well as generally defining the birth years of this generation in their book Millennials rising: the next great generation. A few others disagree and define this generation as starting as early as 1979 or as late as 1984; additionally, there are even those who define the Millennial generation as ending as early as 1994.

There is no easy way to define a generation. In the past, many have used the change in …

Improving Student Training Through Computer-Based Tutorials, Joshua Michael

The Christian Librarian

The use of computer-based training for student employees was explored through a recent project. Tutorials were designed and created using a free software program, Wink. The tutorials covered use of electronic resources and circulation programs and were used in training newly hired and continuing student employees. Written exercises requiring use of the information covered in the tutorials were administered subsequently. The advantages of computer-based training for aspects of student library employment were contrasted with its disadvantages. Computer-based training was found to be an effective part of training student employees.

The Care And Feeding Of Library Student Assistants, Gregory A. Martin

The Christian Librarian

Cedarville University’s Centennial Library has a long history of recognizing its student employees in a variety of ways. The Care and Feeding of Library Student Assistants will discuss the library’s pay scale, service-based and other awards, and the various social functions planned for its Student Assistants throughout the year. All of these activities are administered by the library’s Managers Council, and the duties and role of the Council will also be explained.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

The Nine Commandments, J. Ray Doerksen

The Christian Librarian

Recently, I found a file of old letters in the attic. Gently opening the folder, I noticed one unusual manuscript among the yellowing documents. It looked new, even though I was confident that this file had not been touched for decades. What was this letter, and why was it in such pristine condition? Curiosity got the best of me, and taking the paper in my hand, I began to read: My Dear Bookworm, You know how Our Father Below successfully tempted Eve in the Garden many years ago. Our Father appealed to the creature’s pride by convincing her that through …

Integrating E-Books Into The Collection: Some Practical Considerations, John Doncevic, Kathryn Floyd

The Christian Librarian

About five years ago, when many believed digitization would become the panacea for libraries, some of our colleagues predicted that e-books would supplant print. For example, Andrew Pace wrote in 2000: “In five years e-book sales will match those of traditional print; in ten years, e-books will outsell print. There is little doubt left in my mind – e-books are among us and are here to stay.”1 While the proliferation of e-books has not matched the lofty predictions, the availability and usability of e-books is expanding each year. The options for reader and search platforms have increased, more titles are …

Rural Libraries Of Romania, Libraries And The Information Infrastructure Of Rural Romania, Mary Ann Buhler

The Christian Librarian

In May 2005 faculty and students from Emporia State University and Ball State University visited Lunca Ilvei, a small mountain village in rural Romania, to gather qualitative information on its information infrastructure. Researchers interviewed diverse village residents, taking field notes, documenting field observations, and conducting surveys, all recorded photographically.

This paper focuses on Lunca Ilvei’s libraries and how they fit into the village’s information structure. It reports on the research findings and suggests ways to help village residents address their information needs.

A Christian Librarians Response To Government Secrecy, Dora Wagner

The Christian Librarian

The nature of Christian librarianship requires professionals to remain aware of current political decisions made in our government that directly affect the public’s access to relevant information. Utilizing past literature concerning what it means to practice Christian librarianship and exploring the current administrations’ actions regarding The Freedom of Information Act, the author concludes the Christian library community must educate itself and its patrons and demand honesty and integrity from the government.

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 50:1)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Bible Software, Michael Bain

The Christian Librarian

This article is a statement of unbridled praise for the present state of software available for Bible studies, particularly in the use of the Biblical text in its original languages and alphabets. After giving examples of various products related to Bible study, the article turns to descriptions and comparisons of three programs, Gramcord, Logos, and BibleWorks.

The Beginnings Of A Small Ethiopian, Organizational Leadership Library Collaborative, Evelyn Shimazu Yee

The Christian Librarian

An Azusa Pacific University Reference Librarian describes the logistical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of a library building journey to Ethiopia which brought the means for a successful implementation of a new small academic library to hundreds of university students in the African country. Discusses the positive impact of the Christian global community on the university’s global distributed learning programs, the academic program in Ethiopia included well-attended Organizational Leadership courses through the university’s Operation Impact Program supported by the new library.

Reaching Out To The Faculty: Providing Subject-Specific Academic Resources, John Jaeger

The Christian Librarian

Library journals frequently have articles emphasizing the large gulf that seems to exist between academic librarians and teaching faculty members.1 Librarians view this divide as a serious problem and have suggested different strategies to overcome it. Ideas that have received particular prominence include establishing library liaison relationships, providing course-integrated instruction, and encouraging library/faculty research collaboration.

This article focuses primarily on a different method of engaging the faculty. Regularly sending teaching faculty helpful articles and web sites related to their academic disciplines is an easy and effective way to do outreach.

An Unhealthy Case Of Mold, Mary S. Lane

The Christian Librarian

Mold is a serious problem which threatens the well-being of both collections and staff. Preventative maintenance and a good disaster plan are the most effective way of handling mold. However, unforeseen circumstances can infect a library; in which case, librarians must be able to recognize and treat the problem immediately. Finances can affect the manner in which the mold is cleaned. Librarians need to be aware of a variety of options open to them, as well as, a variety of resources upon whom to call in the event of a breakout. A low budget process is presented as an alternative …

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 50:3)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Democracy In Action For God, Adam Holland

The Christian Librarian

A recent graduate reflects on becoming involved in a socially aware and progressive profession. This involvement leads to a conclusion that Christian librarians can share professional activities despite having distinct motivations.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.