Library and Information Science Commons^™

From Withdrawal To Impact: Smu Libraries’ Book Rehoming Initiatives, Kai Leong Heng, Eng Ling Lynn Yeo

Research Collection Library

Academic libraries are no strangers to large-scale deselection exercises. Driven by space constraints, evolving curricula, and the shift towards digital resources, the question is no longer whether to withdraw print materials, but what comes next. In the past year, SMU Libraries explored a different answer: instead of recycling withdrawn books, could we reimagine their next chapter, and rehome them to create meaningful impact for the community?

Listening, Learning, Accommodating: A Critical Look At Inclusive Research Help, Michelle Lee, Laura Beane, Kristina Lang, Jillian Speck, Kristina Clement

Faculty Articles

Research consultations continue to be a valuable means of connecting with users and supporting their research needs. As we’ve received an increasing number of research consultations where one or more accommodations have been requested, the Kennesaw State University Libraries have been exploring ways to provide accommodations in research consultations. Since there is a lack of research on this specific facet of research consultations, this literature review focuses on the related topics of assistive technology in libraries, accommodations in library services and spaces, and library anxiety to show how these topics relate to providing accommodations in research consultations. The objective of …

Leading The Change: Staff-Driven Ai Transformation In Smu Libraries’ Collection Team, Siew Khim Lim, Fion Goh

Research Collection Library

No abstract provided.

Acquisitions Unit Annual Report 2025-2026, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Annual Report of the Acquisitions Unit, University Libraries, University of Rhode Island for FY2026. Covers personnel, work flow, special projects, and serial, monograph, and e-resource acquisitions. Supplemental files include data on library materials expenditures by a number of variables as well as important working documents from the year.

Emerging Library Leaders’ Summer School For Asia-Pacific (Ellssa): Smu Libraries Flagship Leadership Development Program For Librarians, Rajendra Munoo, Sumita Govindan

Research Collection Library

Strong leadership skills are becoming more important for librarians as they deal with rapid digital change in a VUCA world, rising user expectations, and a workforce made up of different generations. The Emerging Library Leaders’ Summer School for Asia-Pacific (ELLSSA) is Singapore Management University (SMU) Libraries’ main leadership development program, created to prepare early‑career librarians and high‑potential staff for future leadership roles across the Asia‑Pacific region and beyond. Recognised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) as one of only a small number of leadership programs in the region, ELLSSA helps address gaps in leadership development within …

From Theory To Practice Implementing A Mission, Vision, And Values Statement To Support Change In An Academic Library Liaison Program, Patricia Fiorillo, Kristy Padron

Faculty Scholarship

Academic library liaison programs historically varied in their functions and adapted to their organizational needs and priorities. This case study examines the integration of a mission, vision, and values statement into the liaison program at Florida Atlantic University Libraries. Originating from business and organizational theories, these statements have been adopted by nonprofit organizations, including academic libraries, to guide administrative processes and services. The study highlights a re-visioning of an established liaison program during a period of transition. This fostered a shared understanding of the library’s priorities and documented its goals and objectives. This alignment was particularly crucial as Florida Atlantic …

Academic Library Staff And The Use Of Social Media: Survey Of Academic Library Staff At Pakpatan And Sahiwal City., Dr.Shahid Mehmood Dr., Muhammad Faisal Mr., Ahmad Nawaz Dr, Bakht Yar Zafar Mr., Whaid Buksh Mr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The research libraries have benefited a lot with the aid of the social networking sites and this can hardly be overestimated. Due to the spread of the information technology in the university libraries, the user’s expectations, the type of services that the library can offer and the role of the library staff have all been changed. The research objective in general was to be familiar with the extent of familiarity and comfort of Pakpatan City library and Sahiwal City library staffs in Pakistan with the social media. The method of descriptive surveying was used to obtain these findings. The sample …

A Framework For Enhancing Utilization Of Library Electronic Resources In Higher Institutions Of Learning, Niyonsaba Innocent, Atuha Peter, Natukunda Elizabeth, Arahe Turahe Glorious

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Electronic resources are now essential for teaching, learning, research and dissemination of knowledge in higher institutions of learning. Although many universities have invested heavily in digital collections, databases, electronic journals, electronic books, institutional repositories, and online reference services, the use of these resources is not as high as expected in many universities, especially in developing countries. Low awareness, lack of information literacy skills, limited technological infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, lack of training, and weak institutional support continue to impede the effective use of electronic resources. This is a review paper that explores the current state of electronic resource utilization …

The First Cut Is (Hopefully) The Deepest, Michelle Colquitt

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Critical Information Literacy In Higher Education: An Evolution In Theory, Practice, And Assessment, Dan Williford

Communications in Information Literacy

This article offers a critical synthesis of scholarship on critical information literacy (CIL) in higher education from 2015 to 2026, extending and recalibrating prior longitudinal reviews to account for post-2020 theoretical, political, and technological shifts. Drawing on a corpus of 48 peer-reviewed publications published between 2020 and 2026, the study employs thematic cluster analysis—building on Tewell’s four-domain framework—to examine developments in theory, pedagogy, digital and political engagement, reflexive critique, and assessment. Rather than treating critical information literacy as a settled framework, this review positions it as an evolving and contested practice shaped by the political economy of higher education. It …

Joining Forces: Enhancing Website Usability Through Ux And Assessment At An Academic Library, Josie Cotton, Liz Bober

Researchers, Instructors, & Staff Scholarship

In this chapter, we show how we used assessment and user experience (UX) methods to improve our library’s website. We conducted usability testing, during which we observed participants complete tasks on our website. To help support our testing, we used our library’s biennial user satisfaction survey, where we included several targeted questions that assessed user engagement with the website. We used the results of both assessments to inform updates to the website. Together, the results of our usability testing and survey provide a full picture of website use and lead to a more user-centered website. While the survey was quantitative …

To Go Far, Go Together: Force2026 Brings The World’S Scholarly Communication Community To Singapore, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University Libraries (SMU Libraries) hosted FORCE2026, the annual conference of FORCE11, from 3 to 5 June 2026 in our city campus.

FORCE11 is a global community dedicated to advancing how scholarly knowledge is created, shared, and used. The conference commemorated FORCE11’s 15-year journey of building a global community committed to improving scholarly communication and research assessment.

FORCE2026 marked the first time the conference was held in Asia, positioning Singapore and SMU Libraries at the centre of global conversations on the future of research, scholarly communication and research assessment. By bringing the conference to the region, SMU Libraries …

Librarians' Perspectives On Integrating Gardens Into Academic Library Spaces: Perceived Benefits, Challenges And Opportunities, Comfort Akosua Boatemaa Asare, Millicent Asah, Gregory Kuttin Asare, Adamu Awudu, Samuel Bentil Aggrey

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the perspectives of academic librarians on the integration of indoor gardens into library spaces. Data were obtained from 33 librarians through the use of a structured questionnaire. The collected data showed that 78.8% of the respondents indicated a favourable attitude towards garden integration. The respondents identified a number of benefits that academic libraries could derive from garden integration, including aesthetic appeal, environmental awareness, student well-being, and improved learning. Among the challenges stated were space constraints, maintenance demands, budgetary allocations, and a lack of horticultural expertise. Strategies that could aid effective garden integration within academic libraries include developing …

Reflections On Building Data Harnessing Literacy: A Three-Tier Approach For Business, Redzuan Abdullah

Research Collection Library

This is part of a summary of my presentation at the INCONECSS 2025, on SMU Libraries’ approach to offering data discovery services to its research community. As academic libraries evolve into vital research partners, business librarians face unprecedented demands to support complex, data-intensive research across financial and business databases. This piece explores a fundamental question: How do we keep up?

Teach And Care: How Community-Centered Archival Practice May Transform Education, Archives, And Community History, Thuy Vo Dang

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

Academic librarians and archivists may work toward transforming education, archives, and community history (TEACH) through implementing a CARE approach. This includes a commitment to critical, liberatory, and person-centered praxis in archives co-creation and partnership with community organizations at the frontlines of documenting and preserving marginalized histories. Caring, in the archival context, begins with an acknowledgement of the harm mainstream archival institutions have caused for minoritized groups and then moving towards implementation of non-extractive, flexible and ethical partnership and/or stewardship of historical and cultural heritage materials. Caring also demands critical, rigorous, ongoing commitments to activation of the archival records by centering …

Decolonizing The Academic Library: Examining The Successful Indigenization Of Ubc And Unm’S Library Services, Emily T. Villars

School of Information Student Research Journal

This article examines decolonization and indigenization initiatives at two academic libraries: the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of New Mexico (UNM). It asks how these institutions have implemented indigenization in their libraries and what lessons can inform broader reconciliation work across North America. Through a comparative lens, it analyzes how national and organizational frameworks, such as the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB) Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations and the American Indian Library Association’s (AILA) organizational goals, can shape these efforts. The study highlights three core strategies: decolonizing access and classification, transforming library spaces, and expanding …

Electronic Book Acquisition Strategies In Academic Libraries: A Review Of The Literature, Rachel E. Scott, Michael A. Arthur

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Electronic book (e-book) acquisition models have evolved over the decades they have been available to library customers. This review leverages findings from scholarly literature to document the proliferation and evolution of e-book acquisitions models, their strengths and weaknesses in various contexts, and their role in the collection development strategies of academic libraries. From firm orders and subscription packages to demand-driven and evidence-based acquisitions, engagement with e-book acquisitions models varies considerably based on factors such as library budget and staffing, institutional curriculum and programs, consortial affiliations, support for textbook affordability initiatives, and COVID-19 responses. The findings from this literature review suggest …

Measuring Research Impact At Singapore Management University, Pin Pin Yeo

Research Collection Library

Describes the support and services provided by SMU Libraries to the institution for research assessment.

Academic Libraries As A Platform For Indigenous And Agricultural Knowledge Sharing In Rural Communities: A Conceptual And Review-Based Approach, Jenifer Yesmin Laskar, Pradip Kumar Singha

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Agriculture and traditional knowledge are the roots of rural economy, particularly in biologically sensitive areas with diverse cultures. Preserving traditional knowledge in terms of local farming practices is an activity that is generally associated with cultural practices in these areas. The potentiality of academic libraries in terms of bridging roles for dissemination, curation, and sharing of Indigenous knowledge as well as Agriculture knowledge in the respective areas remains largely overlooked. It is an attempt to explore, indicate, and address through the theoretical approaches based upon an understanding of library science concepts, Indigenous studies, community development, sustainability studies, the roles of …

Pdxscholar Annual Report 2025, Julia Stone, Bertrand Robinson, Stacey Schlatter, Carolee Harrison

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

This PDXScholar Annual Report covers the period between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. This report demonstrates PDXScholar’s continued impact through readership data, new and growing collections, and comments and feedback from our users.

40 For 40: Celebrating 40 Years Of Evans Library, Nancy Garmer, Jason Martin

Evans Library Publications

Evans Library celebrated its 40th anniversary during the 2024–2025 academic year with “40 for 40,” a campaign blending commemorative events and fundraising. Highlights included interactive digital content, cultural programs, and community engagement initiatives that showcased the library’s evolution and impact. The celebration strengthened alumni connections, energized donors, and reaffirmed the library’s role as a dynamic, collaborative space for learning and innovation.

Jetstream Spring 2026, Nancy Anzalone, Susan Bloom, Courtney Dalfonso, Nikki Palumbo

JETstream: Library Newsletter

This edition of JETstream highlights the "Beat the Blahs" potluck, new Learning Services for writing, tutoring and a collaboration with North Shore High School, a Library user survey for Graduate and Doctoral students, new librarian profiles, and adjustments to two study locations in Public Square and the third floor of the JET Library. Also noted are upcoming events and services.

Application Of Artificial Intelligence In Academic Libraries In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Sarah Nakaziba, Abong Kenneth, Mary Namuguzi, Lydia Namugera, Drake Tamale, Shamim Namukasa, Doreen Nayebare, Arnold Mwanzu, Carolyne Namukwaya, Ahmed Sarki

Libraries

Purpose Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology provides academic libraries with an opportunity to improve users’ experience. However, the application of AI in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries is yet to be established. Thus, this scoping review aims to assess the extent of AI utilisation in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries.

Design We performed searches in five databases, which included SCOPUS, Web of Science, Library and Information Science Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Academic Search Premier, and Google Scholar. The scoping review adopted the following search strategy: (Artificial intelligence OR AI OR Fourth Industrial Revolution OR 4th Industrial Revolution OR …

Review Of Land In Libraries: Toward A Materialist Conception Of Education, Anna Z. Szapiro

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

Extractive practices of colonial land theft and environmental exploitation have produced intolerable global conditions leading to climate collapse. As the information field grapples with its culpability in colonial violence and climate change, Lydia Zvyagintseva and Mary Greenshields’s incisive Land in Libraries: Toward a Materialist Conception of Education draws contributions from practitioners in the United States and Canada to chart a way forward. Through historical analysis, case studies, critical theory, and autoethnography, authors in this volume take up land – and our relation to it – as the epistemological catalyst for systemic change. At once austere critique and lyrical contemplation, Land …

From The Stacks To Student Success: Findings From A Study Of Faculty Perceptions Of Collection Development, Jessica L. Swaringen, Alyshia K. Bagley, Payton Sapp, James Mayes

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Effective collection development is essential for a library’s ability to support the evolving needs of its academic community. Faculty perceptions of library resources will undoubtedly influence how students engage with and benefit from these collections. This research explores how faculty at Georgia Southern University (GS) Libraries understand collection development practices and how their views shape teaching, research, and collaboration with librarians.

Following a review of existing literature, a mixed-methods survey was distributed to faculty via email. The survey combined quantitative and qualitative questions to capture faculty attitudes toward library collections, their use in course curricula, and their role in supporting …

Possible Reconsideration To The Library Of Congress Classification System’S Liberal Placements Of African American Psychology And African American Social Science, Eddie Hughes

Southern University and A&M College: John B. Cade Library Publications

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC), developed by Herbert Putnam in 1897, remains the predominant system for organizing materials in U.S. academic libraries. By integrating innovations with earlier classification systems by Charles Cutter and Melvil Dewey, the LCC divides human knowledge into 21 classes, each represented by alphabetic codes. While Psychology is classified under BF and social sciences under HQ, materials on African American Psychology and African American Social Science are primarily cataloged under Class E—History of America—specifically E185.625 and E185.86. This placement raises critical questions about the appropriateness of categorizing these subjects as historical rather than disciplinary. Given African …

Advancing Research Appointments: Enhancing Patron Satisfaction Through Assessment, Kytt Everdeen Moore, Tera A. Ray, Laura B. Wright

The Southeastern Librarian

As research appointments continue to be a service offered across reference departments, it is important to regularly assess their effectiveness at meeting patrons’ needs and to seek improvement. To do this, patrons were surveyed after scheduling a research appointment to understand their reasons for scheduling an appointment, preferred formats, expectations, knowledge gained, and overall satisfaction. The findings revealed that most patrons were students, and the most common way to learn about appointments was from instructors. Patrons primarily scheduled appointments online, citing convenience and location as main reasons for their choice. Their main expectation was to learn effective search strategies. Recommendations …

Fifty Terms Or More: Researching Curriculum Materials Centers, Caitlin Stewart

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Curriculum materials centers (CMCs), or specialized, localized collections of P-12 educational resources to support teacher preparation programs in higher education, are referred to by fifty unique terms in the Directory of Materials Centers and Collection 8^th edition. Education Source (Ebsco) and Education Research Index (ProQuest) were searched with all distinct terms as keywords. The number of search results in the controlled search environment were logged, and all search results returned were coded as highly, somewhat, or not definitionally relevant to the established definition of a CMC. Recommendations are given for how to best search for highly relevant CMC literature, …

Library Support For Massive Open Online Courses (Moocs) In The Philippines: The Case Of American Corners, Princess Grace Wooden, Darin Jan Tindowen

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the role of libraries in supporting Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Philippines, with particular focus on American Corners as library-based learning spaces. Grounded in the increasing demand for flexible and accessible education, the study aimed to assess the readiness of American Corner libraries and determine the extent of MOOC implementation, as well as examine the relationship between these variables. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 28 American Corner staff composed of directors and librarians from 14 participating institutions. Data were collected using a validated survey questionnaire and analyzed through frequency, percentage, weighted mean, …

(Re-)Developing A Library Faculty Mentoring Program, Curtis L. Kendrick, Sasha Frizzell

Library Scholarship

This article examines the redevelopment of a faculty mentoring program in a large academic library, situating it within the broader literature on academic librarianship and mentoring. It traces historical developments, innovative models, and psychosocial dimensions of mentoring, while presenting a case study from a northeastern R1 university library. A key contribution of this work is its focus on organizational readiness: the alignment of mentoring program design with institutional culture, faculty preparedness, and administrative capacity. The article emphasizes the importance of intentional matching, role clarity, and sustainability as essential elements for successful mentoring, and argues that mentoring should be viewed as …