Library and Information Science Commons^™

Global Ethics, Religious Liberty, And Freedom Of Information Access, Paul A. Hartog

The Christian Librarian

Devout Christians work in a spectrum of library settings (including public libraries), networked by globalized information access. By nature of their employment, these librarians assist patrons in accessing and retrieving information that challenges or conflicts with a biblical worldview. How can one defend taking such an active role in this seeming contradiction? This article maintains that Christian commitment may not only co-exist with the freedom of information access but may also support it as a universal human right in our globalized, pluralistic context. To make the case, the essay contrasts two varying accounts of Global Ethics (differing in their view …

How Do Librarians Preach, Worship And Pray?: Insights From The Reformers, Garrett Trott

The Christian Librarian

Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli have become common names in many Protestant churches because they were key figures in the Reformation. Many components of life were impacted by their initiatives to bring about change in the Catholic church. Many of us understand the distinct doctrinal components of that transformation, but did that doctrine impact other facets of life? This brief essay will look at how the Reformation changed preaching, prayer, and worship and how those changes impacted (and can further impact) the practice of librarians.

Indexes: The Heart Of Research, Laura M. Ladwig, Jamey M. Wilkes, Lori Thornton, Sarah Wessel

The Christian Librarian

This article, originally a presentation at ACL’s 2023 conference, will delineate the enduring value of indexes for librarians and researchers alike, giving some examples of how indexes have evolved in a technology-driven age.

Electronic Resource Usage Data: An Introduction And Data Dashboard Template, Kelly Bilz

The Christian Librarian

This article provides an overview of COUNTER5 metrics and reports, describes the Usage Data Dashboard template, and provides several takeaways for designing data collection workflows. Drawing from research data management (RDM) principles surrounding documentation, the Usage Data Dashboard template can support library workers and improve processes of collecting and interpreting electronic usage data.

Insights: Qualitative Study To Reevaluate And Redesign Online Learning Self-Guided Tools For English First Year Writers, Nandi Prince

The Christian Librarian

Abstract

The library faculty teaches approximately three hundred one-time instructional classes per year. This study explored the role of the library instructor in the support of serving the needs of first year writers(FYW) in a discourse community (DC). The English faculty teach English Composition I, the FYW develop their writing skills in a community with shared goals and an established means of communicating. This qualitative study explored: (1) in-depth experiences of the English faculty during library one-time instructional classes; (2) their perceptions of what students need most, in the new curriculum; (3) new findings that would guide the design of …

Influence Of Library Management System In Managing Library Information Resources By Librarians In Ekiti State Tertiary Institutions, Fajiwe Olabode Thomas, Ogunojemite Abosede Tola

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the influence of the library management system in managing library information resources by librarians in Ekiti state tertiary institutions. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The sample for the study comprised 80 librarians who were randomly selected through simple random sampling. Purpose of Library Management System (PLIS) and Challenges of Library Management System (CLMS) were the two instruments used to collect relevant data for the study. The research questions raised were answered using mean and standard deviation. Means scores cut off point of 2.50 and above was accepted. The findings from the study indicated that …

Enhancing Information Delivery Services For Distance Education Programmes In Cross River State, Nigeria, Mayen Ndaro Igajah Dr, Christopher Okoi Offem Mr, Mary Mfon Bassey Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper assessed information delivery services for distance education programmes. The study traces briefly the history of the National Open University and the National Teacher Institute. The e-resources and current issues on services provided by librarians. The study adopted the survey design methods. The questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. From the analysis of the data collected, it was found that the current issues on information services are in support of open and distance education programmes, technologies used in the delivery of information services for distance learners, concepts of distance education in Nigeria, value of social media …

Improving Disability Inclusion Through Professional Development, Carli Spina

Urban Library Journal

Building a shared understanding of the importance of disability inclusion and the concrete steps everyone at the library can take towards this goal, is an important first step towards improving services for disabled patrons and the work environment for disabled employees. Offering training on these specific topics can jumpstart this activity at virtually any library. Guided by existing research in the field, this article offers concrete guidance on creating and offering this training at libraries to improve disability inclusion in the community.

Reiterating Visibility: Canadian Librarians’ Experiences Of Racial Microaggressions Via Findings From A Minority Librarians Network Redux Survey, Yanli Li, Maha Kumaran, Allan Cho, Valentina Ly, Suzanne Fernando, Michael David Miller

Library Publications

Based on the data from the Visible Minority Librarians of Canada 2021 Redux Survey, this study examines experiences of racial microaggressions among visible minority librarians in Canada. This research fills the gap in the library and information science (LIS) literature regarding racial microaggressions in librarianship in the Canadian context. Of the 148 respondents, 69% (n=102) experienced at least one stated racial microaggression. The result of a Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a significant association between years of experience as a librarian and a librarian’s overall experiences with microaggressions. A post hoc test based on Bonferroni correction was run, which indicated that …

Search Engine Activity, Amber Dierking

Lesson Plans

This lesson/activity uses search engines as examples to think critically about information systems.

Objectives: Students will gain a deeper understanding of how search engines function, how those mechanics affect their results, and will consider how and why these differ from searching within library systems.

The Winter Issue 2023, Grace Neeley, Emily Watson, Andy D. Sims, Jeffery Hirschy

Fonds and Feathers

This 2023 winter issue features stories of the first female archivist of the United States, Dr. Coleen Shogun and the new SLIS faculty, Kaeli Gretter. In the spotlights section, the pioneer library service with the WPA pack horse library project is retold. In addition, miscellaneous events and activities of SMSA are covered including the past and incoming archival conferences and a list of recipients of the graduate archival certificate.

A Critical Librarianship Approach For Teaching Patent Searching: Who Becomes An Inventor In America?, Dave Zwicky, Ilana Stonebraker

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

The ways in which a technology is invented, owned, and approved are strongly influenced by the same oppressive and exclusionary structures that critical librarianship interrogates. Patents, limited-term grants of rights to inventions, are issued to inventors in exchange for detailed specifications of the invention. This paper examines current practices used by business librarians in teaching students how to find patents and how these practices could be critically informed given the nature of the United States patent system as it exists today. An output of this work is a suggested lesson plan with recommended resources.

The Imposter Among Us: How Imposter Syndrome Is Fueled By Diversity Discourses, Tina Liu

Urban Library Journal

In this paper, first presented at the 2023 LACUNY Institute, the author discusses definitions of imposter syndrome and how imposter syndrome fits within the diversity model. The diversity model, as used in this paper, emerges from an oversimplified framing of racial inequity as a problem that is solved by simply hiring diverse bodies to appear inclusive. In conjunction with the proliferation of imposter syndrome in post-secondary institutions, the ongoing phenomenon of imposter syndrome among librarians and academics reveals an underlying systemic problem rather than individual shortcomings. Workplace discomfort in post-secondary institutions is too easily brushed off as imposter syndrome, without …

Jmu Libraries Magazine: Volume 2, Jenne M. Klotz, Kristen S. Shuyler, Emily D. Blake

Libraries

Volume 2 of the biennial JMU Libraries magazine, highlighting services, events, awards of the JMU Libraries.

Fostering Udl-Informed Library Instruction Practices Developed From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Niki Fullmer, Katie Strand

Library Faculty Research

Purpose: This case study explores how universal design for learning (UDL)-informed online instruction modules developed during COVID-19 can better support student information literacy outcomes. This study will also examine how hybrid learning lends itself to UDL and may resolve some of the issues within library instruction.

Design/methodology/approach: This case study explores how a team of librarians at Utah State University developed three UDL-informed modules to support library instruction and hybrid learning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was sent to composition instructors to understand how they utilized the three new UDL-informed modules and if the modules helped …

Registration Status, Reading Interest Level, And Library Use Habits Of Teaching Staff In Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria: An Investigation, Nse Emmanuel Akwang Phd, Cln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated registration status, reading interest level, and library use habits of teaching staff in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design, with a total population of 467 teaching staff from eight (8) academic faculties. Out of the total study population, a sample of 212 was selected using an online sample calculator known as Survey Monkey Sample Size Calculator at 95% confidence level and confidence interval of 5%. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was subjected to face and content validity and reliability coefficient of 0.80 using Cronbach’s Alpha technique. …

Systematic Analysis Of Adoption Of Innovative Technologies In The Provision Of Electronic Information Services In Public University Libraries In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Chukwudi P. Mensa Phd, Inemesit Udom Udoh Mr., Priscilla Odeyovwi Osiebe Mrs.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study systematically analysed the adoption of innovative technologies in the provision of electronic information services in public university libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It adopted the descriptive survey design with three specific objectives. The population of the study consisted of eighty-nine (89) librarians and library officers from Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) and University of Uyo (UNIUYO) libraries. The census sampling technique was adopted in the study. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.79 using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentage counts, …

Using Metadata To Mitigate The Risks Of Digitizing Archival Photographs Of Violence And Oppression, Claudia A. Mallea

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

Questioning the archival imperative of access, this research article discussed how descriptive metadata can be used to contextualize and problematize digitized archival photographs, which are often inadequately described in the digital environment. Beginning with literature review of atrocity photos and their use and digitization to discuss the risks inherent to disseminating photos of or born from violence. Review continued into the digital environment and the risks inherent to making difficult archival collections accessible online and the conflict between the right to privacy of the individuals represented in archival materials and the archival imperative to provide access.

Expanding on the recommendations …

Informal Field-Based Learning In Librarianship: A Case Study Applying The Cam-Os Framework To Library Guide Construction, Nicole R. Webber

University Libraries Publications

Activities such as library guide creation and maintenance can take a large amount of our time without supplying evidence that the time spent is effective or worthwhile. Usage statistics and feedback are one avenue for gauging the impact of a guide, but we overlook another benefit if we focus solely on the user. By applying Tannenbaum and Wolfson’s (2022) CAM-OS framework, we can bring greater intention to tasks that foster informal learning opportunities and harness them to advance librarians’ competencies. A case study of overhauling a library guide on copyright is used to demonstrate and apply the framework.

Copyright And Open Licenses: A Unit For Lis Students, Nancy A. Henke

Open Course Materials

This curriculum, developed as the final project for the Creative Commons for Academic Librarians Certificate course, is designed for students in introductory Library and Information Science courses. The unit offers a broad overview of fundamental concepts in copyright, fair use, and open licensing. The materials include readings, multimedia resources, discussion questions, and practical assignments. The curriculum emphasizes adaptability, catering to diverse audiences and educational settings. The curriculum addresses real-world challenges faced by librarians, explores the nuances of open licenses, and guides students through hands-on activities, fostering a deeper understanding of copyright issues in the digital age.

Perceived Effect Of Awareness And Use Of Open Access Journals By Library Users For Research Efficiency In Margaret Lawrence University, Delta State, Nigeria, Obande Bonnie Obeka

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of the present study was to examine the Perceived effect of awareness and use of Open Access Journals by Library users for research efficiency in Margaret Lawrence University. Three hundred and twenty nine Library (329) users were selected in the study. A specifically designed questionnaire was administered to gather information about the awareness and use of open access journals by library users for research efficiency in Margaret Lawrence University. Data collected were analyzed using mean () and standard deviation (SD) to answer research questions. The Results revealed that library users of MLU are much aware of open access …

University Undergradautes’ Awareness And Utilization Of Electronic Databases In University Libraries In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Inemesit Udom Udoh, Nse Emmanuel Akwang Phd, Cln, Chukwuemeka Chukwueke Cln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the awareness and utilization of electronic databases by university undergraduates in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive survey design with a study population of 1,116 registered undergraduates-users of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) library and Ritman University Library. 224 undergraduates were selected using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Observation checklist, structured questionnaire and unstructured interview were used to collect data for the study. 224 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, but 186 copies were completed and retrieved. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count, simple percentage, mean scores and standard deviations, with a criterion …

The Library Scuttle: December 2023, University Of New England Libraries

The Library Scuttle

Library resource awareness poster covering a holiday book guide, holiday hours, and library facts.

W&L Law Library Newsletter, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 (Dec. 2023), The Law Library At Washington And Lee University School Of Law

W&L Law Library Newsletter

W&L Law Library Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 1 (December 2023).

Exploring Artist Residencies For Academic Libraries, Jenne M. Klotz

Libraries

This white paper describes the results of a research leave that explored artist residencies and considered their potential in academic libraries.

Volume 43, Number 4, December 2023 Olac Newsletter, Meg Wang, Nerissa Lindsey, Amanda Mack, Alex Whelan, Tanesa King, Lisa Romano, Sarah Hovde, Michelle Cronquist, Jan Mayo, Yoko Kudo, Kelley Mcgrath, Morris Levy

OLAC Newsletters

Digitized December 2023 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

Six Frames, Four Moves, One Habit: Finding Acrl’S Framework Within Sift, Allison I. Faix, Amy F. Fyn

Library Faculty Publications

The SIFT method of source evaluation, proposed in 2017 by educational technologist Mike Caulfield, was designed as a “practical approach to quick source and claim investigation.” At this time, academic librarians (including us) had already been questioning the effectiveness of popular source evaluation methods, especially checklist-based ones. Checklists seem too cursory and lack the flexibility and nuance needed to fully address the complex nature of internet sources. The number of librarian-proposed updates to checklist methods of source evaluation has accelerated in recent years, while SIFT has also emerged as a popular evaluation method with librarians. Because of SIFT’s popularity, and …

Swimming Upstream In The Academic Library: Exploring Faculty Needs For Library Streaming Media Collections, Elsa Loftis, Carly Lamphere

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Objective - To compare Portland State University’s (PSU) local experience of using streaming media to national and international trends identified in a large qualitative study by Ithaka S+R. This comparison will help librarians better understand if the PSU Library is meeting the needs of faculty with its streaming media collection through a series of faculty interviews.

Methods and Intervention - Two librarians from PSU participated in a large, collaborative, two-part study conducted by Ithaka S+R in 2022, with 23 other academic institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany As part of this study, the authors conducted a series of …

Possible Futures For Colonial Collecting Institutions: A Study Of Historical Societies In The United States, Jen Hoyer

Publications and Research

This article explores how collecting institutions with deeply colonial roots can move into a decolonial future existence, through an in-depth study of historical societies in the United States. Examining their historic roots in colonialism of the United States and the persistence of these colonial identities in spite of a variety of evolutionary trends over the 20th century, this article asks: what decolonial possibilities exist for their future? If institutional shifts have not undone the colonial identities of some collecting institutions, what can? Turning to Sarah Ahmed’s theory on queer use and Saidiya Hartman’s method of critical fabulation, I suggest practical …

The Information Literacy Class As Theatrical Performance: A Qualitative Study Of Academic Librarians’ Understanding Of Their Teacher Identity, Mark Aaron Polger

Publications and Research

This qualitative study examines how academic librarians understand, conceptualize, and describe their teacher identity. The role of the academic librarian has greatly changed due to the advent of information technology. Traditionally, they were generalists, who were responsible for selecting and maintaining library collections. Academic librarian roles have evolved into web developers, information literacy (IL) instructors, emerging technology innovators, marketing and outreach coordinators, open education resources (OER) advocates, and scholarly communication experts. This research investigates the academic librarian as teacher phenomenon, how they describe their professional identity as teachers, the skills, knowledge, and competencies they teach, and their beliefs of how …