Library and Information Science Commons^™

Faculty Response To Journal Cancellations, Catherine A. Johnson, Samuel Cassady

Western Libraries Publications

This paper reports on a qualitative study that aimed to discover faculty and graduate students’ reaction to journal cancellation projects. In most studies that examine cancellation projects the main aim is to delineate methods used in making decisions about cancellations and the process followed to achieve a successful outcome. Our study looked at these factors but also interviewed faculty to get their response to the cancellations that had occurred at their university and to discover whether there was an alignment between the different ways in which librarians and faculty evaluated journals. We interviewed fourteen librarians and thirteen faculty/graduate students from …

25 Reading Challenges An Interactive Reading Competition, Marion O. Finnegan, Etchel Barina

Presentations

This poster aims to guide the audience through the process of creating a relevant and engaging reading challenge for third-level students in the UAE, using a real-world example created by librarians for the UAE’s Month of Reading in 2024.

For this reading competition, librarians created 25 fun reading challenges to encourage university students to read in various genres and formats, sometimes outside their comfort zone. Challenges included ‘Cook a Dish from a Recipe Book’, ‘Read a Story to a Child’, ‘Read a Book by an Emirati Author’ and ‘Listen to an audiobook using the Libby App’.

Platforms and software used …

The Decline Of The Traditional Reference Desk: How Library Reference At Francis Marion University Is Adjusting To The Shifting Trend Compared To Other Academic Libraries, Bernadette Johnson

The Southeastern Librarian

In a world of advanced technology, traditional reference faces the ever-increasing challenge to maintain its relevance and significance. Statistics show a drastic decline in reference desk transactions in academic libraries nationwide over the last few decades. As academic libraries around the nation are now transforming their services to adjust to the changing needs of today’s library users, how does the Reference department at Francis Marion University compare to its peers in keeping pace with this trend?

There's A Map For That: Showcasing Alternate Study Spaces During A Library Renovation, Kristen S. Shuyler, Emily D. Blake

Libraries

Before JMU's Carrier Library closed for renovation and expansion, the library's Communications & Outreach team created a new map to promote alternate study spaces in over 30 buildings across campus.

Who’S Actually Afraid Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai?), Anthony Adeloye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose of the study: The main purpose of the study is to explore and discuss the views of a group of Nigerian academic librarians about Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study is considered important because a perusal of an academic librarian’s role requires the ability to organise and manage knowledge which invariably entails the use of some sort of technology which in the context of this study, is artificial intelligence (AI).

Method: To understand the degree to which academic librarians in Nigeria perceive the role of AI in academia, and indeed, society, data were collected from an online survey that …

Disciplinary Differences And Scholarly Literature: Faculty Experiences With Discovery, Browsing, And Format, Chad E. Buckley, Rachel E. Scott, Anne Shelley, Cassie Thayer-Styes, Julie A. Murphy

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This study reports faculty experiences regarding the discovery of scholarly content, highlighting similarities and differences across a range of academic disciplines. The authors interviewed twenty-five faculty members at a public, high-research university in the Midwest to explore the intersections of discovery, browsing, and format from diverse disciplinary perspectives. Although most participants rely on similar discovery tools such as library catalogs and databases and Google Scholar, their discovery techniques varied according to the discipline and type of research being done. Browsing is not a standard method for discovery, but it is still done selectively and strategically by some scholars. Journal articles …

Academic Libraries, Counter-Storytelling, And Minoritized Students' Scholarly Identity Development, Darren Ilett

University Libraries Publications

This study uses the critical race theory approach of counter-storytelling to explore scholarly identity development among first-generation, low-income, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and women students transitioning to graduate school. Data included interview transcripts, observation notes, and student assignments from a program that supports students in completing an original research project and applying for graduate school. Findings show the frequent negative stereotypes about students that circulate in higher education as well as students' own counter-stories that reimagine academia and their place in it. Implications include ways that libraries can better support students' scholarly identity development.

Jetstream Fall 2024, Nancy Anzalone, Tim Hasin, Tabitha Ochtera, Marianna Czeisel, David Nochimson, Gillian Demetriou, Brianna Paoli

JETstream: Library Newsletter

The fall semester is in full swing here at Molloy and this issue of JETstream hopes to provide you with an overview of some of the exciting things happening here. We are pleased to introduce the Learning Services Student Advisory Group (LS/SAG), a collaborative group created in the spring 2024 semester. The group was created so that we can hear what you want, not what we think you want. Monthly meetings are open to all undergraduates and the 24-25 schedule is up! Please check out Molloy University’s Open Access Week where the JET Library will be offering several informative workshops. …

2023 Learning & Outreach Services (Unm University Libraries) Assessment Framework, Holly M. Surbaugh, Olivia Baca

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

In 2022-2023, the Learning & Outreach Services (LORS) department within the University of New Mexico’s Libraries responded to post-pandemic challenges with a renewed focus on project-driven strategic planning, setting an annual goal to develop a LORS-specific assessment program. The LORS assessment team grappled with how to operationalize the literature on library assessment at a level that makes sense for a department of 12 librarians within a larger library organization. The LORS assessment team ultimately developed a consensus-driven, appropriately scaled assessment framework tailored for our department’s scope and context. The framework includes a guidance document, an impact map, and planning templates. …

Inclusive Interviewing: Leveraging The Virtual Format To Demonstrate Care For Future Colleagues, Rebecca C. Hyde, Amanda B. Albert, Jamie L. Emery, Sarah E. Fancher

WashU Libraries Publications

In this chapter, we explore positive, humane ways in which feminist principles of empathy and care can inform job interviews in academic libraries and shape the process into a more person-centered, or “whole person” ideal (Lopez, 2022). The whole person ideal authentically considers individuals’ experiences, preferences, and needs so that job opportunities are truly equal for all. In encouraging candidates to bring their whole, authentic selves to the hiring process, academic libraries can preemptively guard against deauthentication often experienced by BIPOC library workers (Kendrick, 2018). It is possible to do this while still hiring for strategic priorities and expertise.

We …

Creating The E-Buzz Around Collaborative And Collective Dei Efforts In Academic Libraries, Essraa Nawar, Kristin Laughtin-Dunker

Library Articles and Research

Like many academic libraries, the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University (USA) is committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for students, faculty, researchers, and staff and has increased its efforts in the last several years to reflect that commitment through its resources, services, and outreach activities. However, in the wider literature, the efforts of scholarly communication librarians in DEI initiatives outside of openaccess advocacy are less discussed. Nevertheless, precisely because scholarly communication librarians are concerned with advancing the dissemination of knowledge, they fit naturally into DEI efforts that seek to elevate new or historically marginalized voices and …

Curriculum Imperatives For Entrepreneurial Academic Librarianship In Nigerian Library Schools, Nene Favour Kalu Obasi Dr, Amaoge Dorathy Agbo Dr, Joy Chituru Onyenachi Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examined the curriculum demands for adopting entrepreneurial mindset/skills in the teaching of academic librarianship course. Five specific objectives and five research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and the population consisted of 39 Library and information science educators from the two library schools in Abia state, namely Abia State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire and the data generated were analyzed using frequency, percentage and mean. Findings of the study showed that the respondents consented to the wide array of entrepreneurial mindset …

Acquisitions Unit Annual Report 2023-2024, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Annual Report of the Acquisitions Unit, University Libraries, University of Rhode Island for FY2024. 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.

Awareness And Use Of Open Access (Oa) Initiatives In Ensuring Free Access To Information Among Librarians In Academic Libraries In Nigeria, Glory Edet, Millie Nne Horsfall

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was carried out to investigate the Awareness and Use of Open Access Initiatives in Ensuring Free Access to Information in Academic Libraries in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Five research objectives and five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of this study comprised librarians in academic libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Data for the study was collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher and was administered online using Google forms. 62 forms were filled and submitted from the professional platforms. The study used frequency counts and percentages …

“Academic Publishing Is A Business Interest”: Reconciling Faculty Serials Needs And Economic Realities At A Carnegie R2 University, Rachel E. Scott, Anne Shelley, Chad E. Buckley, Cassie Thayer-Styes, Julie A. Murphy

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Introduction: This article explores faculty conceptions of academic publishers, their willingness to circumvent paywalls and share content, and their understanding of who holds the responsibility to pay for this body of scholarly work to which they all contribute.

Methods: The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 faculty at their Carnegie R2 university to explore scholars’ perspectives with respect to the costs of serials and the responsibilities of the University and library in support of scholarly publishing.

Results: Participants reported a broad spectrum of perspectives with respect to circumventing publisher paywalls and offered nuanced practices for interacting with paywalled content. They …

Free Via Library Etextbooks (Fvls) At Franklin University, Marc Jaffy

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The Franklin University Library has a library etextbook initiative to provide free via library (FVL) textbooks for student use in courses to enhance affordable learning. This presentation discusses the library's etextbook initiative: how it developed, how it works, data showing student savings resulting from the initiative, and issues/problems we have encountered.

The Symbiosis Of Volunteerism: A Story Of One Academic Library Welcoming Volunteers, Shan Martinez

The Christian Librarian

Although public and school libraries, as well as many non-profit organizations regularly utilize volunteers, academic libraries are less likely to welcome them. This article describes the variety of volunteers received at Brown Library of Abilene Christian University and the tasks that they perform. It also presents a discussion of the motivation to accept volunteers, perhaps a faith practice.

A Systematic Review Of Academic Writing Services In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Augustine N. Gitonga, Peter M. Gatiti, Prisila Everisty Mlingi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries are the key research and scholarly communication centres of any university. The information literacy skills offered to library users enable scientific communication. As new roles for librarians emerge to meet changing user needs and match fluid technological trends, academic libraries must combine their rich resources with cutting-edge skills to further impact the scientific world. There is a need for a sound, evidence-based appreciation of the factors that influence or hinder the establishment of academic writing centres and academic writing services in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMIC). This article aims to synthesise qualitative and mixed methods research on academic writing …

A Model For Enhancing Digital Transformation Through Technology‑Related Continuing Professional Development Activities In Academic Libraries In Context, Sarah Nakaziba, Patrick Ngulube

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

This paper is based on the findings of a doctoral study that aimed to examine the role of continuing professional development (CPD) in enhancing digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda. One of the ways of effecting digital transformation is to continuously build the technological competencies of the librarians working in academic institutions through attending technology-related CPD. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a convergent parallel design for collecting qualitative and quantitative data from six universities in Uganda. Quantitative data were collected from 76 librarians with a minimum degree-level qualification from the six selected universities. Qualitative data …

“1st Amendment Rights, Baby!”: Banned Books Week On A College Campus, Abigail E. Higgins, Carrie D. Hill, Piper L. Cumbo

Alabama Libraries

Since 2021, the American Library Association has reported a marked increase in the number of book challenges in the United States. Public and school libraries, where most of these attempts at censorship occur, frequently celebrate Banned Books Week each fall, to raise awareness about the ongoing threat to intellectual freedom. College and university libraries face fewer book challenges and might not celebrate Banned Books Week; however, given the rise in number and visibility of conversations surrounding book banning, hosting events on the week’s theme offers academic libraries a way to engage their students thoughtfully in civic conversations. This practical article …

A Comprehensive Study Of Library-Led Textbook Affordability Initiatives In The United States, Mitchell Scott, Rachel E. Scott

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This study presents findings from a survey and interviews investigating library-led textbook affordability initiatives in the United States. The results document diverse considerations and divergences in workflows, challenges librarians face in establishing and maintaining textbook affordability programs, and the intersection of these initiatives with library and institutional strategies. Findings suggest that these programs have grown in number and scale over the past few years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and are sustained—even without permanent, designated funding—due to consistently positive perceptions about their impact on student success, just-in-time delivery, and alignment with library and institutional goals.

Our Diverse Characters Book Club: Discussing Divisive Concepts In Red States, Jonathan Wilson, Lydia C. Gwyn

ETSU Faculty Works

In 2020 our academic library, located in East Tennessee, created a student-focused book club designed to spark discussions around the concepts of race, gender, sexuality, social justice, and the systemic oppression of disenfranchised groups. Now in its seventh semester, our Diverse Characters Book Club has gained in popularity. However, while our book club is garnering more campus visibility and more administrative support, our state has passed, and continues to introduce legislation, that makes it increasingly difficult to teach about racism, homophobia, and sexism in public higher education institutions. We feel now is more important than ever to continue this discourse. …

Conducting An Author Identity Diversity Audit For Stem Monographs In An Academic Library, Tricia Martone

Dartmouth Library Staff Publications

The goal of the following effort is to move towards a collection that all STEM students at Dartmouth College can see themselves reflected in; not just in books written about diversity in STEM, but in books written by diverse authors in STEM producing scholarship in their fields. An author identity diversity audit was conducted on 154 randomly sampled STEM monographs, individually selected and purchased in fiscal years 2020 - 2023. Methodologies from Toonen & Frank (2021), Frank (2021), and Emerson & Lehman (2022) were used and adapted to randomly sample 10% of titles that met the criteria for the audit, …

Picture Yourself Here: Sources For Exhibits And Programs, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document lists sources for free to no-cost exhibits and programs that have been carried out by personnel at the library at the University of South Carolina Upstate. The document accompanies the presentation, "Picture Yourself Here: Using Exhibits and Programs to Attract and Interact with the Campus Community."

Picture Yourself Here: A Slideshow Of Exhibits And Programs, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document shows some of the programs and exhibits hosted by the University of South Carolina Upstate Library during the period 2021-2024. The document accompanies the presentation, "Picture Yourself Here: Using Exhibits and Programs to Attract and Interact with the Campus Community."

Picture Yourself Here: Useful Equipment And Tools, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document provides a list of useful equipment and tools to help print, frame, mount, and display posters and other exhibits. The document accompanies the presentation, "Picture Yourself Here: Using Exhibits and Programs to Attract and Interact with the Campus Community."

More Or Less?: Telling The Library's Story Through The Academic Program Review, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

Academic libraries regularly provide information to support the accreditation, certification, and periodic review of degree programs. The library portion of the academic program review has traditionally focused on detailing the number of titles and volumes of books in the collection, the age of the collection, and the amount of money the library spends to support the degree program. Employing a "more instead of less" approach, the USC Upstate library uses both narrative and data about collections, services, and initiatives to share the library's story.

This presentation explores what prompted our change in focus and the variety of information we provide. …

Library Portion Of External (Academic) Program Review: An Outline, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document provides a suggested outline for the library portion of the academic program review/external review/academic self-study. The outline is aimed at providing a more holistic view of academic library services, collections, and initiatives that support disciplinary programs at universities.

Boilerplate Language For Library Portion Of External (Academic) Program Review, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document provides boilerplate or common language to consider using when preparing the library portion of the academic program review (also known as the external program review or academic self-study). The document illustrates how academic librarians can provide information on services, collections, and initiatives to provide a more holistic view of the library's support for the academic discipline.

Graduate Students' E-Book Awareness And Usage At A Public Research University In The U.S.A., Denise Brush, Daniel G. Kipnis

Libraries Scholarship

Purpose

This study aims to understand the level of graduate students’ awareness and usage of e-books purchased by the authors’ university library since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors created a Qualtrics survey with 13 questions that was sent to the university’s graduate student email list. The survey was sent in the fall of 2023 and was open for one month. The list had 3,318 subscribers; 113 complete responses were received, for a response rate of 3.4%.

Findings

The results found that doctoral students (80%) are more aware than master’s students (64%) of e-book availability through the library, and usage …