Library and Information Science Commons^™

Hidden Opportunity: The Advantages Of Synchronizing Multiple Knowledge Bases, Emily Gross, Soley Somma, Jon Crossno

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

There are many advantages to synchronizing your knowledge bases that benefit your library. However, with reduced staff, the rapid changes across e-Resources, and working with multiple vendors, synching knowledge bases can seem daunting. Panelists will share why and how they chose to synchronize knowledge bases to support their library's strategy.

The Role Of Libraries In Bridging Gender Inequality In Nigeria: A Critical Review, Udemezue Joseph Ogugua, Julius Okeke Ofordile, Amarachi E. Agubosim, Nnaemeka Uchenna Ezeonyi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper discusses the role of libraries in bridging gender inequality in Nigeria. Gender inequality is discrimination on the basis of sex or gender where one sex or gender is placed in a more advantageous position than the other. Gender inequality is one issue that has been on the front burner but efforts to tackle it are not yielding the desired results. In the light of this, the idea of libraries wading into the matter seems a better option. The paper discusses the factors responsible for gender inequality in Nigeria as follows: socio-cultural factors, socio-economic factors, socio-religious factors, socio-political factors, …

The Limit Does Not Exist: Care, Overwork, And Open Education, Natalie Hill, Laura Tadena

Faculty Scholarship: Colby College Libraries

No abstract provided.

Do The Research!: Conspiracy Theorists And Public Libraries, Timothy Cole Hale

Georgia Library Quarterly

Since 2020, conspiracy theories have crossed into mainstream media with dastardly effects. In attempting to prove conspiracy theories to be real, “researchers” try to back their claims with information. As major institutions within the information society, libraries and archives play a unique role in a world in which more and more people are interested in misinformation and disinformation. This article uses a review of selected literature to address three questions in relevance to public library systems and conspiracy theorists. The first is: what is the ethical responsibility of information managers in providing misinformation and disinformation in regard to intellectual freedom? …

Genrefication In Secondary School Libraries, Lindsay E. Pulsipher

School of Information Sciences Student Scholarship

Most school libraries organize fiction books alphabetically by an author’s last name. In order for a student to find and compare potential fiction reading material, the traditional school library model would have the student either search the library system for the topic and then go from stack to stack looking for books about the topic from any number of locations or seek advice from school library staff who would direct the student to potential titles as part of a reader’s advisory. In an effort to make fiction book selection easier for students, some school librarians have turned to genrefied fiction …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Analysis Tools For Timely Audits: Two Case Studies Of Carlsbad Libraries, Sarah Wilson

School of Information Student Research Journal

When libraries explore how their youth collections can be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI), it is beneficial to first identify where representation gaps exist amongst their holdings. Digital DEI audit tools can quickly target areas for improvement. The following studies use digital instruments to analyze the DEI representation in two youth library collections in Carlsbad, California. The fiction picture book collections were probed at both a Carlsbad elementary school in Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) and the Georgina Cole public library (Cole). Three digital instruments were used: Diverse BookFinder Collection Analysis Tool, TeachingBooks Collection Analysis Toolkit, and collectionHQ Diversity …

Genrefication In Secondary School Libraries, Lindsay Pulsipher

The Information Warrior Journal

Most school libraries organize fiction books alphabetically by an author’s last name. In order for a student to find and compare potential fiction reading material, the traditional school library model would have the student either search the library system for the topic and then go from stack to stack looking for books about the topic from any number of locations or seek advice from school library staff who would direct the student to potential titles as part of a reader’s advisory. In an effort to make fiction book selection easier for students, some school librarians have turned to genrefied fiction …

From Panels To Shelves: The Evolving Intersection Of Comics And Italian Libraries. History, Issues, Perspectives, Andrea Tosti

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

Despite comics' popularity and cultural significance in Italy, its integration into Italian libraries has been slow, problematic, and uneven. This is reflected in the scarcity of academic research on the topic, which demands further in-depth exploration.

In the context of Italian libraries, characterized by chronic underfunding and staffing shortages, comics might be perceived as a low priority. However, as essential cultural institutions, libraries must strive to reflect both the contemporary era and the evolving reading habits of their audience. Comics, in this regard, could prove to be – and in part already are – a critical resource, a 'booster' for …

Developing And Sustaining A Graphic Scholarship Collection For Academic Libraries, Stewart Brower, Toni Hoberecht, Zane Ratcliffe, Bethie Seay

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

In early 2021, the Schusterman Library at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa satellite campus took a new step towards building a culture of interest by creating the Graphic Scholarship Collection. This new endeavor is a curated collection of graphic novels, primarily non-fiction, aligned with the academic programs on campus, as well as promoting University initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion. A new organizational structure for the collection materials and their circulation metrics will be examined in detail. There will also be consideration of the challenges of selection and acquisition by a mixed team of selectors, some of whom have no experience …

Disrupting The Academic Librarian Hiring Process, Michelle Colquitt, Shamella Cromartie, Anne Grant, Kelsey Sheaffer, Megan Sheffield, Alison Mero

Publications

Academic library hiring can be a bureaucratic and exclusionary process. Inclusive hiring practices can help libraries recenter the people in the process and incorporate transparency, empathy, and accessibility.

Toward Inclusive Academic Librarian Hiring Practices, rather than focusing just on how to diversify applicant pools, breaks down the many considerations involved in hiring and the intentional, thoughtful preparation and self-examination that leads to successful recruitment and retention in three parts.

• Training for Search Committees and Stakeholders
• Removing Barriers for Candidates
• Transforming the Process for All

Throughout are practical solutions for emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility throughout the hiring process, including instructions …

Potential For Trauma In Public Libraries Experiencing Book Banning And Material Challenges, Jieun Yeon, Leah T. Dudak

School of Information Studies - Post-doc and Student Scholarship

Material challenges in public libraries are at an all time high while also possessing a huge political and emotional weight. As such, library workers are defending against book banning in larger numbers, and their very work is coming into public scrutiny and questioning. In such stressful times, the potential for trauma from the library workplace is higher and more charged. This paper lays the groundwork for how trauma and materials challenges have the potential to interact in the library workplace, especially for those from marginalized communities. It also proposes a trauma cycle for deeper understanding of trauma during material challenges, …

Public Library Lending Programs Increase Radon Testing In Rural Communities, Stacy Stanifer, Kathy Rademacher, Whitney Beckett, King Simpson, Mary Kay Rayens, Amanda Thaxton Wigging, Ellen J. Hahn

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, yet few Americans test their homes for radon, particularly in rural areas. The academic team and community partners engaged the public library systems in four rural counties to offer digital radon detectors for check-out as a means of increasing the public’s access to free radon testing. The check-out procedures and instructional materials were created through an iterative process, and library personnel were educated on radon and home radon testing prior to launching the lending program. Library patrons reported high usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the program. Library patron- staff interactions …

2024 Courtright Memorial Library Annual Report, Courtright Memorial Library

Library Publications

FY24's Annual Report celebrating Courtright Memorial Library's accomplishments.

Contents:

• Letter from the Director
• Facts and Figures
• Staffing Updates
• News and Events
• Staff Accomplishments
• Special Focus
• Building Updates
• Friends of the Library

Library Space Safari: Storytelling Through Ux Design, Kayla Johnson

Library Research Seminar 8: Telling Library Stories

No abstract provided.

Review: Careers In Music Libraries Iv, Edited By Misti Shaw And Susannah Cleveland, David Floyd

Library Scholarship

The Careers in Music Librarianship series has come into its own as a staple of the music library literature in the more than 30 years since its first entry, Careers in Music Librarianship: Perspectives from the Field, compiled by Carol Tatian. Its successors, Careers in Music Librarianship II: Traditions and Transitions, edited by Paula Elliot and Linda Blair and Careers in Music Librarianship III: Reality and Reinvention), edited by Susannah Cleveland and Joe C. Clark, each in their own way responded to both the critical discourse around their preceding edition and the emerging trends of the profession. …

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Winter 2024, Waring Library Society, Waring Historical Library, Medical University Of South Carolina, Anna Marie Schuldt, Jacob Steere-Williams, Joann Livingston Zeise, Tabitha Samuel

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

The Winter 2024 issue of the Waring Library Society Newsletter is available now. In this issue, Waring Library Society President Dr. Jacob Steere-Williams discusses Dr. Francis Bonneau Johnson’s contributions to studying filariasis in Charleston; JoAnn Zeise highlights the tableaus used as part of MUSC's centennial celebration; Tabitha Samuel announces the completion of the MUSC Bicentennial Resources guide; and Anna Marie Schuldt shares Waring's recent events in celebration of Black History Month.

Reports On Conferences, Institutes, And Seminars: Electronic Resources And Libraries 2024 Conference, Grace Norris

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This column documents reflections from the session 2001 Changes, an Eresource Management Odyssey: Navigating Staffing Changes while Scaling Eresource Management Support and Competencies at the 2024 ER&L Annual Conference held March 3–6, 2024 in Austin, TX.

Retrospective: The Beginning, Section 1, Sally Brown, Linda Blake

Art in the Libraries Retrospective: 2015-2024

This section of the WVU Art in the Libraries Retrospective (2015-2024) exhibition includes the history of the Art in the Libraries Program, including the first exhibitions and the forming of the committee.

Book Challenges Popping Up All Over: What Do School Principals Need To Know?, Samantha Laine Hull, Sue Kimmel

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This chapter provides practical advice and reasons for school leaders to support students' intellectual freedom through their support of school libraries and school librarians. The chapter begins with a short but critical literature review that includes case law on the topic of censorship in schools. The concerns of teachers and librarians from a recent study are summarized and help build the foundation for practical and ready to use advice for any school leaders to uphold the intellectual freedom of all students.

Tracking Information In The Field: An Assessment Of The Information Needs And Services Of A Field Station Library, Thom Gerrish, Scott Martin

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This project examines field station libraries, an undescribed type of library associated with terrestrial and marine field stations. Field stations typically support ecology, geology, and related disciplines with housing, laboratories, and research facilities, which may include various levels of library support. In summer 2022, researchers, instructors, and staff at the University of Michigan Biological Station were interviewed about the library resources and services they use while working and teaching at the field station. Library resources were used throughout teaching and research activities, with one-shot instruction and in-person reference support as the primary contact points between the library and the field …

Revamping Email Communications: A Review Of Five Free Email Design Platforms, Karen Okamoto

Publications and Research

This article reviews five free online email design platforms that libraries can use to create visually appealing and engaging email newsletters and other email communications. The five platforms reviewed in this article – Beefree, Mosaico, Smore, Stripo, and Tabular – are assessed according to ease of use, the availability of pre-designed templates, and other features, such as the ability to add collaborators. This review begins with a summary of the library and marketing literature on email communications, including best practices, and ends with a brief overview of email marketing platforms and services.

Lbsci 701: Fundamentals Of Library And Information Science, S E. Hackney

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Robotics And Artificial Intelligence In Libraries, Prince Chibuzor Eke, Nkechi Mercy Egesimba, Nnam Mills Ezebuike

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research was borne out of the desire to discover the robotics and artificial intelligence technology which is rapidly spreading in libraries as modern tools for innovation. Conventionally, robotics and artificial intelligence involves programming computers to do things which if done by humans, would say to require intelligence. The application of robotics and artificial intelligence in library has become pervasive. They include expert systems for reference services, book reading and shelf-reading robots, virtually reality for immersive learning among others. Meanwhile, the incorporation of robotics and artificial intelligence in libraries can be perceived to alienate librarians from their users, it will …

Doing A Good Search: Basic Rules And Search Tips, Roy E. Brown

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

This updated handout, previous version published in 2023, serves as a reference for individuals learning effective database search practices. It covers fundamental search principles, including Boolean operators, question types, and potential databases for various questions for assignments or in the clinical environment. Notably, this version incorporates a diagram illustrating the search process.

Remember, the search process is iterative, involving repeated cycles of refinement. Your approach will vary depending on the specific question you're trying to answer.

Update of Doing a Good Search: Basic Rules and Search Tips (2023)

The original version appeared in the following article:

McGrath, J. M., Brown, …

Wait, We’Re Invited, Too? An Academic Social Justice Book Club For The Community (A Case Study), Amanda Boyer, Amir El-Chidiac

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

Political tensions, racial reckoning, and rising book challenges have led to deeper polarization in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, where there is already an even divide between liberals and conservatives. The increasing division led two librarians from the Susquehanna University Blough-Weis Library (2021) to initiate a Social Justice Book Club. This club aimed to unite the campus and local communities to grapple with social justice issues in a safe environment. Librarians had concerns when starting the club due to the regional tensions. Still, they were determined to find a way to safely allow everyone involved to learn more about …

The Evolving Role Of Libraries In The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Navigating Digital Transformation, Abdullahi Olayinka Isiaka, Abdulfatai Soliu, Biliamin Abiola Aremu, Benjamin Adebisi Bamidele, Saidu Saba-Jibril, Adelani Rotimi Ibitoye

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This article explores the transformative impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on libraries and their pivotal role in navigating the challenges and opportunities brought forth by rapid technological advancements. Libraries, traditionally perceived as repositories of books and information, are undergoing a profound metamorphosis in the digital age. The 4IR, characterized by breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Data Analytics, demands a redefinition of the library’s purpose and services. The first section introduces the concept of the 4IR and its key technological advancements. Emphasis is placed on understanding the dynamic landscape of the 4IR and the …

The Impact Of Open Access In Public Libraries, South Africa, Molaodi Margaret Matobako Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of open access in the nine Thabo Mofutsanyana District public libraries. Data were collected using scheduled structured and unstructured interviews with a sample of 17 library officials from nine public libraries in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, as well as a sample survey study design. Thematic coding was employed to evaluate the quantitative data. Furthermore, descriptive statistics and nonlinear factor analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data. The major findings of the study indicate that most respondents had favourable opinions on the open access ideology, notwithstanding a small number of …

“Big Data” Revitalizing Librarianship: Impact On Librarians, Alice A. Bamigbola Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Advanced technologies undeniably developed in the 4th Industrial Revolution era, and led to incessantly growing volumes of information daily. “Big Data” is simply information surplus due to the volume, velocity, variety, variability and veracity of the data that need to be processed to get value and better visualisation. Big Data helps libraries understand the ever-changing users’ needs, consequently reshaping their services and procedures. However, it offers several information challenges concerning its capturing, storage, searching, structuring, and visualization. This paper, explores the concept of Big Data in a library environment, how to introduce Big Data, its benefits in the library, roles …

Library Steam Kits: Developing Circulatable Curriculum For Community Steam Learning, Daphne Fauber, Ashley Fletcher

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Public libraries serve as repositories for a movement described as cultivation of the Library of Things. In the wake of COVID-19, the West Lafayette Public Library enhanced its existing Library of Things collection through the creation of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) kits. Since 2017, the West Lafayette Public Library has held regular free STEAM programs for the community; those programs were put on hold during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which concurred with a library renovation. These kits provide the community with the ability to learn STEAM concepts at home engaging, hands-on activities that may otherwise …

Practicing And Marketing With Empathy In Libraries, Wren Daniel Ambroise

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In 2017, Abigail Phillips, a postdoctoral fellow at Utah State University wrote, “The role of empathy in the library has been infrequently researched in library and information science (LIS) literature. However, as demonstrated in the reactions of libraries and librarians during recent social movements, empathy is a critical component of librarianship and routine library work” (Phillips 1). Over the last twenty years, numerous researchers have argued the same; this paper enters into conversation several texts from the late 2000s to the early 2020s that conceptualize the intersections between empathy marketing and librarianship and/or put them into practice. It first defines …